In the past 40 years, I have seen the educational world transformed from no technology to extensive technology integration, supporting very innovative course opportunities for our students.  

In fact, Virtual School is now an educational option. South Carolina like many other states operates a Virtual High School where students take courses online for high school credit.

When I was in high school, there were no computers at all.  As a mathematics major at Presbyterian College (PC), I took my first computer course in 1969.  There was no computer on the PC campus.  The coursework involved the theory of programming and binary number systems. Our class took a field trip to Spartanburg to see a computer in use in the office of a large textile plant.  That computer would have filled a small bedroom in a home, floor to ceiling, and used punched cards to process information.  When I began teaching at Bishop England in 1970,  there were no computers.   We thought having an overhead projector was using technology.

The personal computer was invented in the late 1970’s and began to be used in schools in the 1980’s. By the late 1980’s, I was teaching an introduction to computer course and a computer mathematics course at Stratford High School using personal computers.  Students learned basic programming and computer use. Computers were not linked to a central file server.  

Accessing the Internet was not an option. Twenty years ago, some writers described the future of technology as one which would isolate people.  Clearly they did not envision the e-mail, text-messaging, and social networks we use today for nearly constant, instant communication.

When I arrived at Wando in 1998, there was no Internet access.  In fact, only months before I arrived, the administrative offices had been wired for technology.  

Student computer use was limited to a dozen computers in the library and six business labs.

Over the next five years, we spent thousands of dollars purchasing computers for every classroom and wiring the classrooms.

The new Wando is a technology-rich environment with a wireless overlay, four student computers in every classroom, a laptop for every teacher, and more than 21 computer labs assigned to various teachers and special course offerings.

Students in science classes use laptops as a part of the lab work.  

Many of the business, marketing, and information technology courses are taught in computer labs.  

Our engineering and Biomedical Science courses require computer access for each student.

Our Media Center has nearly 60 student computers which are accessed by students nearly 10 hours a day. Students now can enroll in classes in computer repair, networking, computer programming and software development.

When I observe classes like Animated Computer Production and Advanced Animation and Gaming and reflect on the opportunities that our students have in these areas, I am awed by the changes I have seen in my career.  

Students in these classes are totally engaged as they learn computer animation, 3-D computer graphics, modeling, special effects, and sound.  Career opportunities in these fields are excellent.  

We are proud that our Wando students have access to such coursework.

What new technologies and opportunities will the next 40 years bring?