SMART Technologies and Samsung Electronics America Partner to Help Students

SMART Technologies Inc. (TSE:SMA) and Samsung Electronics America Inc. (KRX:005930) have partnered to offer schools a classroom-wide package including Samsung Chromebook 3 devices, associated licenses for SMART amp, and access to SMART’s online professional development.
According to the press release:

SMART amp is a cloud-based solution, available on virtually any browser-enabled device. It is the ‘glue’ that connects interactive displays, PCs, laptops, and tablets while enabling teachers and students to collaborate and co-create in real time, do in-class assessment, connect to shared digital workspaces and interact with Web-based learning materials regardless of location or device. This new bundle, which is fully integrated with Google Classroom and Apps for Education, provides the hardware, software, and training necessary to achieve a pedagogical shift toward student-led learning.
All too often, schools teach knowledge-based skills like the “3 Rs” (writing, reading and arithmetic), but fail to adequately focus on the “4 Cs” (communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity). A recent study by Wainhouse Research reinforces the belief that schools need to put greater emphasis on these important “soft skills.” At the same time, schools are making investments in student devices and other technology to improve project-based and student-led learning, but the technology has not always delivered on its promise. Educators are looking to do more with their investments in student devices and to extend the learning beyond the classroom as a way to enhance skills like collaboration and creativity. The SMART Samsung Chromebook 3 Bundle addresses this need.
“We’ve bundled SMART amp with our Samsung Chromebooks to drive students’ collaboration skills to a whole new level. This powerful combination has increased learning and engagement and pushed students to be critical thinkers both in and outside the classroom,” said Kelly Miksch, Instructional Technology Specialist at NEISD. “What’s more, I’m able to draw from the SMART Exchange{A ™} online community and its thousands of existing SMART amp-compatible resources when I’m short on time or need new ideas for lessons.”

Click here to read the full press release.