Connected Nation, a non-profit agency that works to bring internet connectivity to schools throughout the country, partnered with AT&T, Kno, Edmodo, and Samsung to bring internet capability and one-on-one learning to over 100 students in two schools as part of a pilot program to study reactions and outcomes for students, parents, and educators.
“Our aspiration is to help schools effortlessly build a mobile learning program by giving them access to preeminent companies without having to balance lots of partners,” said John Irwin, AT&T Senior Vice President of Government, Education, and Healthcare, in a press release on the pilot program. “During the pilot, we were able to demonstrate that bringing technology leaders together with the end user in mind ultimately leads to an enriched educational experience for students.”
Students, teachers, and parents in the pilot program all reported a high level of satisfaction with the solutions and learning outcomes provided. Students reported that the tools were not only easy to use, but that they felt more engaged. The teachers went so far as to say that they felt more effective as teachers, and that their resulting lessons were more interesting to the students thanks to the incorporation of technology. The majority of those polled, whether they were teachers, parents, or students, said they would like to continue using the program after the pilot period has ended.
“When supported by quality teacher training and paired with robust broadband, we believe that tablet devices have the potential to dramatically impact education in America,” added Brent Legg, Connected Nation’s Vice-President for Education Programs. “We were happy to administer a trial for AT&T’s new mobile learning model. Since no two schools are exactly alike, it’s important that schools have access to a variety of mobile learning platforms that meet their needs.”
This partnership, which brought in some of the leading companies in digital educational materials, mobility solutions, and technology, demonstrated a cohesiveness that can make internet solutions affordable for schools and learners across the country.
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.
