Partnership for e-Learning
Nortel LearniT and Durham Public Schools (DPS) 21st Century e-Teaching Partners
Nortel LearniT and DPS in e-Teaching initiative The partnership between Nortel LearniT and the Durham Public School System (DPS), Durham, NC, has a number of initiatives, including:
Durham Public Schools became the first e-Teacher certification participants in partnership with Nortel LearniT when teachers of grades 3-8 gathered for a Nortel LearniT training on June 14, 2007, to build technology infused lesson plans. Nortel employees in Durham are excited to partner with local teachers and volunteer in the local schools," Nortel senior executive vice president of Knowledge Services Gail Lanier notes. This highlights Nortel's commitment to education through Nortel LearniT. Education is the "Nortel threshold where we are going to put our focus, our dollars and our energies, with lots of people involved at all levels of corporation." Making a Difference Nortel Community Relations Manager Edgar Murphy said he is proud that his home community of Durham is the first district in the state to sign on to Nortel LearniT in such a major way. "Nortel LearniT gives teachers and other educators a great tool to enhance 21st Century skills—their own and their students," said Murphy. View the list of ground-breaking DPS 21st Century e-Teacher program participants. Access the lesson plans created in this class experience. Read more about the partnership and the technology-infused lesson plan development initiative begin with teachers in grades 3-8. Nortel LearniT's project-based lesson plans are organized and searchable by title and subject according to grade level and technology integrated, e.g., digital imaging or PowerPoint. | Transforming education...inspiring learning How did the effort begin? The initiative brought technology facilitators, media specialists, curriculum specialists and others together with the teachers to integrate technology into the plans in ways that engage students. Making an Impact In addition to providing teacher stipends for participating, the teachers' schools receive technology to deliver these and other lessons. The technology includes digital cameras, web cams and other tools to enhance learning. Teacher Response and Involvement As a native of Wake County and graduate of its elementary, middle, and high school system, Gail Lanier notes that, just as Nortel does corporately, she also directly "wants to give back, knowing that technology will be the key differentiator here in North Carolina." The teachers "all play a huge part in making sure that you can keep up with technology. The greatest gift we can give as educators is to …our ability to learn and pass that learning on." In recognizing the teachers and accepting the technology presented by Nortel, DPS Project Manager for RIO/Destination Success Hillary Alexander said, "We're really excited about accepting these gifts. As a teacher, I would have loved to have had this equipment. "This is great what you are contributing to us...WE really appreciate it and OUR KIDS will benefit!" View a video on teacher participants and their accomplishments. View video interviews of participants discussing their experience of building project-based learning experiences with Nortel LearniT's lesson plan guidance. As another extension of this teaming, DPS teachers and Nortel employees may partner in Nortel's voluntary technology outreach where Nortel employees work with the schools in the Nortel LearniT Ambassador program. |