Compatible Means Versatile: Using Tandy Computers to Improve K-12 Education. (1988)

Compatible Means Versatile: Using Tandy Computers to Improve K-12 Education When it comes to computer equipment, compatible means versatile, and versatile means economical. Few things could be more important for education today. We are being asked to do more, do it better and do it with less. In a day and age of limited funding, the Central Kitsap School District, a 10,000-student district located in Silverdale, Wash., has accepted that challenge. The use of Tandy MS-DOS-compatible computers and a wide variety of software allows administrators and staff to measure up to the challenge. District staff members are in the process of using existing technology to develop a totally new instructional delivery system. This change is not viewed as an experiment, since the system already exists and is being widely used at Kitsap. Computers, programs and staff are being systematically applied to the problem of providing effective instruction. The Central Kitsap School District has put major emphasis on acquisition and use of technology in all phases of the school. Since the first acquisition of Tandy I computers in 1980, the district has purchased more than 225 additional Tandy computers. Several other MS-DOS-compatible vendors have been used, as well as a number of applications that are run on IBM equipment. While many classroom programs are run on Apple-related hardware, the IBM compatibles provide versatile, multi-use labs and business applications throughout the district. Using Compatibles to Deliver Instruction The primary mission of the schools is to teach children. Integrating computers into the instructional process has increased student performance and holds promise for re-shaping the teacher's role into one that more creatively and humanely applies interactive instructional methods. Computer-assisted instruction labs provide an integrated learning system for students in several schools. Based on MS-DOS Tandy 1000s, each 32-station lab creates a network of computers linked to a central file server, which is a Tandy 3000 with either a hard disk or a CD-ROM drive. Using Education Systems Corp. software, individual lessons appropriate to each student's level can be downloaded to his or her own computer. A student is allowed to progress through lessons in the basic curriculum of reading, language arts and mathematics at his or her own pace. Many of the functions of teachers, workbooks and textbooks are combined in the interactive software. Students are provided instruction, guided practice and independent practice on the machines, as well as evaluation. Teachers can track students' progress on individual reports or with reports reflecting the work of the entire class. With a school of nearly 500 students, attempting to use teacher aides or instructors to provide individualized instruction at the same pace as it is provided by the computers would require hiring an additional 18 staff members. The network system takes a giant step toward the dream of students working at their own pace and interest levels. The use of MS-DOS-compatible stand-alone computers in the system means the lab can easily be converted for other instructional purposes requiring different software. The district's Community Schools Program in the district utilizes the laboratories after hours to provide additional instruction for children and parents who wish either enrichment or remediation. The parents pay minimal tuition to bring children for the additional instruction. The classes are conducted by laboratory aides who help the children get started in the program, work with parents, and maintain and operate the computer system. Particular instructional problems can be referred through the aide to a teacher, who may be hired in a consulting role to advise on placement or teaching. The program casts the teacher aides and computers into new roles by providing formal instruction for students. …