SMARTer Kids Foundation accepting applications for 2005-2006 Connections program

Grade six classes from across North America eligible for innovative learning program

Calgary, AB --- November 1, 2004 ---The SMARTer Kids™ Foundation of Canada is now accepting applications for the 2005-2006 Connections program, a fully funded collaborative learning program for grade six classes from across North America. Eight to ten upper elementary classes will be selected and equipped with leading-edge education technology. The teachers will be trained in its use so they can undertake collaborative projects between schools. Grade six teachers from schools in Canada, the United States and Mexico are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by March 1, 2005.

While participating in Connections, students and teachers collaborate on projects and communicate with one another via e-mail, online bulletin boards and conferencing with the goal of encouraging mutual respect and understanding, regardless of geographical location. The program ends in May 2006 with teachers and selected students meeting in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for a week of friendship, adventure and learning. The Connections program is entering its seventh year, with more than 1,500 children already having participated.

“Connections enhances student learning by opening the doors of communication and giving students the opportunity to interact in meaningful and relevant ways,” says Beatrice De La Paz, a 2003-2005 Connections teacher from San Roberto Institute in Monterrey, Mexico. “Not only does Connections assist in teaching curriculum-related concepts, but it allows students to feel, witness and partake in interactive projects. Most importantly, the program is a celebration of the similarities and differences that exist in students across North America.”

“The Connections program has already touched the lives of hundreds of children by giving them the opportunity to reach beyond the walls of their classroom to become part of the larger, global community,” says Nancy Knowlton, executive director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation. “This year, the Foundation renews its commitment to enriching children's understanding of cultural diversity, social responsibility and respect for oneself and others.”

Program Details
The SMARTer Kids Foundation administers the Connections program for grade six teachers and students. Once selected, grade six teachers from each school will visit Calgary in July 2005 to receive training on the donated products, integrating technology into the curriculum and using Web-based communication tools. Teachers will also work together to plan collaborative projects for the coming year. In the spring of 2006, a select number of grade six students, accompanied by their teachers, will participate in the Calgary student visit. Costs associated with the Calgary student visit and the teacher training, including airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation and admission to Connections-sponsored activities, are paid for by the SMARTer Kids Foundation.

Product Donations
All Connections schools receive a SMART Board™ 580 interactive whiteboard, floor stand, SMART Board software, SMART Ideas™ concept-mapping software and an NEC® VT series projector. These products are integrated into the curriculum to support collaborative learning projects and remain in the schools at the completion of the program.

How to Apply
Grade six teachers from accredited, not-for-profit public and private schools in Canada, the United States and Mexico are eligible to apply. Applying teachers must teach a majority of core subjects. All applications must be received by midnight MST on March 1, 2005. Applicants will be notified of their application status by March 18, 2005. Successful applicants will be required to enter into a participation agreement with the Foundation. Full program details and requirements are available online at www.smarterkids.org/k12/connections.

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