Guv Visits a ‘Classroom for the Future’

By Dave Davies, Philadelphia Daily News

Mar. 30–Gov. Rendell yesterday visited students working with networked laptop computers at Upper Darby High School, one of the first schools to take advantage of his “Classrooms for the Future” program to bring advanced technology to Pennsylvania high schools.

Rendell, who himself is notoriously computer-illiterate, asked a group of calculus students what advantages they saw to the computer program they were using.

“Calculus is very abstract,” said senior John Schmidt, “and this gives us a visual representation that makes it easier to understand.” The program, which cost $90 million statewide this year, aspires to put laptops in classrooms of four core-subject areas for every student in every Pennsylvania high school over the next three years.

The program also funds training for teachers to use the new equipment.

Upper Darby’s computer coach, Kathy Blair, said the computers and software there have already made a visible difference.

“I’ve seen a change in the classroom,” Blair said. “The students are more engaged. They walk in really ready to learn.”

Rendell said the program is critical to meeting the nation’s need for a technology-ready workforce and for generating good jobs for graduating students.

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