CALGARY, Alberta --- January 2, 2008 --- The SMARTer Kids^TM Foundation of Canada is now accepting applications for the 2008-2009 Connections program, a fully funded collaborative learning program for sixth-grade classes from across Canada and the United States. Eight classes will be selected and equipped with leading-edge education technology to undertake collaborative projects between schools. Sixth-grade teachers from schools in Canada and the United States are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by midnight MST on March 31, 2008.

While participating in the Connections program, students and teachers collaborate on projects and communicate with the goal of encouraging mutual respect and understanding with students in other geographical locations. The program culminates in May 2009 when teachers and selected students meet in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for a week of friendship, adventure and learning. The Connections program is entering its ninth year, and more than 2,000 children have participated.

“The Connections Program has been an opportunity of a lifetime,“ says Cheryl Runquist, a 2007-2008 Connections teacher based in Wyoming, Minnesota. “All of my students are completely enthralled with the program and the technology products we received through the Foundation. I have students coming to school now that have normally had attendance problems in the past. It is a remarkable program, and I feel honored to be a part of it.“

“The Connections program is dedicated to giving children an opportunity to reach beyond the walls of their classroom and connect with children their own age from the larger, North American community,“ says Nancy Knowlton, executive director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada. “Through this and other programs, 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 sixth-grade teachers and students. Once selected, the teachers from each school will visit Calgary in July 2008 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 2009, a select number of the 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^TM 600i interactive whiteboard system, Notebook^TM collaborative learning software, a one-year subscription to the SMART Learning Marketplace, SMART Ideas^TM concept-mapping software, an AirLiner^TM wireless slate, and a two-year Bridgit^TM conferencing software subscription to be used for collaborative projects between schools. These products, donated to the program by SMART Technologies, are integrated into the curriculum to support collaborative learning projects and remain in the schools at the completion of the program.

How to apply
Sixth-grade teachers from accredited, not-for-profit public and private schools in Canada and the United States are eligible to apply. All applications must be received by midnight MST on March 31, 2008. Applicants will be notified of their application status by April 28, 2008. 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.

About SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada
The SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada is a private, not-for-profit organization that offers grants and programs for K-12 and higher education institutions. Its mission is to increase opportunities for teachers and schools to access education technology and use it effectively, to provide programs to help students appreciate cultural diversity, and to support research on the impact and effectiveness of technology used in the classroom. Its vision is to make a difference in education by helping establish a 21st-century learning environment for schools across North America and around the world.

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For more information, contact
Public Relations
SMARTer Kids Foundation
SMART Technologies
Phone +1.403.802.3337 Fax +1.403.228.2500
Toll Free 1.888.42.SMART (Canada/U.S.)
pr@smarterkids.org
www.smarterkids.org

© 2006 SMART Technologies ULC. SMARTer Kids is a trademark of the SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada. Bridgit and AirLiner are registered trademarks of SMART Technologies Inc. in Canada, the U.S. and the EU. SMART Board and SMART Ideas are registered trademarks of SMART Technologies Inc. in Canada and the U.S. SMART Board, SMART Ideas, Bridgit, smarttech and the SMART logo are trademarks of SMART Technologies Inc.

Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.