The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development recently invited educators to participate in a statewide contest aimed at promoting the use of technology in the classroom.
The competition, titled Artifacts for Alaskans by Alaskans, requires teachers to share information about technology "artifacts," or evidence of how technology is used to enhance learning in the classroom. Artifacts can be submitted as podcast, vodcast, videos, slide presentations or text documents.
Winners of the contest will receive a trip for four to the 2011 Alaska Society for Technology in Education conference and also $10,000 to invest in new technology and equipment for their classrooms.
The state's education department recognizes the importance of integrating technology into the classroom. Educators have found new equipment, such as a laptop computing, iPad or a classroom
DLP projector, can enhance the learning experience for students and encourage them to participate in lessons.
Funding for the competition comes from the U.S. Department of Education through the Enhancing Education Through Technology Act of 2011 and Broadband Technology Opportunity Program. Awards will be given at the state, district and school levels, and winners will be announced on February 7.
