Why can't Johnny Compute? A strange alteration on the old quote, "Why can't Johnny read?", but one that has a lot of meaning these days. With the US falling behind in the technology race, the need for our next generation to be familiar and comfortable with a keyboard and CPU is imperative.
One of the areas that needs to be improved is the micro's place in the classroom. Unfortunately, schools, especially rural ones, are lacking in resources. Not only is there a problem with funding for equipment and programs, but there is just isn't training for teachers in Computer Aided Instruction or CAI.
While solving the hardware/software problem might not be easily done, the one of CAI training could have an easier solution. With a little equipment and some simple training, educators can create a shared forum for conversation, questions-and-answers, and information-sharing.
One solution is to create a Bulletin Board System (BBS) for educators in the region. A BBS is simply an electronic version of the real thing, except it is accessed via a modem.
In rural areas, often the school system is divided into districts. A district is made up of several local elementary schools, some Junior Highs, possibly, and one regional High School. This is the perfect structure for making an educational BBS.
Since the HS already serves as hub for the students, setting it up as the home of the BBS is probably the easiest. In most cases, the HS will already have a computing program, even when the earlier schools don't. By dedicating a single computer and some phone lines to the system, a communityBBS can be created.
Picking the right computer to handle your BBS is important. The Amiga might be a good choice for running the system. Given it's speed, memory capacity and multi-tasking, plus price, you'd have a good start. A hard drive is imperative for a good BBS, because, hopefully, you'll have need for lots of storage.
If the school district cannot afford an Amiga or a new computer, a PC Compatible like the Colt should be considered as the home for the BBS. Along with the hard drive, the ability to run a multi-line BBS and a good running record, the software has to be a factor.
As for software, you should make a list of wants for before looking. Ease of use, adaptability, software libraries, multi-line access and networking are some of the options to be considered.
Ease of use for both the users of the system and for the System Operator(s). If it isn't simple for the callers, then the board will not be used. If it isn't easy for the operator to maintain, then the quality of the BBS will suffer. After all, no one wants to spend hours doing simple daily work.
Besides ease of use, adaptability should be considered. How many conferences can the system have? The more, the better, since it will give you the ability to serve many different users. Also, can you change the menu sections and messages simply? Being able to do this from a remote, off-site, terminal might be another bonus.
When it comes to the software libraries, you should think about how many of them you can have and where you can place them. If individual conferences can have download sections, then that can be a great plus. Multiple protocals, or error-checking systems like X-Modem, Y-Modem have to be supported. After all, not all terminal programs will support a certain protocal. Protocals that support multiple up/downloading like Punter will make the posting and borrowing of programs easier.
A multi-line BBS is one that can have more than one caller on it at the same time. Each "line" has it's own modem and telephone line. While it is more expensive then a single line BBS, the advantages outweigh cost.
Why multi-line? By having he additional lines, the BBS will be more available. Nothing is more discouraging then getting a constant busy signal. Having the multiple lines won't prevent this from happening, but it will lessen the probability.
Another bonus from multi-line is that you can have on-line conferences. A conference is when more one or more users can "talk" to another while on-line. On network systems, like GEnie, this is called "CB-ing" after CB radios. It's an easy way to get people together and you'd be surprised how it opens up discussions.
One last feature you might consider for your software, networking. Does it allow you to use a messaging network like FIDO-Net or USE-Net? The advantage of having this option is that you expand the realm of your board from just your backyard to the entire US and the world.
To sum up what you should be looking for when setting up an educational BBS; In Hardware- a computer that can handle the software you want, is relatively inexpensive in cost and in time to run. Something with atleast a 10 megabyte hard drive should be bought.
In Software, you must first decide on what the system needs. Options include ease of use, adaptability for conferences and menus, software libraries with multiple protocals, multiple line support and networking capability. Once you decide on your hardware and your software, then it now comes time to build your system. Since this is a pretty involved task in it's self, I'll wait an issue to discuss that process.
While you are waiting for the next installment, you might want to check into some real educational BBS's. Two I work with are The Zia Network in New Mexico (505) 562-2224 and CVU TBBS at (802) 482-2110. CVU's is a multi-line board run by Champlain Valley Union HS in Hinesburg, VT, while Zia is ran by Eastern New Mexico University.
If you have any questions, just leave them in my mailbox for C.Bryant3.
