State-funded program provides computers to every student and teacher along with fast Internet access from C Spire for new digital and mobile learning environment
Booneville, Miss. (April 22, 2014) – Just like its namesake – Daniel Boone – blazed a trail through the American wilderness nearly 300 years ago, a small school district in northeast Mississippi is leading its own charge in creating the 21st century digital classroom.
That’s because the Booneville School District is part of a $1.2 million pilot technology project made possible through legislation championed by state Senators Terry Burton and Gray Tollison and state House of Representatives member John Moore and signed into law by Gov. Phil Bryant last year.
Bryant will join students, teachers, district officials and C Spire executives at Booneville High School Tuesday afternoon to get a first-hand progress report on the district’s implementation of the innovative education technology initiative.
Under the bill, Booneville received funding to pay for Google Chromebook laptops and Apple iPad Minis for all 1,300 K-12 students and 90 teachers along with new, state-of-the-art dedicated Wi-Fi infrastructure from C Spire for the district’s 20-acre elementary, middle and high school campuses.
Now the rural school district is one of a handful in the U.S. that have equipped students and teachers with the latest computing technology and high speed Internet connections so they can take full advantage of the latest digital learning opportunities and efficiencies.
“We live in a technological world and our students need to be able to compete globally for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Booneville School District Superintendent Todd English. “This program allows us to improve the quality of education and save valuable financial resources at the same time.”
English said the technology initiative in his district is expected to open the door for other Mississippi schools to bridge the digital divide and help their students prepare for 21st century skills through digital learning. “We’re excited about our district serving as a laboratory for innovation and best practices for other schools and we’re more than willing to share our experiences to help others gain the same advantage.”
Just like their old hardbound textbooks, students in third through 12th grade can take their laptop computers home for study, homework and research. The district also provides a back pack to carry the device back and forth. Children in kindergarten through third grade use their devices in the classroom, said district technology coordinator Dustin Pounders.
District officials said the introduction of new technology has received an enthusiastic response from students and teachers. “When students are excited and motivated about learning and expanding their knowledge base, teachers are excited,” English said. “It’s been particularly gratifying to see the response from some of our younger students. Words cannot describe how this dynamic has enhanced our schools.”
While Booneville’s education technology master plan needed advanced computing devices to jump start its efforts, district officials also recognized the importance of a robust network infrastructure. “Network infrastructure is critical because you need a fast, scalable superhighway to travel on when you’re using the Internet and that’s exactly what we have with the hosted Wi Fi solution from C Spire,” Pounders said. “Wi Fi gives us an anytime, anywhere educational solution for both now and in the future.”
C Spire’s hosted Wi-Fi solution, which was installed last fall and activated earlier this year at both Booneville campus locations, features 116 access points, providing super-fast and secure wireless internet coverage in every corner of the district’s elementary and middle and high school campuses.
The solution also provides simultaneous wireless connections for every student and teacher in every classroom and throughout both campuses – allowing for immediate access to essential web-based resources and digital learning tools like digital textbooks, library e-databases, reverse learning podcasts, electronic submission of assignments, real-time lectures and mobile applications.
“For decades, C Spire has been dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities for Mississippi students though wireless technology. We understand Mississippi’s educational challenges and believe that part of the collective solution should include an advanced technology infrastructure. By offering students, faculty and staff essential digital and mobile learning tools, networks and support, we can make a real difference,” said Hu Meena, president and CEO of C Spire. “Our Education Revolution initiative for school districts like Booneville leverages our expertise in wireless and wireline technology and fiber optic infrastructure to offer students the access to digital learning tools they need to compete in today’s mobile world.”
English and Pounders said the pilot program and C Spire have helped accelerate implementation of the school’s technology development plan. “Without the state funding and the support from C Spire, we would have been several years away. They’ve definitely helped us leap frog ahead by four or five years and that’s huge progress for us,” Pounders said.
For more information about C Spire’s hosted Wi Fi solution and other network solutions, go to www.cspire.com.
About C Spire
C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class service and a superior, comprehensive suite of customer-inspired wireless communications, high-speed Internet access and a range of other telecommunications products and services to consumers and businesses. This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.
About Booneville School District
Booneville School District is a "A" rated school district as determined by the latest Mississippi Department of Education accountability rankings. The district has almost 1,300 students and 90 teachers. The district is located in the northeast corner of Mississippi. The District's motto is "Together We're Better."
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