Norbert H. Hardner Foundation Funds Student Technology
The Norbert H. Hardner Foundation recently donated $15,000 to the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation for technology advances at the Elizabeth Lee Black School (ELBS). The generous gift has been used in support of the Barber National Institute’s Technological and Research Initiative, one of the main goals of the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber $1,000,000 Challenge, to secure private support for the purchase of iPads, Tap-it Boards, robotics, and other technologies. Through the Hardner grant, the ELBS was able to purchase 15 new iPads, along with various equipment and applications, which are helping teachers and therapists bridge the “digital divide” for children with developmental challenges.
The new iPads are utilized within eight classrooms at the ELBS enabling teachers and therapists to engage students and expand the learning environment. Observation and assessment showed that the use of the iPads in the classrooms brought about significant improvements for many students including better motor skills, problem solving, listening, attention, creativity, word recognition, enjoyment of learning, and communication between students and staff.
Training programs were also offered to parents and grandparents to learn how to use the iPads and applications at home. The iPads also will play a key role for the work of Jude Shingle, the ArtsErie Long-Term Residency Grant recipient. Mr. Shingle will work with classrooms this Fall to create unique multi‐media productions, such as digital books, animations and movies, which will be used as educational tools to enhance learning throughout the school year.
We thank Dr. Rebecca Haverly and all members of the Board of Directors at the Hardner Foundation for their support of our mission.
If you or your business is interested in making a gift to the Barber National Institute, please contact Gary Bukowski, CFRE, Vice President for Advancement, at 814-878-4033 or GaryBukowski@BarberInstitute.org.
Pictured: Dr. Rebecca Haverly, left, joins Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey and Gary Bukowski in visiting a classroom where students are working with the iPads.
