Feb08 Closing: Round 2 Applications invited for Easiteach Pilot Program | 03 December 07   Applications have been pouring in to Manzana for inclusion in the Easiteach 50 school pilot program. The first round of applications, which closed in November, were promoted only to Manzana client schools. Further application rounds are planned, with the next closing at the end of February 2008. From the first round of applicants, five participating schools have been selected without any special conditions, and a further six applications have been approved pending particular conditions. Manzana's Easiteach 50 Pilot School program: Announced in October, a complete school-wide set of the entire Easiteach family valued at between $12,000 and $16,000 is to be granted by Manzana to 50 participating NZ schools. The schools are being selected by Manzana on the basis of the school's application, the solution's fit to the school, and evidence of ICT integration into the school's classrooms. Where Manzana has a close insight into the use of ICT in an applicant's classrooms, applications have been approved without conditions attached. In some cases Manzana has determined that conditions are appropriate in order to ensure that the grant is effectively utilised in an applicant school. In some cases Manzana may require the applicant's investment in a PD program at a cost of $2480+GST, as a condition of approving the grant. Applications: Interested schools should submit their application to easiteach@manzana.co.nz. In two to three pages, applicants should briefly describe the current status of classroom technology infrastructure and use in the school (computers, projectors, software, learning systems), and immediate plans for developing this. A brief outline is required summarising the school's commitment to classroom teacher development in use of ICT. Applications should particularly express the school's commitment to pedagogical initiatives targeting effective use of classroom technologies. Applications must be submitted to Manzana by 29 February 2008, from which successful recipients will be announced in March. About Easiteach: Easiteach is best known as hardware independant lesson software developed for interactive whiteboards in classrooms. Unlike other tools which lack the classroom "feel", Easiteach delights teachers and students alike with its school-friendly design and content. Easiteach is especially attractive to primary through junior high schools disappointed with the plain generic software bundled in with their whiteboards or slates, and looking for more open, class-friendly and education focussed software. More product information is available here. A starter version of Easiteach is often "bundled" with a number of interactive whiteboard or slate products such as SMART Board, CPS, 2Touch and Teamboard. More advanced subject-specific tools (literacy, maths, geography, science) are available through Manzana, as are very extensive content packs and a specialised learning game pack. About Manzana: Manzana provides a wide range of classroom solutions designed to enable more engagement and personal student involvement in learning activities. Manzana's particular commitment is to achieving maximum adoption of the tools and methodoloigies in client schools. A key component in this is Manzana's commitment to its Classroom Achievement Plan: a long term, multiple visit on- and off-site PD program emphasising effective use of various ICT tools in the curriculum