| The advent of two technology programs, Computer
Reruns and Computers in the Schools, have created a
technological revolution throughout New Mexico and made
a significant difference in the lives of many young New
Mexicans. Started in 1995 by New Mexico Technet and Intel
Corporation, the "Computer Reruns Program" obtains surplus
com- puters and components from large corporations (such
as Intel and Air Force Research Laboratory) and small businesses,
and donates the equipment to eligible organizations. Computers
in the Schools provides new equipment, primarily provided
by Intel Corporation, to New Mexico schools and non-profit
organizations, through New Mexico Technet and DP
Signal Company. Though the Computers in the Classroom
program received legislative funding during the program's
first year, both programs exist primarily with the support
of New Mexico Technet and Intel, with component donations
from several other corporations and government institutions.
The program staff provides technical expertise, training
and assistance to the organizations for their implementation
of computer technology. "Our goal is not only to get computers
in their schools but to get schools to manage their technology.
When the |
|
program first started, we found there was
virtually no technical expertise in these organizations,"
says Mike Carpenter, Manager of Personal Computer Distri-
bution Services for Reruns. "We now train the educators
first, so they can in turn educate the students." Computer
Reruns serves as an educational organization as well, employing
local college, technical school and high school students
to provide them valuable "hands on" education in the computer
field. Many of these students have moved on to work on the
technical staffs of large companies such as Intel. New Mexico
schools and non-profit organizations submit applications
through the Reruns Web site to apply for computers and equipment
from both programs. If approved, the organization is contacted
when equipment becomes available. New Mexico Technet is
a non-profit corporation started in 1985 to help education
and economic development in New Mexico through the use of
communications technology. Technet, in effect, was the first
"Internet" - although existing only within new Mexico -
and also became the first Internet Service Provider in the
state, initially providing Internet access to many New Mexico
schools. |
|
|
