Published by Kentucky Teacher: A Publication of the Kentucky Department of Education
By Peter Mathews
[email protected]
All 99 ARI schools have received new technology to create Next Generation Classrooms, using emerging tools such as Chromebooks, MacBook Airs and InFocus MondoPads –70-inch touchscreen monitors that offer remote connectivity and videoconferencing and serve as interactive whiteboards. The technology purchased through the grant is in ARI’s name, but the districts will own it when the grant period ends.
ARI resources have enabled districts to hire Innovation Coordinators who focus on driving innovation in personalized learning, educator effectiveness, college and career success, instructional technology and school readiness.
“The ARI grant is providing districts with technology capable of instructional tasks that could not be accomplished otherwise,” said Johnny Belcher, a project consultant. “For example, conferencing with field specialists from anywhere in the world and the ability to use wireless tablets and laptops for the purpose of interactive feedback and real-time monitoring of learning moves us toward a personalized approach.”