Oklahoma public schools that will experience learning in new and innovative ways thanks to more than $1.3 million in grants from the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust (OETT).
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Established to provide the latest technologies and teacher training to Oklahoma schools, OETT is awarding Emerson with $40,000 to purchase new technology equipment. Additionally, they will receive professional development training valued at over $25,000. Funds will be used to purchase items including Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Apple iPads, Green screen and recording equipment, and various robotics equipment. Teachers will also receive monthly professional development focused on integrating technology to enhance authentic, real-world learning in their classrooms.
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“Through the OETT grants, we are focused on creating long-term change in our schools,” said Bob Stafford, OETT Board of Trustees chair. “Our goal is to improve overall student achievement and learning through the use of technology.”
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Since the grants were first awarded in 2003, a total of 289 Oklahoma schools have received OETT grants. In addition, more than 10,000 teachers, principals and superintendents have received professional development training to assist their students with the new technology.
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“We are so excited for this opportunity,” said Candice Wojciechowsky, Emerson principal. “This grant will provide much-needed resources for our educators as well as our students and we are so grateful for being chosen as recipients of this grant.”
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The mission of the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust is to equip Oklahoma common school and CareerTech students with the technology and technological skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. The Trust provides grants for equipment, infrastructure, leadership and professional development to implement and advance integration of technology into classroom instruction.
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OETT was established in 2001 as a result of an agreement between then-attorney general, Drew Edmondson, and AT&T Oklahoma, relating to the company’s transition to a modernized form of regulation. As part of the agreement, AT&T contributed $30 million to OETT. While 63% of the original $30 million investment in OETT has been distributed, Trust assets have grown to over $36 million. The Trust has distributed over $22 million to date.
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OETT is administered by Communities Foundation of Oklahoma and professional development is coordinated through the University of Oklahoma’s K20 Center. For additional information, visit www.oett.org.
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The 20 schools receiving grants are:
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