Published: November 18, 2009 10:42 pm      

ROE planning public computer lab

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — A computer purchase by the Regional Office of Education turned into a windfall for the community, after the ROE won a drawing for 30 computer units.

According to information from the office, two MSI Computer units were purchased, which entered the ROE into a drawing to win 30 computers, including hardware. And, the ROE won.

Once notified of the win, Regional Superintendent Bryan Cross said everyone in the office got involved.

“We tossed around some ideas, and tried to identify the needs of the community,” Cross said. “We decided a community computer lab would be the best way to serve the community.”

Work is underway to convert the small conference room at the ROE into a computer lab. Cross said the lab will be able to be used by members of the community as well as for teachers and staff of all schools within the region.

“Funding for professional development (of school staff) was reduced by the state,” Cross said. “This will provide a computer lab dedicated and available for trainings and workshops, not only for teachers in the region, but for community classes.”

Some of the classes which will be open to the community and being planned at this time include Internet safety and basic computer skills.

“We have technology folks in the office who will be working on (what classes) to offer,” Cross said. “In addition, we have continuing education programs we partner with Eastern Illinois University on, and this lab will be available for those continuing education courses.”

Cross said although the computers have arrived at the ROE, it will take some time to convert the conference room and get the equipment ready.

“We’d like to get it up and running as soon as possible,” Cross said. “It’s more likely that will happen after the first of the year before everything is in place and ready to use.”