21 Mar 2002
Teachers Who Developed Best Curriculum for Computer Use in Classrooms Announced
DALLAS—More than 100 Dallas Independent School District students at Gaston Middle School on Thursday were awarded refurbished computers for home use donated to the district's Connect-A-Student to Technology program.
An additional 100 computers also will be presented to students at Gill Elementary School, Skyline High School, Hillcrest High School and Kiest Elementary School.
"The success of the CAST program depends on the participation and the generosity of the community. Our goal is to receive enough donated computers to make it possible for every family in the school district that needs one to own a computer," Superintendent Mike Moses said during a news conference Thursday. "We can't stress enough the importance of having the appropriate tools at home for children to succeed in the classroom and in the marketplace."
CAST was created by the district's Technology Outreach Program to improve student literacy and students' computer use and proficiency. The program allows students at selected schools to take donated computers home and provides them connectivity to the school and to the Internet for curriculum enhancement.
Taking the equipment home will not end the district's connection to the program. Training for parents and students, information handouts on preventive maintenance and guidelines on Internet use are part of the program.
"The computers have the latest software and are Internet-ready," said Donald Smith, program director. "However, the most important part of this initiative is that it allows families to have in-home computer access to help improve student learning and improve teacher and parent communications. It also encourages parents to educate themselves on the use of this technology."
In addition to the computer presentation, the winners of a contest that called for participants to put together a lesson plan integrating technology into the curriculum received three computers for classroom use and one for personal use. The winning teachers are Jack Kruse at Gaston Middle School and Loretta Weddle at Kiest Elementary School.