The school year is over and it is the time of year that LINC takes a close look at the services we provided throughout the year to five Baltimore City schools. LINC managed the FaST-LINC program that provided assistive technology services to Baltimore City Public Schools, thanks to a grant from the Maryland State Department of Education and Baltimore City Public Schools. The participating schools are Glenmount, Gardenville, Garrett Heights, and Mount Royal Middle and Elementary.

Now in its sixth year, the FaST-LINC program added new computers to the classrooms and upgraded existing ones. All of the new computers featured the latest version of Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint and Excel. These computers also came equipped for Internet connection. Throughout the year teachers received training in basic technology skills and software applications.

End of the year evaluations from participating teachers were very positive. ìThis program allows my low vision students to work on the computer. The technical support I receive from Jean Wunder is invaluable,î says Mrs. Clark, a 4th grade teacher at Garrett Heights Elementary School. She agreed with other teachers who took part in the program, that the presence of computers in the classroom enhanced critical thinking, increased problem solving skills, helped students learn new skills, and improved writing skills. Even more so, she added that the program increased student independence, boosted student self-esteem and supported curriculum goals.

All of the participating teachers rated LINC ís technical support staff as being efficient, competent and responsive. Many teachers are planning to take advantage of LINC ís offer to borrow the computers, loaded with software, over the summer months to get a head start on the 2002-2003 school year. LINC will spend the summer evaluating educational software and upgrading the classroom computers to make next yearís program even better.