Q. Is the city/county schools' Technology Department planning to provide computers and Internet access to specifically targeted families whose children attend our public schools? If so, where is the money coming from for this project? Why is money being used this way as opposed to keeping services in the schools or expanding computer services in community centers, libraries or after-school centers? -- L.C.
A. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools' Technology Department, in partnership with WinstonNet, is working on "Computers at Home," a plan to provide computers to the homes of middle-school students who do not have access to technology. WinstonNet is a nonprofit community technology initiative.
According to Betty Weycker, the school system's assistant superintendent for technology, money for the project would not come from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools' budget.
"The original plan was to develop a grant for a targeted population based on financial need and achievement scores," she wrote in an email to SAM. "Prior to the announcement of the Title VI-Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (stimulus package), we were writing a proposal to submit to local foundations and support agencies. At this point, we are focusing our attentions on the federal stimulus program opportunities."
The effort to place computers in the homes of certain students is not being made to the exclusion of continuing to provide computer services at local libraries and other community sites. Currently, there are 44 such computer labs serving the community as a result of a WinstonNet project that began in 2003.
The computer labs serve many students and others in the community well. According to Weycker, though, some students do not have a way to get to and from the labs. Among the advantages of home computers are expanded learning opportunities for children and adults in the home.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement