Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Technology Restructuring Center

By choice and by demand, technology is restructuring the Prescott High School media center's services.

Much of this restructuring is a result of the work of Hyacinth Deon, the district's director of instructional services. She arranged for grant funding of three computers that will be included with the three existing computers. These computers will allow student access to numerous resources of research.

The computers, networked with a laser printer, are located on a large table designed for computers built by the district's maintenance supervisor, Kent Williams, and David Loe.

Each computer will be equipped with WordPerfect and a CD-ROM. There are currently three CD-ROM encyclopedias (Groiler, Compton's, and World Book) available for student use. Other programs are Guinness Disc of Records, World Atlas, Desert Storm, U.S. Presidents and Lovejoy's College Counselor.

Two of the newer resources in CD-ROM format are Exegy and Ebsco magazine article summaries. Exegy is a resource for obtaining information on current events, maps, document, world facts and figures, sports, biographies and organizations. EBSCO magazine article summaries is CD-ROM format of the Reader's Guide. However, it provides the researcher with a summary of the article, not simply the citation.

Print capability of sources needed is also a plus for the researcher.

Plans are being made for students to have access to many other resources via the Internet through the school's connection with Arkansas Public School Computer Network or APSCN. The initial hook-up has been done and the final steps toward student-use are being made. This access will greatly enhance the research capabilities for PHS students.

The students have access to the PHS Media Center before school, between classes, at lunch and after school. With teacher permission, students are allowed to come to the PHS Media Center as much and as often as possible. Addressed are safety first and as often as possible.

The services of the Prescott High School media center have changed from a print-only era.

It is hoped that the new services being offered will be experienced by all, students and faculty.

The students are the big winners in this technology blitz although they may not realize how fortunate they are. They have come to expect instant access which adults still see as an awe-inspiring marvel.

By: Micki Johnston}