Students in Darien, Connecticut, may have new classroom technology at their fingertips next year, depending on how teachers feel about certain devices.
Darien Times writer David DesRoches recently reported that teachers may be able to borrow classroom equipment to determine its effectiveness. The "learning lab," which will cost $7,000, includes a number of devices, such as tablet computers and interactive pens.
"This will us to fully understand how a technology could be used in a classroom before making large purchases for the district," technology coordinator Christina Hefele said at Board of Education meeting last month, according to the news source.
School officials considering other devices to upgrade their technology infrastructure have a number of useful options. For example, a document camera, an interactive whiteboard or a classroom projector each provides teachers with innovative platforms to expand their education practices.
DesRoches reported that the Darien school district also appears to have similar enthusiasm to increase spending. According to the news source, the proposed technology budget for next year is for $350,000, which is an increase of nearly 65 percent compared to 2008.
