THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 14, 1996 TAG: 9607120156
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Christina M. Points
LENGTH: 82 lines
The transition from music teacher to computer guru might seem like quite a leap.
But for Bob Wright, who moved to Portsmouth from Hampton in 1990, it was a progression.
In 1990, Wright began teaching music at the Governor's School for the Arts, a job he kept until he decided to go back to school to get his master's degree four years ago. He chose East Carolina University because it offered a degree that combined both technology and music.
``I wasn't exactly sure what it was I wanted to do,'' Wright said. ``I just knew that I wanted it to involve technology in some way.''
Upon graduating from ECU with a master's in electronic music, Wright started his own consulting business. He made some contacts and volunteered with the public schools, teaching them how to set up computers, a skill he gained through a graduate assistantship at the ECU computer lab.
Wright, who is the technology resource teacher for the Portsmouth public school system, credits his computer experience with getting him the job he currently holds - teaching teachers how to use computers in their classrooms.
``I actually teach them how to integrate the computers into their curriculum,'' Wright said. ``It's not a matter of click here - it's how can I use the computer to teach this lesson.''
Wright, along with his supervisor, Irma Evans, and facilitators from Portsmouth's public schools, was instrumental in getting the online service that Portsmouth has up and running.
``The system that is available allows every student to have their own e-mail address, read news from around the world and put their own home page on the World Wide Web,'' Wright said. ``We were the first city in the Hampton Roads area that was able to do that.''
According to Wright, the access students have to computers in the classroom provides a lot of positive reinforcement for them to continue to strive to learn.
Technology allows students to have one-on-one participation with the teacher,'' Wright said. ``The computer allows the students to work at their own pace.''
Name: Robert C. Wright.
Nickname: Bob or Bobby.
Neighborhood: Glensheallah.
Number of years in Portsmouth: Six.
Birthplace: Hampton.
Birthdate: Oct. 4, 1963.
Occupation: Information systems teacher.
What job other than your own would you like? Owner of a restaurant along the coast of Virginia Beach or North Carolina.
Marital status: Married.
Children/grandchildren: None.
Fondest childhood memory: Family vacations at Rehoboth Beach, Del.
What song or book title best describes your life? ``La Mer'' by Debussy.
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you would buy? Chocolate milkshake.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? John Williams (former conductor of the Boston Symphony who composed the music for ``Jaws,'' ``Superman'' and ``Star Wars''). He is in a position (and has used this position) to touch many people in a positive way.
Biggest accomplishment: Two degrees from East Carolina University.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? A higher tolerance for red tape.
Perfect way to spend the day: Being at the beach.
I can't resist: Telling a joke during a serious moment.
Favorite Portsmouth restaurant: The Flagship.
Favorite Portsmouth hangout: The tennis courts at City Park and Churchland Park.
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: Economic development.
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be?
Bring back a variety of business.
Improve tourism.
Community solidarity.
Other than its small-town atmosphere, what do you like about living in Portsmouth? Location close to surrounding waterways. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by VICTOR W. VAUGHN
Bob Wright, a former music teacher, is a technology resource teacher
for Portsmouth public schools. by CNB