Adult Education and New Technology

Adult Education and New Technology

The school district played an increasing role in continuing the education of adults in the community. In 1970, Nancy Desmond was appointed to a permanent position to assist John Dittamar in the Adult Education program.

Computer technology and its impact on education, work and home life brought the need for new types of training. Keyboarding and other computer skills replaced typing as Desmond became the first district educator to provide computer instruction to adults in State College, some 20 years before computers would work their way into a majority of local homes.

The State College district was bringing new technology into schools in various ways. By 1975, the term library had become interchangeable with "Learning Resource Center," "Media Center"or "Instructional Materials center," and some librarians had become known as instructional media specialists.

A multitude of resources were now available in these resource centers. Magazines and books could be accessed via microfilm or microfiche. Cassettes and phonograph records were used for the spoken arts and music. Basic skills could be taught from film loops and filmstrips. Videotapes of television programs and local productions could also be found in school libraries.

Availability of media and technological sources was also increased by the implementation of a loan program. Students at the State College Senior High School could borrow small calculators. Park Forest Junior High and Westerly Parkway Junior High libraries lent out portable television cameras and recorders to students and faculty members. Video-recorded footage was used by all three schools to evaluate athletic performances.