SMART Creative Writing Contest Rewards Student Creativity with Interactive Classroom technology
Students in grades three to eight eligible to win over US$30,000 in SMART products for their classrooms
Calgary, AB --- March 20, 2002 --- SMART Technologies Inc. invites students to enter round two of the second annual SMART Creative Writing Contest. This contest challenges students in grades three to eight to envision a futuristic tool that allows them to interview any historical or contemporary figure. The student with the most creative submission in each grade level will win the grand prize of a SMART Board
580 interactive whiteboard with a Floor Stand 570 for his or her school. In 2002, a total of 12 grand prizes, valued at approximately US$2,500 each, will be awarded in the two rounds of competition. Round two closes on June 30, 2002.
The story starter sets the stage for the SMART Creative Writing Contest: using a technology tool that allows communication across time, distance and language barriers, students conduct an imaginary interview with any person, living or dead. Stories must include why the student chose that person, a description of the technology used and a transcript of the interview.
First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected from each grade based on the originality, organization and content of their entries. First- and second-place stories will be published on SMART's Web site. Entries must be submitted by the teachers and any prizes won will be awarded to the students' schools. Winners will be announced within four weeks of the June 30 deadline. Full contest rules and a lesson plan for incorporating the contest into curriculum are available at www.smarttech.com/competition.
"Through the SMART Creative Writing Contest, we hope to encourage students to exercise their imagination," says Nancy Knowlton, president and COO of SMART Technologies Inc. "Plus, they can put their creative writing skills to work to win leading-edge classroom technology for their schools."
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For more information, please contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
300, 1207 - 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB CANADA T3C 0M5
Phone +1.403.802.3337 Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.