Microsoft with help of its hardware partners has unveiled a new range of devices starting under $300 especially meant for US public schools.
Microsoft Corp. and its hardware partners on Monday unveiled a range of devices at various price points to help U.S. public school districts make the digital transition. The devices included in today’s pricing announcement are lightweight enough to conduct research and take assessments, while at the same time robust enough to create rich media, develop code and build complex applications. With devices starting under $300, the effort is a part of Microsoft’s global YouthSpark initiative to empower youth through technology and is further evidence of its commitment to providing a range of devices, training and services to teachers and students. Microsoft’s investment is in partnership with President Obama’s ConnectED initiative to advance technology and learning in the classroom.
Now, seems over the period of four years, Baltimore County Public Schools will buy and roll out 150,000 of these devices to their students and teachers. The device in question is Windows 8.1 running HP Elitebook 810 Revolve.
Today is a milestone day for Baltimore, as Superintendent Dr. Dallas Dance visits a number of classrooms to start the distribution of some of the devices that will be a part of the District’s journey toward 1:1 classroom scenarios. We’re working with Dr. Dance and his team of educators and staff to execute on the district’s Students & Teachers Accessing Tomorrow (S.T.A.T.) initiative aimed to fundamentally shift teaching and learning. Together with Hewlett Packard and Daly Computers Inc. we’re helping the district rollout 150,000 HP Elitebook 810 Revolve Windows 8.1 devices to all students and teachers over the next four years. Also, through our Student Advantage offer, the district which is already providing Office to faculty and staff, can now offer the productivity suite to students at no additional cost.
Microsoft is also helping Baltimore County Public Schools by training educators for district-wide conversion to a 1:1 digital learning environment.
