On Tuesday, school board members in Alcoa, Tennessee approved more than $280,000 in funds for improving the technology infrastructure at Alcoa schools, the Maryville Daily Times reports
Fiber-optic cables and CAT 6 copper cables are included in the new technology upgrades, which will be installed at the Alcoa middle and high schools, along with 22 switches and a new router.
Spending on the new project will consist of $229,000 in revenue awarded during the first round of funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top challenge. School construction bond revenue will account for an additional $57,000.
Many schools have coupled high-speed connections by investing in interactive technology and advanced equipment. Using videoconferencing software with an HDTV, LED monitor or
DLP projector allows educators to introduce new learning initiatives for students.
Conducting a video chat through fast internet connections allows students to establish educational relationships with students in different states and countries. Projecting the video feeds with a high-quality projector will enable more students to feel involved and participate at one time.
The Race to the Top initiative has set aside $3.3 billion for states that successfully demonstrate their commitment to improving education within their borders. Tennessee was one of only two states to receive funding during the program’s first round of funding.
