Promethean, a global leader in interactive education technology solutions, announced last week a planned donation of thirty ActivClassrooms to local DC-area schools. In recognition of Washington’s culture of commitment and openness to experiment with new ideas that will raise achievement for its 46,000+ students, the investment of more than $125,000 directly addresses Promethean’s vision of closing the achievement gap and enriching the teaching and learning environment in the nation’s capital.
Mark Elliott, President of Promethean North America, explains: “When we looked closely at the economic situation in today’s schools, we quickly realized that donating technology to local DC-area schools would have a far greater impact in helping teachers transform our nation’s classrooms into 21st Century learning environments than investing in banners and advertising. We want to celebrate this year’s 30th Annual ISTE NECC 2009 anniversary by investing where it really counts – in our children.”
Each of the thirty classrooms will receive an ActivBoard+2 system, including a 78” ActivBoard interactive whiteboard, short-throw projector, mounting boom and ActivInspire Professional Edition software for lesson development and delivery. Local business partner, 250INC & SigTechS Group, will provide installation services and a professional development plan for all the teachers involved. Teachers will have free access to Promethean Planet, the world’s fastest growing online community for interactive whiteboard users, providing access to more than 12,000 free teacher generated lesson plans and resources, tips and tricks, professional development and a range of advice and inspiration from both members of the teaching industry and global education thought-leaders.
Ten of the ActivClassrooms will be installed at The Lab School of Washington. Founded in 1967 by Sally L. Smith, The Lab School of Washington is internationally recognized for its innovative programs for children and adults with learning disabilities. The
Marty Cathcart, Director of Development, at The Lab School of Washington stated, “We could not be more thrilled to receive this wonderful gift. ActivClassrooms are the perfect extension of the experiential, interactive approaches to teaching rigorous academic material that make our methods successful with students who have struggled in traditional educational settings.”
The additional twenty classrooms will be installed in DC-area public schools. Promethean is working closely with the DC District Chancellor’s Office to identify some of the most deserving public schools in the local area and a final list of these schools will be available following the National Education Computer Conference.