HARRISBURG (PRNewswire) – To help more teachers in more schools use the latest technology to educate students, Department of Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak announced that 29 schools across the commonwealth will be eligible for a new digital camera and related software for classroom projects.
Every teacher in the state is encouraged to enter on behalf of his or her school.
“This program, like Classrooms for the Future — Governor Rendell’s $200 million initiative to transform high school education through the use of laptops and technology in every core classroom — is another step toward bringing our classrooms into the 21st century,” Zahorchak said.
The Department of Education has been working with Olympus and Tool Factory to develop this program to seamlessly integrate technology into elementary and secondary instruction.
One hundred Olympus cameras are for teachers in the “Keystones: Technology Integrators” program, which celebrates model practice teachers (educators who use technology to teach students) and includes nearly 1,000 teachers in over 300 school districts, non-public schools and career and technical centers.
“This initiative provides a great opportunity for every teacher in all grade levels and subjects across the state to consider how they can use technology in their classrooms,” said Zahorchak.
Applications from teachers will be judged based on:
— Effective use of digital cameras in the curriculum;
— Effective use of the software resources;
— High degree of student involvement; and
— Creativity and fun.
One recipient will be chosen from 29 geographic regions across the commonwealth and each will receive over $420 in resources including an Olympus 6.0 megapixel digital camera and accessories worth $200, one Tool Factory software program worth up to $200, and a digital camera guide for educators workbook.
The deadline to apply is Nov. 30.
Teachers must submit a lesson plan describing the project they would undertake if given the grant award.
To apply, visit the Tool Factory’s Web site.
