Macs in Schools--Maine iBook Program extended to High Schools with Local Funding

Maine's Learning Technology Initiative that selected iBooks for all 7th and 8th graders over four years ago has had a rough time extending the program to Maine's high schools despite the strong support of Governor John Baldacci. The state signed a $41 million deal with Apple last year to keep the initial program going but state funding for extending it to high schools keeps getting diverted to other priorities and shortfalls, the most recent of which threatened the jobs of some 650 teachers. But that hasn't stopped Maine's high schools from finding innovative ways to acquire iBooks for the middle school students who have graduated from the state-funded iBook program, which has earned high marks from the state's teachers and interest from all over North America.

The state's school districts are re-directing local funding to purchase some iBooks for high schools. While the iBooks are not available for every student and teacher, some school districts have achieved a 2:1 student to iBook ratio. More... [Dana Baggett]