Apache Students Use the Power of the Pen (Light Pen)

By Mark Doth

'When Geronimo was fighting his last battle against the U.S. Army, he fought to maintain his way of life on the frontier. Known as a medicine man and visionary for the Apache people, Geronimo could not have foreseen the battle for superiority his  great-great-grandchildren now wage on a new frontier. Almost 90 years after his death, the descendants of Geronimo are learning to compete in a revolutionary new  world--utilizing the power of the light pen in a high-tech world where the computer is  becoming a mainstay.'

In a temporary classroom (the old school burned down in 1990) in tiny Mescalero, New Mexico, students at the Mescalero Apache Elementary School learn their lessons with the  aid of one of the most sophisticated computer systems around. Each classroom in this fully distributed system has a minimum of five computers loaded with OS/2 Warp  allowing students to select one of over 21 CD-ROM software titles and a full  curriculum education software system with the simple touch of a pen.

The entire system is powered by networked IBM PCs using an IBM/Novell server, a 21 CD-drive and a CD-ROM sub-server. Each workstation in the network uses OS/2 Warp as its operating environment and can run both DOS and Windows programs.

Each unit also comes equipped with a unique device called a Warp Speed Light Pen. Students can select and operate all software simply by touching icons on the screen with the pen. Similar in nature to the mouse, it is more "user-friendly," having removed the obstacle of trying to master the mouse and its associated buttons. Since the children have already been taught to use a pencil or pen, the Warp Speed Light Pen actually reduces student apprehension and increases program involvement. Another distinct advantage with the light pen is that it saves valuable desk space.

Bill Butler, Superintendent of Mescalero Elementary, is very pleased with how easy the light pen is to use. "Kindergarten and first-grade students really have a problem with dexterity and hand-to-eye coordination when trying to use the mouse. If you want to know what it feels like for a first grader to learn the mouse for the first time, just use the mouse with your left hand (assuming you are right-handed). With the light pen, they can be learning on the system instantly."

The network runs Novell from an IBM server through a coaxial-connected Ethernet. The total system handles 86 workstations divided into three legs from the server (Figure 1). The CD-ROM stack, provided by PROCOM, is connected to the network through a CD-Net server.



'''Figure 1. Mescalero Apache Elementary School Network'''

Any one of the 86 workstations can access any one of 21 CD titles at any time. The CD-Net server accomplishes this through a process called time-slicing which sends enough material at certain time intervals to each workstation. All this takes milliseconds, and unless all the units access the same software simultaneously, the delay is unnoticeable.

The primary educational software is provided by Wasatch Systems, with fully integrated math and English programs on a light pen-selectable graphical interface.

OS/2 Warp provides the most convenient operating environment, because it can run OS/2 applications as well as DOS and Windows applications. OS/2 Warp is icon-based and provides light pen access to all applications with a point-and-click operation.



Jonita Geronimo, great-great-granddaughter of Geronimo, finds the light pen easy to use.

A multimedia lab is independent of the network and sports full audio/visual recording and desktop capabilities. A Hewlett-Packard scanner and color printer with independent CD-ROM disk drives use CorelDraw software. Full video capture and production equipment is also used.

The entire system was designed and implemented by Warp Speed, an IBM Business Partner. The light pens are also manufactured by Warp Speed. Warp Speed, an 11-year-old company, is unique in that it is a full-service IBM dealer as well as a light pen manufacturer.



Superintendent Bill Butler and Principal Linda Cardoza-Kon observe Mescalero students at work.

"Mescalero gave us the rare opportunity to design what we think is the ultimate educational computer system," said Warp Speed President Craig Rawlings. "Our primary design consideration was to integrate the computers into each classroom as an aid to learning in each and every discipline."

Rawlings added, "We strongly feel the 'lab' type computer environment does not contribute nearly as much to the educational process as a classroom situation. Because of lack of access to a lab, students end up learning or relearning computer skills instead of learning the lessons on the computers."

Mescalero Elementary Principal Linda Cardoza-Kon echoes Rawlings' sentiments, "The classroom computer environment is much more effective than a lab in that the students have daily access to the computer instead of just once or twice a week. With the computers in the classroom and easy access to many software choices, the teachers and students integrate the computers into every learning area."

The new system has already made a significant impact at the Mescalero school. "Our students are testing higher than ever," said Superintendent Butler. "The kids are really enthusiastic about learning with the network and the teachers have an easier time directing lessons with it."

Marla Kennedy, a 5th grade teacher at Mescalero Elementary has seen this process in action. "How do I get e-mail?" "Why do I have a password?" "How do I get out of this program?" As questions arise, students who have already learned the answers will respond, and the cooperative learning spirit Kennedy encourages takes all of the students to the next level. In one software application, a Wasatch program called "Projects for the Real World," students integrate social studies with their math curriculum. This has not only improved their reading scores but it has enhanced their motivation to work in all subject areas.

The speed at which the students have learned to use the computers has surprised Kennedy, "It's amazing how fast they have picked this up. Most of them have never worked on a computer before." She adds, "It's fun to imagine what the end-of-the-year report will be for these students, if they are 'taking off' with this speed at the beginning of the year."



Mescalero students can access a number of different programs at the same time.

By establishing this "state of the art" system, the Mescalero Apache Tribe is making a significant contribution to their children's education. They feel it is an investment in their tribe's future--a future which is increasingly going to rely on better technologies. Butler is very excited about what the future holds in educating the Mescalero students.

The school is also involved with a program which develops teaching skills around technology. It is called Cooperative Research and Development Assistance (CRDA) and is established through Sandia Labs, a world-renowned research facility in Los Alamos, New Mexico. "We have to use the best technology available for our kids in order to get them jobs in the future. We want what is best for the kids," Butler said.

Thinking ahead and creating jobs is not a new concept for the Mescaleros. The tribe's other investments are many and varied and include a four-star resort called the Inn of the Mountain Gods; managerial control of Ski Apache, the southernmost ski resort in the United States; Apache Forest products; and Apache Casino. With the implementation of this computer system utilizing the Warp Speed Light Pens, it is possible for Mescalero Apache students to face the future with hope and excitement. Geronimo would have been proud.

For more information about Warp Speed Light Pens contact: Craig Rawlings 1086 Mecham Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345 (800) 874-4315 (505) 258-5713 Fax (505) 258-3911