In November, 1992, the Ohio County Schools Technology Implementation Committee was charged with studying the current and future technological needs of the school system, as well as developing an implementation plan for the effective use of technology in instruction and administration.

This charge resulted in the development of "Technology: Our Future Now - A Five Year Plan and Beyond". This initial technology plan served as the basis for implementing the hardware, software and infrastructure throughout the system.

The funding for this project was realized through a bond levy that was approved by more than 70% of the voters. The initial implementation was phased in over a five-year period. Some of the highlights of this implementation are as follows:

• appointment of a district technology coordinator
• continuation of the technology committee
• designation of building technology specialists
• infrastructure development (cabling plan for all classrooms)
• placement of four workstations and a printer connected to the school-wide network in all classrooms
• implementation of WVEIS (West Virginia Education Information System) for administrative management
• provide for staff training (instructional and administrative)
• replacement of existing phone system, providing for voice processing at all locations
• installation of FAX machines in each building
• purchase of appropriate software

As the technology plan was a dynamic document, it was revised and updated by the committee. In addition to the original implementation, the Bell Atlantic World School Project was supported. This project provided internet access to all schools via a 56kB Cisco router. Two other statewide projects also were implemented. The Governor's Basic Skills Program provides for software and hardware in grades K-6. The WV-SUCCESS (Student Utilization of Computers in Curriculum for the Enhancement of Scholastic Skills) is now in its third year. This project provides internet computers in grades 7-12, along with office suite and career exploration software.

In addition, Ohio County is actively involved in local, state and federal grant programs. Examples of these include:

• CTRC program, which has provided multimedia laptops and training
• Telecommunications/Technology grants that have provided additional internet computers
• Infomine Project for accessing library databases
• TLCF (Technology Literacy Challenge Fund) Grants
• Partnership with local TV station to provide for an internet weather station
• School Technology Team training
• Partnerships with local colleges and universities to provide staff development
• Phase 9 Training through the High Tech Consortium in Fairmont