Commons goes high tech

Two weeks ago, a group of Blades A/V employees installed a flat screen TV in the commons as befuddled students passed by.  Intended to display special announcements to students entering the school and during lunches, this is the first time a TV has been used on such a large scale to inform students in the commons.

Assistant principal Dan Swafford sees the TV being especially helpful in the morning.

“It’s one more way to distribute info,” he said. “Not all students are even in the building when announcements usually run.”

Technology specialist Lorie Homan, knowing that the necessary conduit was already installed, initiated the idea of installing a TV last year but immediately encountered difficulty.  Though the administration didn’t opposes the idea, there was no money to pay for the project.  “The only way it was going to happen was if people were found to contribute,” Swafford explained.

This year’s senior class was willing to contribute, nicking almost $1,300 off the total necessary $2,500, which includes the cost of the TV, an oak case built by a district maintenance man, and the necessary cabling.  Further contributions were made by National Honors Society.

Though many question such hefty spending during a period of economic recession, no money from capital projects (projects that help maintain or improve a school assets and infrastructure) funds was spent.

“It’s a completely different fund.  The paper budget, which we recently had to cut in half, and the energy fun, which we’re obviously made cuts in, are district funds,” Swafford said.  Consequently, high school administrators have no control over their use.

Thus far, the screen’s most notable use was the demonstration of Dance Dance Revolution (a video game in which players stand on a “dance platform” or stage and hit colored arrows laid out in a cross with their feet to musical and visual cues) to promote the February 25 Prom Fashion Show.  The system was one of the door prizes given away to those attending the show.  Homan says the TV will be used occasionally for special occasions.  Capable of being connected to a computer, the screen is also available for use by teachers.

“As a class sponsor, there have been so many times when I’ve wanted to give students additional reminders about upcoming events and announcements… I feel the student body will be more informed about activities here,” Homan said.

“I’m glad we got it… I see kids look at it.  It could have a big benefit,” Swafford added.