(Continued from front page)

In the Berkshires, more than 700 seventh-grade students received Apple iBook G4 wireless laptops in early January 2006. The three-year pilot program is a partnership between partnership of local community business leaders, the schools, and the Commonwealth.

State support for the initiative is provided through the John Adams Innovation Institute. Project management is being coordinated by Berkshire Connect, Inc.

The state has designated $2 million; an additional $2 million is being raised by the private sector. Schools are providing about $1.7 million, in both cash and dedicated staffing.

A key component is the comprehensive evaluation of the program, which is being undertaken by Boston College’s Technology and Assessment Study Collaborative. The first study of its kind in the nation, this evaluation will provide hard evidence about the success and benefits of the wireless learning initiative.

Planning for a second one-to-one wireless laptop initiative pilot program is now underway in Dorchester at the New Boston Pilot Middle School.

On Jan. 31, 2006, a hearing was held before the Joint Committee on Education on House Bill 1219, “An Act Establishing the Massachusetts Wireless Learning Project in the Commonwealth Schools.” John Adams Innovation Institute Director Patrick Larkin testified in support of the legislation, which would provide $30 million to fund about 15 new wireless learning initiatives in Massachusetts.

“The investment is not about technology,” said Rep. Daniel Bosley, Chair of the Economic Development and Emerging Technology Committee. “It is about changing the paradigm of learning in our schools, working as partners with students, teachers, parents, school administrators, and community business leaders. The challenge of a statewide initiative will be investing not just in computers, but in the critical support system—teacher training, evaluation, technical staff, and parent and community partnerships. ”

“Today’s seventh graders in Massachusetts are competing not only against other students in New England and throughout the United States, but against students in China, India and Europe. Through the Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative, they are being given the tools they need to compete.”

Michael Supranowicz
Vice President, COO, Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
C0-Chair, Steering Committee, Berkshire Wireless Learning Initiative

Follow links to:
Read official press release.

View articles from the Berkshire Eagle on the BWLI launch.

View photos from the launch, courtesy of Studio Two.

Testimony of Mitchell Adams
January 31, 2006