Best In Class Fund - Students Can Win 20K in Technology for Their School

Girlprof supports putting technology into the hands of children for engaged learning at home and a school, which is why I became involved as a member of the Technology Advisory Board for the Best In Class Fund (BiCF).  Secondary students and teachers from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia can apply for a 20K grant and geek squad support for their innovative ideas about using technology for learning.

Get Involved to Win 20K for Your School!! Learn more: BiCF Guidelines

In brief, grade 7 to 12 students can work together with their teachers to develop an imaginative and engaging VIDEO and WRITTEN proposal to outline / demonstrate how they would like to integrate digital technology for learning in the classroom - be sure to focus on how technology will provide educational benefits in YOUR classroom. Students will work on the 2 minute video, and teachers on the 500-word written proposal, and submit both by Oct 24th.

• What is your ‘big idea’ about why your school needs technology from Best Buy?
• How will having new technology impact student learning?
• Why are you passionate about technology in education?

Key Dates
* October 24 - Submission deadline at midnight, PST
* Week of December 13 - Announcement of program winners
* Spring 2011 - Video follow-up with grant recipients to evaluate impact in the classroom and to show how the program has come to life in the winning schools

Research on Engaged Learning With Technology

My own educational technology research focuses on quality teaching and engaged learning with technology - most recently, I have studied the learning benefits of laptop programs in junior high schools with my colleagues, Sharon Friesen and Candace Saar.  Read more about this and related research:

1. CBC Website: Researchers Like Laptops in Calgary Classrooms
2. GlobalTV: U of C researchers probe whether tech-savvy students have an advantage
3. CHQR: Researchers study computer use at SW school 
4. UCalgary: Are tech-savvy students better learners?
5. St. Albert Gazette: Okay class, There's an App for that 
6. Education Canada:  Teaching in a Participatory Digital World
7.