Michigan Launches Two Initiatives for Tech-based Education

During the first days of March, Michigan Governor John Engler announced the implementation of two programs through the Michigan Virtual University to integrate information technology into the state’s education system.



Laptops for Teachers

On March 6, the Governor ceremoniously distributed the first laptop computers in the Teacher Technology Initiative (TTI) announced last year. The program allocates up to $1,200 for each eligible educator to receive a computer complete with software, including a productivity package, Internet access, a warranty and web-based professional development. It is funded by a one-time $110 million appropriation made last year by the state legislature, providing 90,000 Michigan teachers with computers and Internet access.



TTI applications from some 211 school districts were processed during the months of December, January and February, representing 23,839 teachers and an investment of $28.6 million.



Because more than 60,000 teachers have completed the required online assessment, more school districts are expected to apply for the TTI program. For more information see the Teacher Training Initiative link under the Michigan Virtual High School at http://www.mivu.org/index.asp

700 Free IT Courses for Educators

Earlier this week, Governor Engler announced the creation of a statewide program that will provide education institutions in Michigan with free access to more than 700 computer-related and professional development courses.



This program, touted as the largest nationwide, will:

• Provide free, non-credit courses to students enrolled in Michigan schools and colleges for skill development and IT certification study;
• Provide free courses to all K-12 teachers, college faculty and staff who want to improve their information technology (IT), management and communications skills; and
• Provide core IT content that teachers and faculty can use to enhance or create new courses and programs.

Dubbed the Information Technology Training Initiative, the program will make online training available through Michigan Virtual University to as many as 850,000 faculty, staff and students in Michigan’s K-12, university and community college system. Later this year, the Initiative will also make the courses available free to as many as 25,000 Michigan workers.



According to news accounts, the initiative will cost the state approximately $3 million over the next three years.



For more information see the Information Technology Training Initiative link at http://www.mivu.org/index.asp