Mineral Point, WI – 1-10-14 – The Mineral Point School District is the recent recipient of a $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Technology Initiative to help reduce the financial barriers of integrating instructional technology into the Mineral Point classroom.

The grant will be used to develop learning in students through an engaging environment through the purchase of interactive white boards, document cameras, and a telepresence.  Interactive whiteboards allows for multiple students to approach the board and learn through touch by interacting with lesson.  Document cameras transfer two dimensional images to the interactive white board allowing for students to manipulate information on a piece of paper.  Telepresence allows for students to share course content between buildings without having to travel and take virtual field trips across the state, country or world.

“The technology received will make it easier for the classroom experience to come alive through engaging and interactive lessons offered through different technologies.  Our students will greatly benefit from this gift for years to come,” said Luke Francois, Superintendent.  “I am very excited to take our first live virtual field trip via telepresence to a a museum in Washington DC for example.  An experience such as that is not something Mineral Point students would normally get to do.”

“We knew Mineral Point district would understand the importance and would put the technology to good use,” said Mike Kerr, Executive Director of Wisconsin Technology Initiative. “We are excited to see the positive results that will come from this project.”

The Wisconsin Technology Initiative was established in 2010 by John P. and Tashia F. Morgridge to improve academic achievement by providing funding for the advancement of instructional technology in learning environments throughout the state of Wisconsin.

About Wisconsin Technology Initiative

The Wisconsin Technology Initiative provides funding to K-12 schools to advance the use of technology in learning environments throughout the state of Wisconsin. Formed by John P. and Tashia F. Morgridge, Wisconsin Technology Initiative is a continuation of the Morgridges’ commitment to their home state and to higher education. Among other things, they have supported scholarships at Alverno College in Milwaukee, at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and they provided the founding gift for the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars. Learn more at: www.WisconsinTechnologyInitiative.org