Samsung donates tablets to Detroit school

Samsung says it's given 60 tablet computers to a Detroit school in a program to train teachers and students in the use of mobile devices in the classroom. Samsung's $24,000 donation is in addition to $75,000 in grants from Verizon to the Washington-Parks Academy, a K-8 charter school, The Detroit News reported. School officials said the grants and donations would give students the chance to utilize mobile technology and innovative learning applications aimed at increasing enjoyment of school and success in class. The children took to the 7-inch tablets immediately, the newspaper said, using them to better understand subjects like astronomy and geometry. Da'Jahne Bynum, 12, said she used her tablet to plot out the solar system, moving the device around to search out planets and moons. "I didn't understand this before," she said to the News. "I do now. It's really exciting to have these." Teachers said they were pleased by the effect the computers had on their students. "Once they got a hold of the tablets, it was instant for them," geometry teacher Kelly Pappas said. "It's such a great tool and they are so excited about technology."