As funding for technology decreases, the need for it increases drastically, which is why the Kannapolis Education Foundation hosted its fourth annual TECH, or Teach Every Child How, breakfast Friday.

The foundation is a nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of receiving donations to enhance Kannapolis City Schools’ educational programs. The TECH breakfast specifically supports the district’s technology needs. This year, all the funds raised will go toward buying more iPads for the district.

Throughout the breakfast, which was held at the Core Lab of the North Carolina Research Campus, educators, scientists and community members discussed how iPads are a “perfect fit” for Kannapolis City School students.

They discussed how they can be used in science and research, to promote health, in everyday life and in the classroom.

“We’ve got to get them (iPads) in their (students’) hands to be productive citizens,” said Superintendent Dr. Pam Cain.

“An iPad is a pencil now,” said Superintendent Dr. Pam Cain, as she talked about how important the devices are to the education process.

She pointed out, however, that unlike a pencil, iPads cost hundreds of dollars.

Many parents can’t afford to get their children their own iPads, so the district relies on the Kannapolis Education Foundation to be able to provide students with the devices.

“I have been in awe of the community support of the school system,” Cain said.

Kannapolis City Schools Teacher of the Year Lindsay Cooney and four of her students demonstrated how iPads are used in the classroom in Kannapolis City Schools.

Students use different apps to create stories, postcards and presentations. They’re able to use QR codes to link to more information. The iPads offer creative learning options like a geometry scavenger hunt. Teachers are able to grade and give feedback via iPads as well.

Cooney recently observed a classroom use Haiku Deck, where the students combined photos and text to create a presentation.

“They were so engaged,” she said. “These guys – they’ve grown up with it.”

“They no longer are a luxury — they are a necessity,” said student Kevin Stegall.

“Is there a job that doesn’t use technology today? Can you think of one? I can’t,” Cooney said.

During the breakfast, Cain recognized Cannon Pharmacy by presenting owner Brian Freeman with the Friend of Education Award.

Not only does Cannon Pharmacy provide exemplary customer service, but the business has been very generous with Kannapolis City Schools, both with financial resources and their time.

The foundation seeks to raise $20,000 each year for technology. Over the past four years, the organization has raised $125,000.