US:PA-1: Week one
Week one
roger@iu28.arin.k12.pa.us
Wed, 17 Sep 1997 12:43:42 +0000
1. What are one or two most pressing needs...
Tooling up. There is a large segment of educators who need
fundamental familiarity with computers. Computers are not the answer
and interface is not the answer. Today, we need to get the bulk of
those who will be using this new tool up to a level of competence
that will allow them to independently explore the potential.
Guidance. There seems to be some motion towards connectivity, but it
has a tendency towards haphazardness. This is where consortia can
shine. But there must be incentives. What's to keep each school
district from using e-rate funds to become their own ISP? I don't
think this is the intention of the act.
2. How do the needs of schools and libraries differ...
Budget. Libraries are outrageously underfunded for
telecommunications. They must rely almost entirely on grants and
such for any technological enhancements. They also have no room for
technical support and generally rely on volunteers.
Liability. Both libraries and schools must address this problem,
though the enforcement of policy is easier at schools. What recourse
does a library have when some unknown actor compromises their
internet connection. This is tied to budget. Librarians do not have
the time or resources to keep on top of this activity.
3. How do the needs of rural schools and libraries differ from
rural...
Most urban locations have the latest telecommunications services
available and most likely have an established networking structure
either in place or in planning. Why? Because the money was there.
We have a location that involves two area codes and three phone
companies between us and a district. This would create a tendency
for that district to go it alone for their connectivity rather than
aggregate with a provider and other districts. Maybe aggregation
should be done at an area-code level.
Roger Damon
Program Coordinator
ARIN IU 28