THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 27, 1995 TAG: 9501270577
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines
For most high school students and their parents, the words ``field trip'' conjures up visions of long rides, a day away from classes, and the smell of exhaust fumes.
But students from Manteo High School on North Carolina's Outer Banks and from High Point's Central High School took a historic ride on the Information Superhighway to the nation's capital Thursday without leaving their hometowns.
The students were part of what was called the nation's first ``electronic field trip.'' They traveled to the Smithsonian Institution for a brief tour of the Museum of American History to explore how information technology has changed in America over the past 150 years.
The trip, that took place via computer, was part of an interactive event for the National Information Infrastructure Advisory Council meeting in Cary, N.C. State officials call North Carolina's information highway the most advanced fiber optic network in the world. It currently operates at 40 sites around the state since its beginning last summer.
One hundred additional sites are expected to come online in the first half of this year. Some 3,400 potential sites have been identified.
For many in the two classes at High Point and Manteo, it was their first trip to the Smithsonian and to the nation's capital.
``Using the information highway is much more efficient,'' said Tasha Tillett, a 17-year-old student from Manteo. ``Using technology like this means that everybody will be able to go on trips like this.''
The students were able to talk directly with Dr. David Allison of the Smithsonian, who escorted the youngsters on a journey that carried them from the invention of the telephone to the advent of the personal computer.
``I've thought an awful lot about what Alexander Graham Bell would say about all of this,'' said Allison.
Students were able to ask and answer questions during the 45-minute tour, not only about the Smithsonian, but also about their schools, located in vastly different parts of North Carolina.
Many students, as well as faculty members, see the superhighway as a means to ``shrink the world.''
``We're sitting out here at the end of the world,'' said Steve Basnight, a history teacher and assistant football coach at Manteo High School. ``When we went to Asheville to play football last season, we were asked all kinds of questions about the area. Using this technology, we can tell people not only around the world but here in North Carolina who we are, and what's in this area.''
Jennifer Perciavale, a 16-year-old Manteo student, agreed.
``Everyone wants to see the lighthouses and what we have here,'' she said. ``Something like this would make me want to see the rest of North Carolina.''
Many students suggested interactive classes with students in other parts of the world, particularly in foreign languages and history. Along with academics, some students see other cultural benefits.
``When I was in Europe, every student I talked to asked me if we were like (Beverly Hills) 90210,'' said Jennifer Perkins, 17, of Manteo, a senior. ``I think this would help us understand each other better.''
Other students saw a variety of other benefits, from using interactive television as a means to interact with students at colleges and universities around the country, to the study of other planets by outer space ``travel.''
However, most students and faculty members agree that the fiber optic thoroughfare will not replace books and bus rides.
``I think this is an important consideration,'' said the Smithsonian's Allison. ``There is a fear that technology will take the place of people. There's something about person-to- person contact that technology can enhance, but I don't think it will ever replace.''
While the information highway may not end school trips as their parents knew them, the students take pride in being a part of history.
``It's a privilege that this has been given to our community,'' said Daniel Diehl, a senior at Manteo. ``It gives me a sense of pride in my community.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
DREW C. WILSON/Staff
Above, Manteo High School teacher Steve Basnight guides his class
through the online version of the Smithsonian Institution Thursday.
At right, from left to right, Technology Facilitator Ashley South
and students Jennifer Perkins, Miles Daniels and Jennifer Percia
Valle watch the presentation.
by CNB