Verizon teams up with MPS to give students technology needed for virtual learning

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Verizon is teaming up with some Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) to give students the technology they need to learn better at home with schools starting virtually because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Staff at Audubon Technology and Communications Center is handing out chrome books that are equipped with a data plan to make learning easier.

Four other MPS schools are participating in the program, including Andrew S. Douglass, Lincoln center of the Arts, Oliver Wendell School-Milwaukee, and Rufus King International Middle School.

The program is called the Verizon Innovative Learning Initiative and each of the five MPS schools are getting about $2 million in technology donations.

Principal Leon Groce says in the first month they have had some internet issues, but it is going well. However, he says the biggest challenge is that the students are not able to get the socialization with their peers.

“We’re looking at students who really want to be in the classroom they’re finding ways to now engage in virtual field trips and looking at ways to show their work at home. So, using some of the innovative strategies that Verizon is promoting we’re now allowing families in the homes to use the resources that they have available, which now they will we’ll be able to support so of the instructional opportunities,” Groce said 

According to Verizon, 85% of teachers think that the program helps with more individualized learning.