Just because a school has been around for a number of years does not mean that they’re not hip to the latest in mobile technology. One such example that proves this point is the Avery Coonley School in Illinois. Both teachers and students each have Zire 71 PDAs that allow them take teaching into the 21st century.

Avery Coonley School may be nearly 100 years old, but when it comes to endowing its teachers and students with handheld technology for the classroom, this private, independent school in Downers Grove, Ill., is one of the most forward-looking schools in the state.

After the rousing success of a fourth-grade pilot program last year, each student and teacher in grades four through eight now have their own Zire(TM) 72 handheld, as well as a wireless keyboard, from palmOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLMO) . It’s the realization of the school’s vision to provide a learning device for every student, and one that has earned full support and cooperation from students, teachers and parents.

“The pilot program gave us a chance to discover the possibilities that handhelds bring to teaching, learning and other aspects of school life,” said Joe Janojak, technology director at Avery Coonley. “Once we articulated our vision, parents embraced the idea and were instrumental in helping us raise the funds. They see the benefits.”