Index of University Press Releases

July 17, 2007

DWU serves as host site for Laptop Institute

MITCHELL – DWU served as one of the host sites for the Laptop Institute organized by Dakota Interactive Academic Link (DIAL) in conjunction with the Mid-Central Cooperative.

The institute attracted more than 300 South Dakota teachers of grades six through 12. Sessions were held at DWU and Mitchell Technical Institute June 10-13.

As part of the institute, DWU professors Rocky VonEye, Mike Catalano and Mike Farney presented sessions to small groups of math and science teachers focused on ideas for incorporating the use of laptops into math and science classes.

The workshop was funded through a Title II grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Sylvia Street from SD Region Three Educational Service Agency spear-headed the project and Kate Kramer, a Mitchell High School history teacher, was the principal writer of the grant proposal.

The institute was organized in part because of the many districts in the state that are implementing one-to-one programs, where each student and teacher receive a laptop as part of an initiative to enhance educational outcomes through the use of technology. The goal is that the training teachers received at the institute will allow students in the affected districts to better meet state standards, particularly in algebra and science.

“This was a great event to be involved in, and I applaud Dr. Street and all those who helped organize it,” said Catalano. “Our department values its relationship with the K-12 community, and is committed to helping improve education in the state.”

Plans are being developed for a second Laptop Institute scheduled for June 9-11, 2008.