Public Schools Discover the Internet

The Computer Center and the College of Education at New Mexico
State University have developed a program that will assist the
Las Cruces Public Schools teachers and students in accessing
the Internet system.  The Internet, an international data
network, connects schools throughout the world, however,
problems of expense and expertise are often roadblocks to
undertaking the project.  The cooperative project is sponsored
by the Computer Center at New Mexico State University and the
College of Education.

This pilot program involved connecting one high school and one
elementary school in the Las Cruces district with the New
Mexico State University computer network.  These two schools
were then connected to the Internet through the New Mexico
State University Computer Center.  The labor, materials and
expertise were provided by the Computer Center and the College
of Education at New Mexico State University.

While the physical components were being installed, a training
program was planned and implemented for classroom teachers.
The teachers participating in the project are presently being
trained to utilize the telecommunications system available and
access the databases and other network resources on the
Internet.  The training includes:  Introduction to Internet;
Introduction to BITNET; differences between BITNET and
Internet; Electronic Mail; Bulletin Boards; Use of E-Mail; use
of FTP; use of Kermit; and Unix commands.

The outcomes consist of, but are not limited to:

    -- Integration of networking knowledge in the curriculum

    -- Preparation to continue the project after 
       initial implementation

    -- Integration into instructional strategies 

    -- Reports to other teachers and schools

At the end of the training program teachers will be aware of
and be able to access and use the Internet systems available
through the NMSU Computer Center.  These teachers will share
their knowledge with other staff members and integrate the
strategies into their classes.

For more information, contact:
Joseph Denk
Director of Computer Center
College of Education
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003
.