Schools may not take info highway> Some systems lack money, equipment needed to make Internet connection

PORTLAND — Maine’s push to expand computer capabilities in its public schools got a boost from the Public Utilities Commission, but many districts face substantial financial challenges to their efforts to move ahead.

In January, the PUC ordered NYNEX to spend $4 million annually for five years to help link 1,100 schools to the Internet.

But analysts say many computers in Maine schools are not up-to-date enough to be used in the envisioned program and that basic computer equipment in some schools is nonexistent or in short supply.

That worries observers who fear disadvantaging students.

“There’s a tremendous disparity in school funding and what they can afford to purchase,” said state Public Advocate Stephen Ward.

Bonnie Marsh serves as principal of both Waterford Memorial School and Harrison Elementary School.

The Waterford school has computers in each classroom and a network to link them together. But the Harrison school has fewer computers for twice as many students, and no network.

“In Waterford, the kids will be sitting with their hands on the keyboard waiting to go,” said Marsh. “In Harrison, they’ll be standing in line.”

Until all districts catch up technologically, some will inevitably lag behind others.

“Maine will be the most connected state in the country in terms of schools and libraries” once the new program takes effect, said Jonathan Plucker, an assistant professor at the University of Maine who has studied the situation, “having that is great, but using it is another thing entirely.”

Computer-enhanced learning is revolutionizing education.

“It’s fast becoming a fundamental,” said Paul Johnson, president of the Maine School Superintendents Association, “it just opens the world to students in ways we never thought possible before.”

But Johnson frets that some schools aren’t yet positioned to take advantage of technological advances.

“We’re probably not putting in the money that we need to as far as technology is concerned,” he said, “there’s a lot of competition for the dollar.”

Linda Lord of the state Education Department said new linkups may stimulate spending on computer technology locally, but that much will depend on perceptions of need and possibilities.

“I think this order will change the way school budgets are allocated,” she said, “they will struggle in any way they can and scrounge pennies to take advantage of it. I’m betting we’ll see a tremendous change.”