30 schools in 11 West Virgina counties awarded $4 million total in technology grants
More than 30 schools from 11 counties were awarded technology grants at the recent West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference in Charleston, the News and Sentinel reports.
The schools were allotted $4 million to pay for new technology upgrades and equipment, with some of the funding stemming from the Enhancing Education through Technology Program.
The EETP is designed to improve student achievement through the use of technology in elementary and secondary schools. Schools throughout the country have used their federal funding to invest in new innovative technology, such as an HD TV, laptop computer or
classroom projector, which can create a more dynamic learning environment for students.
Wood County schools and Wirt County schools received $187,626 and $169,436, respectively, to purchase new equipment for their classrooms.
Kevin Sears, director of technology for Wirt County schools, told the news provider “this year every student [at the high school] will have a laptop or netbook,” thanks to the funding.
West Virginia students will also benefit from new high-speed connections, as the state was recently awarded $126 million in federal funding to build a statewide fiber-optic network. Combining high-speed service with updated equipment will allow students to take part in teleconferencing and other interactive activities.
