“Tuskegee Public School in Alabama is among 114 others in 29 states that are starting the school year with Apple iPads, technology that many children haven’t experienced before,” ABC News reports. “Apple CEO Tim Cook is focusing on an academic revolution that aims to prepare these students for the 21st century. The tech giant is part of the White House initiative known as ConnectED. The goal of the program is to connect 99 percent of U.S. schools to good technology.”
“Cook spoke with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts about the company’s goals within the program,” ABC News reports. “‘I think technology has to be a key part [of education] and that’s why we’re here,’ Cook said. ‘Too many times today kids aren’t given the right for a great public education and this isn’t right. It’s not fair… I wouldn’t be where I am today without a great public education,” added Cook, who was named CEO of Apple in 2011.'”
The teachers are already noticing a difference. ‘It means a lot to me, because you can do a lot at a faster rate,’ one Tuskegee Public School teacher told Roberts. ‘It’s hands-on with everything in them … Last year we didn’t have that. But this is day seven, eight, and we did a whole lot,'” ABC News reports. “Roberts also asked Cook, 54, about when the country would see more diversity in Apple and in the wider technology industry… Diversity is important, Cook, said, because ‘inclusion and diversity inspires innovation. And so we actually make better products because we’re more diverse.'”
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MacDailyNews Take: When a proper foundation is laid, iPads can work well in schools and be extremely beneficial and productive for students, teachers, and administrators. If not: Los Angeles Unified School District.
SEE ALSO:
Apple pledges $100 million in iPads, computers and other tools for Obama’s ConnectED education initiative – February 4, 2014
Obama thanks Apple Inc. for ConnectED work – January 29, 2014
What schools must learn from Los Angeles’ iPad fiasco – May 8, 2015