Indiana—Computers in academy dorms have always been a struggle. On one hand, we want every student to be as current as possible with the use of technology, and on the other hand we want to monitor the influences that flow into the dorms through these devices. And then there is the digital divide, the line between the "haves" and the "have-nots." Those who can afford a computer may excel in areas where those who cannot afford a computer are limited. In an effort to alleviate some of these issues, Indiana Academy is in the process of installing two thin-client computers in each dorm room.

"What is a thin-client?" you ask. A thin-client is a computer that cannot run apart from the server. All of the software and storage hardware is found on the terminal server. This means that if you were to open a thin-client you would not find a hard drive. This is nice in three ways: First, it allows the IT (information technology) professional ease in maintenance and upkeep; second, it gives the school control over the types of media that are played on the devices; and third, they cost considerably less than personal computers.

The installed thin-clients will run on Linux Fedora K12LTSP, which is free, easy to use, and comes with a free office package called Open Office. Open Office is a user-friendly office package that can be downloaded from the Internet, free of charge, and has the ability to open and save Microsoft Office files.

As technology becomes more and more a part of our daily lives, we must supply tools for our students that will help them to stay on top of a world full of technology. We hope this will allow teachers to regularly demand the use of computers for homework assignments, allowing all the "haves" and "have-nots" to learn on an equal basis, and use the power of technology in useful and practical avenues.

Peter Cousins, Indiana Academy principal