THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 31, 1994 TAG: 9408300163
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Back to School '94
SOURCE: BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Upgrading of their computer system will put Isle of Wight Public Schools at the head of the class, believes one school division official.
``Isle of Wight County is on the cutting edge of technology,'' said Reuben Johns, coordinator of vocational education and technology for the school division.
``This will make us a model . . . among rural school systems.''
Johns was referring to Isle of Wight's plans to implement over the next two years a computer networking system in schools countywide. Most classrooms, offices and school libraries will be electronically linked via computer and modem by 1996, she said.
According to Johns, the networking system will allow teachers and students to communicate with others in the school division without leaving their classrooms.
In addition, networking system users will even be able to communicate electronically with information centers and classes outside the school division, she said.
In recent years, computers have proven to be an invaluable learning tool in schools, Johns said. Many county students already use word processors on class projects or specialized software programs to supplement traditional classroom instruction.
``I will be trying to get all teachers to use technology in their classrooms,'' said Johns. She spent the last 21 years teaching math and business education at Smithfield High School.
Computers provide students with essential skills and training they will need to survive today's working world, Johns said.
``We want our students to be ready for the work force,'' she said. ``Isle of Wight is trying its best to provide its students with the education they need.''
Johns, a native of Farmville, earned her master's degree in education from Old Dominion University. She lives in Windsor. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by ALLISON T. WILLIAMS
Reuben Johns, left, lends a hand to Betty Carter, a vocational
education teacher at Smithfield High School.
KEYWORDS: ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SCHOOLS
by CNB