PA Cyber Charter School Unveils iPad app

MIDLAND, Pa., Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PA Cyber:  there's an app for that.

An iPad app, PA Cyber HD, is now available for free download from the Apple App Store for the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, the nation's largest and most successful K-12 online school.

It is the first app featuring a cyber charter school in the state and possibly nation, according to Ben Brautigam, who joined PA Cyber a few months ago as its technology research and development coordinator. He said the 11,000-student school plans to develop additional apps to place information at the fingertips of both internal and external users.

Dr. Nick Trombetta, founder and CEO of PA Cyber, said most apps are developed by third-party companies. "The fact that our staff is developing iPad apps internally is a testament to their technological expertise," he said. "Our commitment to research and development for better online education has always set our school apart."

Users of the first PA Cyber app will find: capsule information on PA Cyber's history, vision and mission; a scalable map showing offices across Pennsylvania; links to the school website, an email contact, admissions, Facebook and Twitter feeds; and informational videos on topics including student activities, enrollment and curriculum.

"We have a flourishing relationship with the people at Apple," said Brautigam. "They have a passion for K-12 education and are very pleased to see their products being used in schools."

In a pilot program and parallel development involving Apple technology, the school has provided iPads to 300 selected students at all grade levels, from kindergarten through high school senior, for the 2011-12 school year. Each is loaded with age-appropriate software and Internet security filters.

The school hopes the students themselves will provide an answer to the question of whether the mobility, functionality and ease of use of these devices justifies their distribution to all students.

"iPads have created a learning environment that allows students a more immersive experience than laptop computers  provide," said Brian Laquinta, director of technology and innovation.  "While they are not yet ready to completely replace computers, we believe there is definitely a place for them in every student's learning experience."

ABOUT PA CYBER
PA Cyber is Pennsylvania's largest and most successful cyber charter school, with 11,000 students enrolled from nearly every school district in the commonwealth. PA Cyber has made AYP, the federal measurement of school effectiveness, for the past three years – something no other charter school of its size in the nation has ever done. PA Cyber is headquartered in Midland, Pa. The website is www.pacyber.org PA Cyber was recently recognized as the No. 1 "Top Workplace" in the Pittsburgh region by the Post-Gazette, and CEO Dr. Nick Trombetta was named "Top Executive." Visit www.post-gazette.topworkplaces.com.

Source: PA Cyber Charter School. Contact: Fred Miller, [email protected], 724.777.5918

SOURCE PA Cyber Charter School