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EDITORIAL: In the year of our technology: Report on status and future of PCs in state classrooms computes(The Dominion Post in Morgantown (WV)(KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Jun. 4--Western archaeologists still use a system of dating that records events as either B.C. or A.D. If a report in the May edition of Education Week, 2006 Technology Counts, is any indication, West Virginia may want to start using the term PC to refer to its modern history. According to that report, West Virginia was the only state awarded an "A" for technology in schools. Virginia got an "A minus" and other states' grades ranged from "B" to "D minus." But if that wasn't enough good news, another report, this one the product of a Department of Education advisory committee, could qualify our schools as just plain smart. Although we are not in agreement with every paragraph and even a directive or so, this report still is well schooled in what's needed to keep computers in West Virginia at the head of the class. Like most reports its name, "Technology for 21st Century Learners: Citizens of a Global World," is a little heavy, but it delivers on future priorities and nailing down what is feasi- now. Lawmakers, the governor's office and the state Board of Education might balk at its recommendations for spending on computer technology, but there are few investments which promise a greater return in the future. But more money is needed for hardware, software, infrastructure, distance learning, training and technology staff. The $22.4 million spent by the state this fiscal year for computer technology should triple in the next fiscal year, increasing to $71.8 million with annual increases thereafter, the report reads. Developing classes of 21st century learners is not going to come cheap, and teachers need the technology to address our schools' shortcomings. Early next year, the number of computers in use around the world connected to the World Wide Web are expected to pass the 1 billion mark. PCs are continuing to expand their global reach and new capabilities, offering many more choices and opportunities to millions more of us daily, to every dot on the map. None of this should be lost on West Virginia. Providing the technological infrastructure needed to give our teachers and students the ability to be globally competitive is imperative. Although we might think twice about seconding hiring a technology integration specialist for every school and requiring students to pass a technology literacy test as a condition of graduation, most of the panel's other recommendations are on the mark, including: Requiring all high school students to complete an online course. Providing a computer for every teacher and a presentation workstation for every classroom and library. Ensuring one computer for every three high school students and one for every five elementary and middle school students. And hiring more computer and network technicians to support the additional computers. It also wisely suggests the state's Virtual School be fully funded separately from the state school aid formula so more money for technology does not cut funding to county school systems. This report has been in the works since December and lends support to doing what our classrooms already do well, even better. The state cannot afford to let this report collect dust or allow use of PCs in classrooms to become dated. |