Guilford County Schools is closely monitoring yet another potential problem with its new electronic learning devices. The company that makes the tablets, Amplify, is at risk of being sold. And this isn't the first time it's been problematic.
Guilford County Schools has invested more than $3-million in the tablet program with a federal Race to the Top grant.
But shortly after the district began using the devices in its middle schools, a series of hardware problems followed in several tablets, including cracked screens and faulty chargers. The district decided to put the program on hold.
Amplify has since given them new devices and things are going pretty well, according to Nora Carr, chief of staff for Guilford County Schools .
But the latest news that parent company, News Corp., may sell its education division has school officials on edge.
“We are in conversations with them to see what the implications would be if there is any kind of sale,”
says Carr. “They've certainly committed to us that they will honor any kind of contractual agreements they have with us. We're looking at various options depending on what happens.”
For now, Carr says the district will continue distributing more than 17,000 tablets to its middle schools. She adds its likely going to be a while before any decision is made.
*Follow Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news.
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