EDITORIAL: Business venture improves schools

Staff Editorial
University Wire
02-25-1999
(The Oracle) (U-WIRE) TAMPA, Fla. -- In a time where Internet communication is becoming an important skill, many schools are struggling to provide the technology students need to prepare for the future. An answer, however, has arisen. Small computer companies, such as Free-PC Inc. and ZapMe!, are donating computers to schools and universities in exchange for advertising.

The issued computers will be set, depending on the age of the students in the school, to display advertisements at various times while in use.

Some critics, however, say this type of advertising in schools is improper. Critics claim students will be inundated with images such as movie promotions which will distract from learning.

And while this claim would be valid if schools were unable to preview the advertisements, most companies want school officials to preview ads.

What is left is a very appealing opportunity.

Bringing advertisements into the classroom is a small price to pay for technology advancements that schools otherwise would not be able to afford, especially in states such as Florida where the education system has such widespread problems.

Moreover, this would not be the first time a business has sponsored educational goods. Businesses commonly promote themselves on campus through other merchandise such as pens and notepads with advertisements plastered on them.

Schools should not be forced to turn away technological advancements for fear students might be exposed to advertisements. Technology is advancing at a pace with which schools cannot keep up. Instead of passing up an invaluable opportunity, schools should seize the opportunity to give their students a quality education without spending entire budget allotments on technology just to keep up.



(C) 1999 The Oracle via U-WIRE