Laptops, LCD projectors distributed for high-tech learning

Six principals gathered early Friday morning for the ceremonial turnover of 120 Gateway laptop computers and 25 liquid crystal display projectors at the Public School System office.

The laptops were distributed for the enhancement of teaching Language, Arts, Science, and Social Studies given to teachers for a more and effective learning in the classroom.

PSS gathered six high school principals that morning: Kagman High School principal Doreen Tudela, Rota Junior High School principal George Ayuyu, Chacha Oceanview Junior High School principal Vince Dela Cruz, Marianas High School principal James Denight, Hopwood Junior High School principal Jim Brewer, and Rota High School principal Matthew Ooka.

PSS federal programs adviser Tim Thornberg said the funds amounting to $250,000 came from a federal grant. He said that the 120 laptops were provided through the initiative of Education Commissioner Rita H. Inos.

He added that Inos is targeting to provide more laptops to 470 more teachers in the CNMI. Another set might be given to these teachers next school year.

The laptops and LCD projectors are for the benefit of the teachers to conduct research, prepare innovative lessons and present these outputs as lessons to the students using the latest in technology.

The winning bidder for the project was a vendor named White Coconut, which provided Gateway laptops. Associate commissioner David M. Borja said White Coconut won because it met the specifications PSS wanted and not because of the Gateway brand. He said they released a bid bulletin for the acquisition in September last year. Other bidders presented other brands such as Asus, Dell, and others.

The laptops were acquired for at least $1,900 each, and the LCD projectors at an estimated amount of $1,700 each. PSS said these innovative instructional sets of equipment would be implemented to PSS high schools and junior high schools.

The project was initiated since last year and that a total of $250,000 were allocated for this project. Inos informed the principals last year of the good news and requested them to submit the necessary software applications that must be installed in their laptops and other hardware issues that should be addressed before the distribution.

Hopwood Junior High School received 26 laptops; Cha Cha Oceanview Middle School, 18 laptops; Rota Junior High School with six laptops, Marianas High School received a total of 26 laptops, Kagman High School got 18 laptops, and Rota High School received seven laptops. Saipan Southern High School and Tinian Junior High School principals were not present during the distribution but the schools will get 14 and 12 laptops, respectively. All high schools received three LCD projectors.