Some schools are getting a high-tech boost for the new school year. EdTech of Western New Yorkis working to wire 12-area schools for the upcoming school year. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says one of the schools is Our Lady of Black Rock School in Buffalo.
“Upgrade their equipment and technology and get them ready for the school year,” said Phil Georger, team leader for the EdTEch project at Our Lady of Black Rock.
Georger worked inside one of the school’s media room’s with others to make sure computers were updated.
“The biggest challenge at this school, in particular, there’s a lot to do in terms of updates. They really do have a strong technological presence here,” Georger explained.
The schools are selected for a 'free of charge' technology makeover. A team of volunteers comes into a school for a full day working on internet wiring, computer installations, Wi-Fi and smart board technology.
“We come in and we do some technology refresh. We bring laptops in, desktops that have been donated from other organizations and we also do clean up, do updates and just make sure the technology is ready for when the kids come in they can get right on-line and get going,” said Georger.
“We are so excited,” said Martha Eadie, Principal, Our Lady of Black Rock.
Principal Eadie is thrilled her school was selected by EdTech. The school serves a diverse population of students living in high poverty, so offering students as much technology in the classroom is a great benefit for their learning.
Martha Eadie, Principal, Our Lady of Black Rock.
Credit WBFO News file photo by Eileen Buckley
“We could never afford the equipment. We could never afford having someone come and do this for us, paying an hourly rate, even if they discounted it for us, it would just be way out of our budget,” Eadie remarked.
EdTech is a non-profit organization helping other and groups with technology needs. So far, EdTech has assisted more than 90-schools and community organizations with their technology needs. Notre Dame Academy in South Buffalo and Harvest House on Seneca Street also received upgrades Tuesday.
