Folsom Cordova Unified School District installs over 400 SMART Board interactive whiteboards
Calgary, Alberta --- May 23, 2008 --- SMART Technologies announces that public schools in Rancho Cordova, California, are installing more than 400 SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards to enhance the learning environment of 8,500 students in 17 schools. Kelly Calhoun, director of technology and information systems for the Folsom Cordova Unified School District (FCUSD), chose SMART after considering several different companies. Calhoun cited the ease of use of the products, the company’s reputation as the global leader in the interactive whiteboard product category, and the quality and variety of available resources and support materials as influencing factors in her decision.
The FCUSD recently undertook a US$8.5 million project to implement technology products in every classroom in Rancho Cordova. The district recognized the long-term cost savings of standardizing on reliable, multifunctional boards in every classroom, rather than replacing a host of expensive audiovisual equipment as it breaks down, as was the practice previously. Administrators at FCUSD believe that technological literacy is essential in order for students to develop into productive and compassionate world citizens. To date, 200 SMART Board interactive whiteboards have been installed, and Calhoun is amazed at how excited students and teachers are.
“We are teaching a generation of digital kids. They need interactive and engaging content,” Calhoun says. “As educators, we need to connect with them in a way that promotes learning, and the SMART Board helps us do exactly that. The boards are also intuitive enough for the teachers to learn to implement lesson plans easily because teachers don’t have time for more complexity in their day.”
“SMART products help students develop 21st-century skills, such as teamwork, critical thinking and self-directed learning,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “FCUSD’s recognition that technology in the classroom is a critical part of the learning process for today’s students demonstrates the progressive thinking of its administration and teachers.”
