Classroom Connect Introduces Professional Development Workshops For Educators Using Compaq iPAQ Pocket PCs
BRISBANE, CA – Mar. 7, 2002 – As handheld devices become a prevalent tool for
educators and their students, there is a need for understanding the many ways
teachers and administrators can use these devices to make their jobs easier
and student learning more effective. Classroom Connect, a leading provider of
professional development for K-12 education and member of Compaq’s BonusPoints
program, today introduced four, one-day Connected Workshops™ designed to
prepare K-12 educators to apply the Compaq iPAQ™ Pocket PC’s capabilities
to the classroom and office.
Developed and led by Classroom Connect Learning Specialists, Connected Workshops
support teachers in their goal to make technology an integral part of the learning
environment and ultimately bolster student achievement. More than 25 Connected
Workshops are currently available, including the following new workshops specifically
designed for educators who use or would like to use iPAQ Pocket PCs:
- Getting to Know Your iPAQ Pocket PC (for administrators)
- Getting to Know Your iPAQ Pocket PC (for teachers)
- Integrating Your iPAQ Pocket PC into the Curriculum (for teachers)
- Using iPAQ Pocket PCs with Your Students (for teachers)
Each one-day workshop accommodates up to 20 participants and consists of three
modules that range from explaining the functions of the iPAQ Pocket PC to describing
how to use it as a curriculum integration and learning tool. The modules can
be customized to fit participants’ experience and needs. Pricing is determined
by number of participants.
"The major obstacle to schools’ fully implementing the iPAQ Pocket PC
is unfamiliarity with the product and its capabilities," said Judith Hamilton,
president and CEO of Classroom Connect. "Once they’re comfortable with
the iPAQ, educators can use it for tracking school and student activities, checking
attendance, creating or editing Word and Excel files on the go, integrating
electronic data such as audio and video files and Internet text into their curriculum
and much more. Plus, you’re looking at a reduction in paper flow, something
every educator can appreciate."
Once students also have the iPAQ Pocket PC, teachers can beam assignments directly
to them, view work in progress, designate one of the device’s 29 built-in classic
e-books for literature and history reading, or develop creative ways to help
students grasp concepts. "Teachers and administrators should be at ease
with this technology before it’s expanded to the student population, so that’s
our focus," said Hamilton. "Once everything’s in place, it’ll be an
effective, flexible, and interactive environment for both educators and students."
"The Compaq iPAQ is changing the way students learn," said George
Warren, Compaq director of K12 education. "Its futuristic design, wireless
nature, and extensive capabilities really empower every student to excel in
a rapidly changing world. The key is for educators to know the capabilities
of the iPAQ, and we think these Connected Workshops are an excellent hands-on
solution."
About the BonusPoints Program
Through the BonusPoints program, Compaq’s K-12 customers earn points for purchases
made through Compaq Education (GEM Direct) at www.Compaq.com/k12/bonuspoints.
Compaq customers can then redeem BonusPoints for Classroom Connect offerings,
including Connected Workshops, as well as educational products and services
from other BonusPoints providers. Compaq iPAQ users can also contract directly
with Classroom Connect by calling (800) 638-1639 or by emailing connect@classroom.com.
About Compaq Computer Corporation
Founded in 1982, Compaq Computer Corporation is a leading global provider of
information technology products, services and solutions for enterprise customers.
Compaq designs, develops, manufactures and markets information technology equipment,
software, services and solutions, including industry-leading enterprise storage
and computing solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, communication
products, personal desktop and notebook computers, and personal entertainment
and Internet access devices that are sold in more than 200 countries directly
and through a network of authorized Compaq marketing partners. Information on
Compaq and its products and services is available at www.compaq.com.
About Classroom Connect
Classroom Connect, Inc., a business unit within Harcourt, Inc., is a leading
provider of professional learning and classroom learning resources that foster
successful use of the Internet in K-12 education. Headquartered in Brisbane,
CA, with offices in El Segundo, CA, Minneapolis, MN and Abilene, TX, Classroom
Connect has more than 170 employees. Its primary product brands include: Connected
University® (online professional development); Classroom Today (online classroom
curriculum); The Quest Channel (online adventure learning expeditions); Connected
Conferences (live, nationwide events); Connected Workshops (on-site seminars);
and Classroom Connect Newsletter (monthly Internet education journal). Its partners
include some of the nation’s most respected organizations, including the American
Museum of Natural History, the Library of Congress and NASA. For more information
about Classroom Connect, visit the company’s Web site at www.classroom.com.
Contacts:
Lisa Grantham
Classroom Connect
(650) 351-5137
Kati Elliott
KEH Communications
(410) 975-9638
Barbara Crystal
Compaq Computer Corp.
(281) 514-9809
