Tech Giants Donate $750 Million In Goods and Services To Underprivileged Schools

mrspoonsi sends news that a group of major tech companies has combined to donate $750 million worth of gadgets and services to students in 114 schools across the U.S. Apple is sending out $100 million worth of iPads, MacBooks, and other products. O'Reilly Media is making $100 million worth of educational content available for free. Microsoft and Autodesk are discounting software, while Sprint and AT&T are offering free wireless service. This is part of the ConnectED Initiative, a project announced by the Obama Administration last year to bring modern technology to K-12 classrooms. The FCC has also earmarked $2 billion to improve internet connectivity in schools and libraries over the next two years. Obama also plans to seek funding for training teachers to utilize this infusion of technology.

Comments

Apple always has been in schools

[GoodNewsJimDotCom]

I remember back in the 80s with Apple IIes everywhere. I liked my c64 at home, but Apple IIe were maybe the first computer some kids could put their hands on. Since I was just a kid, I didn't appreciate that at the time. So instead of being a mentor to lift other people up in their computer skills, I just wanted to play what little games there were and program little programs. I think a lot of us might have so much computer skills in relation to others that we don't give a first thought to just hosting a class in the local library. I'm sure a lot of us could help people not get scammed as easily on the Internet at least. Or maybe someone could make aps for education.

I waxed philosophical on maybe we should teach more over just using ourselves, but Apple has a long history of donating tons of computers. Whether or not you think it was a smart move to invest in their own future, it definitely put computers in kids hands who maybe never touched one before.

Someone doesn't know PR

[ArcadeMan]

Apple is sending out $100 million worth of iPads, MacBooks, and other products. O'Reilly Media is making $100 million worth of educational content available for free. Microsoft and Autodesk are discounting software.

Apple is giving away HARDWARE and Microsoft is offering a discount on software.

I'd be ashamed to work for Microsoft right now.

Re:Theft.

[Anonymous Coward]

The theft is Microsoft discounting software. That really stinks as a donation.
Like fucking drug dealers. May they people who do this die young from painful cancer.
PS. I don't use Apple nor Microsoft products.