New high school has new computers

Sisters students are working on new computers. photo by Jim Cornelius

Computers are now critical to educating students in Sisters. They must learn how to use computers -- a vital skill in a technology-driven world. And they also use computers to further their education in other fields, from history to science.

Sisters High School has purchased 39 black Dell 2003 computers. Connecting microscopes were donated by Intel.

The 2.4 gigahertz Pentium Four computers carry a retail value of about $1,000 each, according to Jon Renner, a social studies teacher who volunteers for technical support. The computers are dispersed in the school's computer lab and two of the science labs.

The computers will be funded through a state program that provides for Furnishings, Fixtures & Equipment (FF&E) for new schools, according to school district technology director Todd Pilch.

"The computer lab works much better and much faster and it doesn't break down over time," said Tony Cosby, teacher of vocational education and science technology at the school.

Renner emphasized his belief that voters who provide the tax dollars schools need to see the influence of technology in education.

"Voters need to come in and see kids doing design work on computers and see that a 16-year-old can be way more productive than a traditional draftsman with 20 years of experience," Renner said. "The different jobs the students will compete for outside of school will be that demanding."

The microscopes were used in science labs last year. With updated technology, they can now attach to computers and be used for displays in video presentations. The microscopes will be used to examine field samples, to dissect creatures and to film micro-processes, Renner said.

The microscopes have three different resolutions of 10x, 60x and 200x, which allows the students to see individual transistors on microcircuits, Renner said.

"This is incredible technology," Renner said. "You could disconnect the microscope from its stand and film an eyeball.

"(My high school) used advanced slide rules in math," he said. "Mine was wooden just like everyone else's. It's a long way from using slide rules to have this kind of power."

Cosby said he is especially eager for the students to use the new technology in a special project intended to reduce wildfires.

"The Heart of Oregon program gave the school a $77,000 grant to manage 160 acres of property and develop a plan to thin underbrush and trees and create safer forest areas," Cosby said.

Cosby said the students will use the computers to make graphs, interpret data, and create Power Point presentations.

Freshman Ashley Crofoot said she uses a Dell computer at home about 30 minutes to an hour each day, for email and the Internet.

"I've been practicing my typing at school and that helps a lot because I am a lot faster," Crofoot said. "I like working on computers. It's so good to learn more about it."