Through the Digital Educator Program, 16 Douglas County School District teachers will receive digital toolkits donated by Apple Computer Inc. to use as learning tools in their classrooms.
While the new iBook Combo computer, Canon digital camera and iPod included in the package are impressive high-tech gadgets, they are just one instrument in a creative teacher's hand, said Don Begin, chief information officer for information and technology services in the Douglas County School District.
"It's not about the technology," Begin said. "It's about the ability to use the technology to expand teaching. The kids are now in a position to be better learners."
The Digital Educator Program came about through a collaborative effort among Apple Computer Inc., the Douglas County School District, the Douglas County Federation of Teachers and the Douglas County Educational Foundation.
"This program was really a way to think outside of the box," said Sean McGraw, executive director of the educational foundation.
Each toolkit includes a computer, iPod, miniDV tapes, digital card, shoulder bag, VGA display adapter, iPod voice recorder, computer software and four days of training with online support.
Any school district teacher for grades seven through 12 with at least one year experience with the district can apply for the program. Applications are due by Sept. 9.
The teachers who receive the digital toolkits will have the most creative ideas for integrating the technology into the learning process and be willing to mentor others in years to come.
The Digital Educator Program is designed to grow during the next three school years. In the second year of the program, Apple and the 16 original teachers will train a new batch of 16 educators. In the third of the program, the 32 teachers will be solely responsible for training 32 more on the toolkits.
"The kids are the huge beneficiaries of this," Begin said. "It branches out and out and becomes a continual branch."
While it is not certain that Apple will continue to donate the equipment in the following years, Begin said the district will look to the community and businesses for funding if necessary to keep the program going because of the benefits for students and teachers.
"With this program, teachers become more effective and learning becomes more efficient," Begin said. "We already are a high performing district and this can only enhance that."
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jgandy@ccnewspapers.net.
Retail value of the digital educator toolkit
iBook Combo computer $799
iPod photo (20GB) $299
60-minute MiniDV Tapes (3-pack) $19.95
iWork 2005 - CD $79
Canon A510 digital still camera $199
Canon ZR100 digital camcorder $349
SanDisk 128MB Secure Digital Card $24.95
STM Medium Curve 15" shoulder bag $74.95
Apple VGA Display Adapter $19
Griffin iTalk - iPod Voice Recorder $39.95
Total $1,903.80
Also included is four days of leader-led workshops with online support from Apple.
All prices obtained from the Apple Store at www.apple.com.
