For Immediate Release - Oct 1, 2002

Westmount’s “Smart Board” wins the AMTEC FuturEd award

Vancouver, BC: Kids heading into their grade 6 class at Westmount Park Elementary School, Westmount Quebec, are being taught their 3R’s via award-winning technology that encourages individual participation and helps increase learning. The Smart Board is a giant screen connected to the computer of classroom teacher Leslie-Ruth Schachter. A replacement for the traditional chalk board, the Smart Board is interactive and enables the children to write or move information around either with the touch of a finger or by using the special pens provided. “The Smart Board makes learning fun for the children,” says Ms. Schachter who is one of only five teachers in her school district using the technology. “I love treading new ground and I’m sure this new type of teaching tool will be seen in more and more schools soon.”

Leslie-Ruth Schachter was the first recipient of the FuturEd Award for demonstrating unique and innovative use of learning technologies to change learning systems. The Association for Media and Technology in Education in Canada (AMTEC) presented her with a trophy created by artist Joanie McCorry, from British Columbia’s Mayne Island, the home office of FuturEd™ Inc.

Dr. Kathryn Barker, founder and president of FuturEd™ Inc. developed the FuturEd AMTEC Award to encourage ongoing implementation of new technologies for learning. “It’s a privilege to be associated with imaginative educators like Ms. Schachter,” Dr. Barker said.

FuturEd™ Consulting Education Futurists Inc. is a consulting firm that conducts research and development in the education industry. FuturEd focuses on innovations and quality assurance in education and training, and provides tools to promote consumer protection. Founded in 1995 and based in Vancouver, B.C., FuturEd is committed to improving learning systems in the future for the future.

For more information, contact:
Dr. Kathryn Barker, FuturEd
604-323-4992 or 250-539-2139
kbarker@futured.com