Acer and Intel Open Nominations for School Library Technology Makeover Contest

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - November 2, 2009) - The school library can be a rich learning environment for students, provided they have the most up-to-date tools and resources at their fingertips.

That's why Acer, the number one vendor of netbooks worldwide and a market leader for notebook and overall PC technology, and Intel are offering K-12 schools across the country an opportunity to transform their libraries into 21st century learning labs. Nominations are now open for Acer's School Library Technology Makeover Contest, which will award 10 new Acer Aspire Timeline notebook computers, valued at nearly $10,000, and two all-in-one desktop computers to a deserving school library.

To enter Acer's School Library Technology Makeover Contest, school staff members, teachers, parents, and students are encouraged to submit an application by Jan. 8, 2010, at http://professional.us.acer.com/edu/LibraryMakeover

How it works

Acer's School Library Technology Makeover Contest gives schools a chance to win the latest computer technology for their media centers.

The Aspire Timeline is one of the most efficient laptops on the market and is the first to feature the Intel ultra-low-voltage (ULV) processor. At less than 24-millimeters thick, the Aspire Timeline series is 40 percent more efficient than traditional laptops and achieves a battery life of more than eight hours, ideal for school library environments and for conserving energy consumption.

Nominations require a brief summary statement, and have the option of containing photos and video as support material. Following the nomination period, a panel of expert judges will evaluate each entry and select a pool of finalists for the technology makeovers. Then, from Feb. 1 to March 31, 2010, voting will be opened to the public and the school with the most votes will win the grand prize.

Additional program details include:

--  One application per person.
--  Program is open to both public and private schools in the U.S.
--  The application process takes a matter of seconds to enter -- the only
    information required is name, contact information, school/school district,
    and a brief 2,000-character entry statement explaining why the school
    deserves to win a library makeover.
    

Complete terms and conditions for the Acer School Library Technology Makeover Contest are available online.

Technology spending stalled

Due to difficult economic conditions, library spending on technology seems to have hit a plateau, according to School Library Journal's most recent Spending Survey. The survey found that, in general , school libraries have no great plans to add more equipment.

According to the survey, the average number of computers in school libraries rose by grade level -- from 10 computers in elementary school media centers to 18 in middle/junior school to 27 in high schools. The average number of computers in a lab peaked at 34 in middle school, which might reflect more project-based learning or larger class sizes, the publication noted.

Navigating education technology stimulus funds

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), there is an unprecedented $115 billion set aside for education. Making the right decisions on how to create sustainable, long-term results for education technology will vary for different districts and schools, but there's no doubt technology will play an increasingly important role in school libraries.

To help understand ARRA and how education technology fits into the stimulus package, Acer has developed a resource guide. The complete resource guide is available for download as a PDF.

For more information about Acer's School Library Technology Makeover Contest or Acer's solutions for K-12 education, please visit: www.acer.us/education/index.htm.

Quote:

"Encouraging students to utilize libraries can help establish a lifelong pattern of learning. That's why it's important that school libraries have access to the latest technology that can open minds and inspire kids to reach their potential. Acer's School Library Technology Makeover Contest is an opportunity for schools to keep pace with new technology during a climate of tightening resources and difficult budget choices."

--Richard Black, Director of Marketing for Acer America Corporation

Company Info:

Since its founding in 1976, Acer has constantly pursued the goal of breaking the barriers between people and technology. Focused on marketing its brand-name IT products around the globe, Acer ranks as the world's No. 2 vendor for total PCs, No.1 for netbooks and No. 2 for notebooks, with the fastest growth among the top five players. A profitable and sustainable Channel Business Model is instrumental to Acer's continued growth, while the successful mergers of Gateway and Packard Bell complete the company's global footprint by strengthening its presence in the U.S. and enhancing its strong position in Europe. The Acer Group employs more than 6,000 people worldwide. 2008 revenues reached US$16.65 billion. See www.acer.com for more information.

Links:

Apply for the Acer School Library Technology Makeover Contest at: http://professional.us.acer.com/edu/LibraryMakeover

Follow Acer Education on Twitter and Facebook

Contact Information: Contact Info: CMD PR on behalf of Acer and Intel 503-274-7006 Acer PR contact: Alison Williams 408-533-7746