TRDA and the AMF Receive 20 Computers from Apple Computer, Inc.

Computers to be used to help implement the ITEP Program

TITUSVILLE, Fla. – Florida’s Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA) and The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) recently received an award of 20 computers from Apple Computer, Inc.  The computers will be used to implement the Information Technology for Education Policymakers (ITEP) program, which provides technology-training sessions for educational policy makers in Florida.

The award consists of 10 DV iMAC computers, which can be used to create desktop movies, in addition to all normal computer activities.  A digital camera was also included for use with these specific computers. The remaining 10 computers are iBooks, portable laptop computers.  In addition, Apple Computer, Inc. provided a server, printer and 20 wireless cards that connect to Apple’s wireless base station, enabling users to connect their computer to the Internet without the use of wires for direct connections.

In January, the TRDA subcontracted with The AMF for $500,000 to implement the ITEP program.  Of this amount, approximately $42,000 was allocated for purchasing new PCs.  However, upon doing research on Florida’s school districts, The AMF discovered that some school districts, and future ITEP participants, used Apple-based systems.  Therefore, a need arose to add Apple-based computers to the program.

Jeff Orloff, Ed.D., Senior Manager, Education Product Marketing for Apple Computer, Inc., and an AMF Board Member, saw an opportunity for Apple to support a very strategic program.  He contacted Apple colleague, Barbara Nelson, Area Development Manager for Southeastern Education, for assistance.

“We provided the computers because we truly believe in what The Astronauts Memorial Foundation is doing,” Nelson said.  “It is critical that education policymakers understand the value of integrating technology into the curriculum."

The ITEP program consists of a five-hour workshop that provides educational policymakers with basic, yet useful, information about technology -- its integration into the classroom, its relation to staff development and its use as a cost-effective resource management tool.  The ITEP program is administered by the TRDA and conducted by professional technology trainers from The AMF.

“Technology is all around us and having a working knowledge of it is vital in our educational arenas,” Antone said.   “Apple’s award helps us keep educational policy makers as informed as possible about technology and make the wisest decisions that will impact our children, using software and hardware they are already familiar with,” he said.

The AMF is a not-for-profit organization located at NASA – Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida.  Serving as a “living memorial” to U.S. astronauts who have lost their lives in the line of duty, The AMF conducts a variety of interactive space and technology education programs that train teachers how to use technology to further enhance curricula. To date, over 4,000 educators, administrators and educational decision-makers have graduated from AMF programs and are currently implementing positive changes in their schools.