The Educare Foundation has been donating money to schools in Mankato, Minnesota, for the last 15 years. However, according to the Mankato Free Press, this academic year marked a turning point in the program, as it now offers grants specifically designed to bring technological aids to the classroom.
The grants issued for the 2010-2011 academic year totaled $114,000, reports the news source. The money was dispersed to several programs and schools throughout the district, though a large majority dealt with purchasing key technologies for educational initiatives.
One specific sector that benefited greatly from the endowment is special education. The media outlet states that Lisa Kuiper's special education class used the money to buy nine iPads, which are intended to help developmentally challenged students learn better.
"This is such a good opportunity for students," Kuiper told the media outlet
A touchscreen device like an iPad promotes hands-on learning. Additionally, a teacher may want to enact self-guided discovery with a personal computer, an educational software program or a classroom projector.
The iPad as an educational tool is becoming more common. According to CNET, college students at Oklahoma State University are using the tablet as part of a pilot program.
