AlphaSmart Neo Project

This collaborative initiative between the Calgary Board of Education and Renaissance Learning is investigating whether or not students who have access to the Neo by AlphaSmart for writing and keyboarding practice experience greater achievement over the course of the school year.

It will also examine students' attitudes towards writing and keyboarding. In addition, information will be gathered on the practice of teachers who are engaged in designing learning experiences using the AlphaSmart Neo and Neo SmartOption Mobile Lab and the effect that it has on their daily teaching practice.

This project has deployed AlphaSmart Neo’s to grade six students at Colonel J Fred Scott and to Colonel Irvine Junior High School. Professional Learning opportunities have assisted teachers in embedding this technology into their daily teaching and learning practices.

Students, Teachers, Administrators, and Parents share their perspectives in Year One and Year Two of this initiative.

This project seeks to inform the Calgary Board of Education by:

• identifying technical and functional specifications needed for successful implementation of the AlphaSmart Neo and the Neo SmartOption Mobile Lab in an educational context
  
• influencing future purchasing decisions
  
• determining the amount of professional development and support required by staff
  
• determining the impact of the AlphaSmart Neo when students have a choice of technology options available
  
• determining the transfer of skills when using alternate technology options
  
• determining best practices for teachers and administration when using the AlphaSmart Neo and Neo SmartOption Mobile Lab with students

AlphaSmart Neo & Neo SmartOption Mobile Lab http://www.renlearn.com/neo/NEO2/labs.aspx

For more information contact: Pauline Auld pmauld@cbe.ab.ca