Austin embraces new age of education

Students at Austin Area School welcomed the arrival of laptop computers and other high-tech equipment as part of the state's "Classrooms of the Future" program. Shown are Tim Cheplic, Rebecca Hurd (back) and Sarah Kio. Marylee Lux photo

Austin Area School District recently received a $59,000 state grant to help pay for 57 student laptops, four teacher laptops, three interactive white boards, digital video cameras, and digital cameras.

Funds came through the "Classrooms of the Future" program, which also includes staff training for effective use of the new equipment.

It's part of a statewide initiative to help schools evolve from blackboards, chalk and textbooks to more modern educational tools, using the Internet and advanced technology.

"We are very pleased to receive the grant," Austin Area School Superintedent Matt Hutcheson said. "The equipment will not only help us prepare our students for success in the classroom, but also for life beyond their days in school."

Classrooms of the Future is a statewide initiative to bring laptop computers to students in high school English, math, science and social studies classes.