US/ND-1: Re: us-nd-digest V1 #10

Re: us-nd-digest V1 #10

Joyce Perkins (jperkins@tenet.edu)
Fri, 30 Aug 1996 05:31:09 -0500 (CDT)


It is time for me to jump in.  After reading the postings, I agree LOW 
costs, ACCESS in ALL AREAS, especially rural is essential!!  I would like 
to think that Internet service could become as economical and ease of 
use as the "discount" calculator of today.  Let's face it, we all know 
the need is there for everyone to have the information on demand.  But 
the struggles of having it when you want it, and making it as easy to get 
to has to be there.

This past weekend I was able to listen to the telecos speak about access. 
One company is doing research about using the existing electric utility 
lines to piggyback Intenet service.  This sounded like a viable plan.  I 
think the infrastructure is across the US.  But I do remember building a 
home in a cotton field at the edge of the Texas and New Mexico border and 
we had to personally pay for the telephone pole and line to come to our 
home.  As other neighbors moved in, we were given some rebate on the 
initial expense.....turn this to the existing schools and libraries, 
couldn't they get rebates or spread the wealth to the poorer districts?

I want the service to be at my fingertips - ON Demand - As easy as going 
to my refrigerator to get some ice cubes.  Or that pocket calculator that 
costs only $2 today that 10 years ago cost $89.99 to pass statistics.

 --- Currie (I think-- or someone also posted the following)
Waiting for the next generatin of college trained teachers is too long to
wait. This legislation needs to manipultated and a way that a significant
sum of money be spent on Training and acceptable uses of this technology.
THIS IS AN AREA WHERE BUSINESS SEEMS TO DO A MUCH BETTER JOB THAN
SCHOOL DISTRICTS.  Why????

There must be money designated SPECIFICALLY to pay for SALARY for 
trainers of the teachers at the CAMPUS Level.  Too many of us as teachers 
are spread too thin and are burning out quickly.  Those of us with the 
knowledge and experience are expected to take our OWN TIME AND MONEY to 
train ourselves, then come back and help train our colleague down the 
hall.  SCHOOLS NEED TRAINING FACILITITES AND A FULL TIME SUPPORT STAFF.
Note that I said Schools, not districts.  I don't know of a MacDonald's, 
Burger King, Taco Bell, or an AT&T that doesn't have an ongoing training 
and support....yet, we have schools with teachers that haven't been given 
salary time to learn about the Internet.

See I had to jump in...aren't you glad I got up so early in the morning 
to have my say.  I do this often, in the middle of the night, is the only 
time I can find to surf and enjoy my Internet learning!

Take Care,
Perky
 ---
Joyce Perkins				            jperkins@tenet.edu
Student Council Sponsor / Business Technology Teacher
Hardin-Jefferson High School              work (409)  287-3565 ext. 22
P. O. Box 639                            ** NEW #  FAX (409)  287-2558
Sour Lake, TX  77659			       
"I touch the future, I teach" - Christa McAuliffe, Teacher/Astronaut