SMART Technologies Inc. and SMARTer Kids™ Foundation Proudly Support Intel® Teach to the Future Program in North America
More than US$300,000 in classroom technology donated to enhance learning environments
San Antonio, TX --- June 17, 2002 --- SMART Technologies Inc. and the SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada announce their joint donation of more than US$300,000 in interactive classroom technology to support the Intel Teach to the Future program in North America. Intel Teach to the Future is a worldwide program to help teachers integrate technology into instruction and enhance student learning. To date, 500,000 teachers in 25 countries have completed training through this program.
Pre-service educators and in-service teachers participating in the Intel Teach to the Future program learn from other teachers how to effectively incorporate technology tools and resources into their lesson plans. Both students and teachers are clearly benefiting from this program. In a 2001 survey of U.S. teachers, conducted nine months after they completed the program, 84 percent reported that using computers improved their instruction and 80 percent found that computer-based lessons enhanced student learning.
"SMART chose to participate in the Intel Teach to the Future program because of its reputation and dedication to improving education worldwide," says David Martin, chairman and CEO of SMART Technologies Inc. "The program's goals are in synch with SMART's commitment to enhancing the learning environment for both students and teachers."
"We're proud to support this teacher development program," says Nancy Knowlton, executive director of the SMARTer Kids Foundation. "With access to leading-edge technology tools and training opportunities, both new and experienced teachers can develop the skills necessary for integrating technology into curriculum."
"NEC Solutions America is pleased to donate projectors through the SMARTer Kids Foundation to help train teachers how to use technology to maximize their students' potential," said Stacey Force, channel marketing manager for NEC Solutions America, Visual Systems Division. "And we're happy to show our commitment to education through our long-standing participation in the SMARTer Kids Foundation."
Product Donations
SMART will donate SMART Board
interactive whiteboards, and the SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada will donate NEC
LT155 projectors to participating K–12 schools, colleges and universities.
About the SMARTer Kids Foundation
The SMARTer Kids Foundation of Canada provides opportunities for both students and teachers to learn new skills and grow in self-confidence by placing technology and programs at their service. Founded in 1997, this private organization brings technology into the classroom to support, sustain and improve learning through research programs, grants and other initiatives. Research programs supported by the Foundation focus on the impact and effectiveness of technology in the classroom. The Foundation's programs and grants help educators equip classrooms with technology, provide students with enriched learning experiences and support teacher-training projects that integrate multimedia tools into curriculum delivery. The Foundation is committed to working with educators to provide programs that will make a difference in education. For more information, visit www.smarterkids.org.
About Intel Teach to the Future
Intel Teach to the Future, with support from Microsoft, is a worldwide effort to help teachers integrate technology into instruction and enhance student learning. As part of the Intel Innovation in Education initiative, a global, multi-million dollar effort to help realize the possibilities of science and technology in education, it is designed to prepare today's teachers and students for tomorrow's demands. Participating teachers receive extensive training and resources to promote effective technology use in the classroom. Program details are available at www.intel.com/education.
About NEC Solutions (America) Inc., Visual Systems Division
NEC Solutions America, Visual Systems Division markets, sells and supports unlimited large screen presentation solutions including DLP- and LCD-based field, facility and large venue projection systems as well as PlasmaSync plasma monitors designed specifically for the unique needs of the public display and multimedia presentation environments. NEC Solutions America, a leading provider of business solutions and services for the high-end commercial and professional markets in North America, is an affiliate of NEC Corporation. For more information about NEC Solutions America, Visual Systems Division, visit www.necvisualsystems.com.
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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.