LearningSoft and Jacoby Group Grow Pilot Project with Hawaii Schools
Powerful student computing and assessment devices to be used in twenty-two classrooms in Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. – Jan. 13, 2007 – LearningSoft , the producer of affordable, wireless computing platforms for education, is expanding its pilot in Hawaii from four classrooms to 22. Konawaena Elementary School and Kealakehe Elementary School are the two schools participating in the pilot project.
The students use LearningSoft’s Indigo Learning System, educationally-enhanced hand-held computing devices delivering teacher-created formative assessments tied to academic standards and benchmarks, to take just-in-time assessments that allow educators to get an instantaneous snapshot of students comprehension of topics being taught.
The Pilot is funded through the generous support of the Jacoby Group and made possible through the support of the Hawaii State Department of Education.
On November 17, 2005 the first phase of the project was implemented at Konawaena Elementary School. The Indigo Learning System was presented to four classrooms for use by about 120 fifth-graders. The students, already familiar with GameBoys, Ipods, video games, cell phones and the like, were delighted that the compact, durable computers were being integrated into their classroom.
The handheld devices that make up the core of the Indigo Learning System also function as interactive instructional content players, e-book readers, teacher-limited web browsers and text editors. The handheld computers enable students to receive and complete digital polls and other assessment content aligned with national and Hawaii standards for math, language arts, science and social sciences. The results are automatically sent to the teacher’s computer via a wireless network and can be used to observe improvement over time or as a projection of how students will score on state tests.
“We have had a great experience with Konawaena Elementary School in this first phase of the pilot. We have learned an extraordinary amount about the usage of the devices and those features that are most important for educators, and for students. We anticipate learning even more as we implement this next phase of the pilot,” said LearningSoft CEO, David Cole.
The pilot will consist of the handheld computers plus wireless access points for each classroom, software, training and support, all offered at no cost to participating schools.
About LearningSoft, LLC
LearningSoft, a member of the Jacoby Group produces affordable wireless computing platforms for education. Its flagship product, the Indigo Learning System, is a network of handheld computers developed specifically for assessment and instruction. Indigo provides instant feedback for educators to guide classroom decisions and ensures that students achieve success on “high-stakes” standardized exams. For more information visit www.learningsoft.net.
About the Jacoby Group
The Jacoby Group is committed to investing in the future of the communities in which it does business.
Our approach leverages the diverse core competencies of the group; melding education with research, energy and real estate to develop opportunities that empower today’s and future generations. Current projects are providing public education outreach and technology to help school children succeed academically.
Supporting research in subjects as diverse as aquaculture, computational intelligence, marine biology, and energy, we recognize that findings in these fields not only advance our knowledge, but they can synergize to benefit the community as a whole.
About the Hawaii State Department of Education
The commitment to a quality education for all of Hawaii's children began more than 160 years ago, when Hawaii's monarch, King Kamehameha III, established a statewide public school system. Since that time, the Department of Education has continued the journey in pursuit of excellence and equity in education. DOE standards set the course, while students, families, and community work together so young minds are ready to lead the way to the future.
Additional Contacts:
Art Souza
Complex Area Superintendent
West Hawaii Complex Area Schools
(808)327-4991
email: art_souza@notes.k12.hi.us
Claire Yoshida
Principal
Konawaena Elementary School
(808)323-4555
email: claire_yoshida@notes.k12.hi.us
Nancy Matsukawa
Principal
Kealakehe Elementary School
(808) 327-4308
email: nancy_matsukawa@notes.k12.hi.us
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