SMARTer Kids Foundation launches unique exchange program for grade six students across Canada and the United States

SMARTer Kids Connections program provides technology, training and an opportunity for adventure and self-discovery

Calgary, Alberta --- November 9, 1999 --- With a vision of providing students and teachers with opportunities to learn new skills and grow in self-confidence, the SMARTer Kids Foundation announces the Connections program. Connections is an innovative exchange program that provides technology, training and travel opportunities to grade six teachers and students across Canada and the US, encouraging interaction between students and collaborative projects among schools. Currently, a pilot program involving 13 schools in nine locations is providing valuable information and feedback for the program. Twenty schools will be selected to participate in Connections 2000/2001, and all grade six teachers in Canada and the US are invited to apply .

Prior to the 2000/2001 school year, participating teachers will be flown to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for one week of hands-on technology training and thematic project planning. During this time, teachers have the opportunity to get to know other Connections teachers, share ideas and develop collaborative projects. All Connections schools will be provided with a SMART Board™ 580, Floor Stand 570, SMART Board Software and an NEC MT 1020 projector. This technology will be integrated into the curriculum to support collaborative, interactive learning experiences. In May, each school will send one teacher and a minimum of six students to spend a week in Calgary, meeting and sharing experiences with other Connections participants. Students not travelling to Calgary will participate in some elements of the exchange electronically.

"By providing technology to students and teachers, Connections opens up new horizons and provides an interactive learning environment children might otherwise never experience," says Nancy Knowlton, executive director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation. "Through the use of technology, Connections tears down classroom walls and helps children see the world from a global perspective. By providing these opportunities, the Foundation hopes to contribute to the development of confident, accomplished children."

Applying for the SMARTer Kids Connections Program
All accredited not-for-profit public and private grade six classrooms in Canada and the US are eligible to participate in the Connections program. Applicants must submit a written proposal that includes a brief background of the school, an inventory of technology currently used in the classroom, a statement outlining how Connections would enhance student learning and a letter of support from the school administration and school district. Applications are available online at www.smarterkids.org or from the Foundation office at 403.228.8565. All applications must be received by midnight on April 15, 2000. Applicants will be notified of their application status by May 1, 2000.

Corporate Product Sponsors
Currently, the Connections program operates through the generous donations of two major product sponsors: SMART Technologies Inc. and NEC Technologies, Visual Systems Division. SMART Technologies donated over US$51,000 worth of products to the program, including SMART Board 580’s, Floor Stand 570’s and SynchronEyes. Through their donation of MT 1020 projectors, the NEC Technologies, Visual Systems Division, contribution amounts to more than US$102,000.

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Please note that SMART is in all capital letters.