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Friday Institute delivers cutting-edge technology to eastern North Carolina schools

Raleigh, N.C. (September 22, 2006) -- The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation - part of North Carolina State University's College of Education - is partnering with five school districts in northeastern North Carolina to provide technology tools and support aimed at enhancing students' 21st century skills in math and science.

Middle schools in Franklin, Granville and Northampton counties, Roanoke Rapids and Weldon recently received laptop computers for teachers and other equipment from the Institute and scientific sensors donated by Vernier Software & Technology.

Graduate student researcher Lodge McCammon delivered bundles to Chaloner Middle School in Roanoke Rapids, Gaston Middle School in Gaston, North Granville Middle School in Oxford, Terrell Lane Middle School in Louisburg and Weldon Middle School in Halifax on Sept. 13.

The partnership loaning program is part of the Institute's "Innovation for 21st Century Teaching and Learning" (21CTL) initiative focused on advancing science and mathematics for middle grade students. NC State faculty members, Dr. Lisa Grable, director of learning technologies for the College of Education and the Friday Institute, and Dr. Eric Wiebe, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, are leading the effort.

Overall, the program seeks to define, stimulate and support innovative classroom techniques in rural North Carolina public schools. The partnership engages middle grades teachers in innovative mathematics and science teaching methods that address 21st century skills.

"This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to use these tools as they prepare for life in the world of tomorrow," Wiebe said. "This is a unique collaboration that we hope will provide a model for serving the entire state in the future."

Some of the world's leading technology companies have already partnered with the Friday Institute to design and deliver the future of education to teachers and students in North Carolina classrooms today. These alliances are taking technology typically used in corporate and university research labs to students in grades K-12.

Through the 21CTL program, the Friday Institute is leading the way toward North Carolina schools being "Future Ready" as outlined recently by the State Board of Education. The initiative has set high standards and expectations that students will be able to use technology to learn and prepare for life in the decades ahead. To enhance education, teachers will be equipped to use the latest technology in the classroom.

"Education is not just about technology, but the skills gained by using these tools can last a lifetime," Grable said. "This program provides more than equipment; it enhances learning, encourages progressive thinking and inspires creativity."

The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, a research and outreach arm of the College of Education at NC State, is dedicated to transforming education through innovation in teaching, learning and leadership to meet the demands of the 21st century. The Institute is a unique public-private partnership to integrate research, technology and cross-sector collaboration to enhance education and support economic development. For more information, see www.fi.ncsu.edu