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Letters
'Old Clunkers'
Help Children
To the Editor:
I am writing to respond to a tetter about the “Old Clunker” computers in RCES. There were some important facts that the writer did not mention.
While it is true they are no longer worth a great deal of money and are several generations behind in computer technology, they still have a lot to offer our students. These computers were part of the IBM corporate donation four years ago and as a result we have two to three IBM computers with printers in each class from kindergarten to third grade.
Until these IBM computers were added to the classroom the children had very little computer exposure until fourth grade. Now all students, not just those in special programs, have the opportunity to gain basic computer and keyboard skills. After simple instruction the students are able to use the computers without constant direct supervision. The computers and keyboards have proven to be sturdy and able to take lots of use from little hands and rarely need repairs as a result of use.
An elementary school student does not have to have a Pentium computer running Windows 95 to team basic skills. Alphabet, basic math, number sequencing and writing can be accomplished With the existing system. Now when our children enter high school they have had exposure to both IBM and Apple/Mac computers. 1 think this early exposure to both kinds of computers will make our children comfortable with using computers as a resource as they continue their educational journey.
All this has been accomplished without any cost to the Rappahannock county taxpayer, but as a result of the efforts of parents, teachers and school administration. Especially teachers should be recognized for their efforts in incorporating these computers and printers into their classroom lessons and activities.
I would like the writer of the previous letter to contact her child’s teacher and volunteer to spend some time in the classroom. Watch how the children love to spend time teaming and “play ing” on these computers. They can always benefit from an adult sitting down with them and teaching them how to use a new program or complimenting them on their computer skills. They are so proud of what they have teamed.
DEBBIE FERDETTA
Amissville
94.4%