With the rapid spread of smart phones, wireless and broadband connections over the last two decades, it's easy to assume that everyone has access to the internet. But that assumption is why the small percent of people who don't are getting left behind. When those people are children, they're missing out on a key element of preparation for their futures. Schools, nonprofits and digital corporations like Verizon are stepping in to help.
"We decided that we didn't just want to provide the professional development to teachers on how to use the technology effectively, but we also wanted to provide a one-to-one technology deployment," said Justina Nixon-Saintil, Verizon's Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. "Now they're getting: in first period, I might be doing a visual worksheet, but I'm collaborating with the student next to me, and we're researching through websites," Pierce said."Second period, I'm creating a digital poster. Third period, I'm using it to program this robot. Fourth period, I'm creating a video. Fifth period, I'm doing a scavenger hunt.
In the classroom, Riedy is also able to administer quizzes and get real-time feedback about each student's grasp of the lessons. That makes it easier for her to adjust her approach as she goes.