from Rockingham County Public Schools

Showker Family Donates Mobile Computer Labs for RCPS Middle Schools

Over $177,000 donated to RCPS and Harrisonburg City Schools from Zane Showker Estate

Thanks to a very generous grant from the Zane Showker estate, Rockingham County and Harrisonburg City middle school teachers and students will soon be able to access computer technology resources from their classrooms. The Showker Technology Initiative furthers the vision of the late Zane Showker to improve the quality of education and living in our community. The leading phase of this Initiative focuses on bringing 21st Century technology to each middle school in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Showkers Since middle school level is where computer literacy is focused in Virginia, the Initiative will provide funding for the purchase of Apple Mobile Computer Labs. It will directly benefit teachers and public school children by freeing them from the boundaries of traditional computer labs.

Pictured at right are Joe and Debbie Showker being presented a plaque from Joe Hill and School Board President John Myers on November 23, 2004.

The Initiative chose the Apple mobile lab because of its leading position in providing educators with powerful yet easy-to-use technologies. These wireless mobile labs, and their included software and accessories, empower the learner by removing the physical limitations of labs and network wiring. The technology learning lab can be in the current classroom or moved to a cafeteria, gym, or even outside the building. Students can use the internet for research and undertake activities which now can include digital imaging. They will collaborate with their peers in the production of documents and projects, greatly reinforcing the learning experience.

The Initiative started with the basic mobile lab offered by Apple, then added additional hardware for leading edge education in the classroom. Teachers will be able to use the projection systems for teaching a variety of audiovisual skills including still photography and video production. The Powerbook with DVD production capabilities will empower students and teachers to archive, share, and publish student work with parents and others.

Each Wireless iBook Mobile Lab includes:

  • 1 Apple iBook Wireless Mobile Lab secure cart
  • 25 student iBook laptop computers
  • 1 ApplePowerbook computer DVD/enhahced graphics (for the teacher)
  • 1 InFocus X2 Digital Video Projector
  • 5 HP Photosmart M307 Digital Still Cameras
  • 1 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93 Digital Still Camera
  • 1 Sony Handycam DCR HC85 Digital Videl Camcorder
  • 1 set of Altec Model 220 Audio Speakers
  • 1 HP1300N Laser Printer
  • Software and licensing including Apple's iLife Suite, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and Microsoft Office

"Rockingham County and Harrisonburg City Schools are indeed fortunate to be the beneficiaries of this Initiative," said Joe Hill, Director of Math and Technology for RCPS. "In addition to their wonderful benevolence, the entire Showker family has been visionary in what students and teachers can do when we put powerful technology in their hands. We regard this Initiative as both a magnificent gift and a challenge for our teachers and students to find new and exciting ways to integrate technology into the curriculum."

When it comes to learning, we click!

Zane ShowkerHarrisonburg remembers Zane Showker

"I have never known an individual that was as selfless as Zane. I don't think we'll ever know the true impact that he's had on our own community," says Dr. Linwood Rose, President of JMU.
(Read More: Zane Showker: 1926 -- 2004)

 

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