trict, this district is becoming very involved. They have installed a distance learning network in four FWISD high schools in order to offer Japanese as a foreign language to other high schools. Ms. Sandy Camp is the Japanese teacher at Paschal High School and for some time this was the only school in Ft. Worth which offered this language. They currently have systems in place so that Ms. Camp can teach, via interactive television, Japanese to students at Eastern Hills, Western Hills, and Southwest High Schools. Given the way technology is changing, these systems are almost out of date. Ms. Shelton informed me that the board has approved four new sites and systems in order to continue distance learning through interactive television. Ft. Worth Ind. School District has also included distance learning in the bond issue to be decided on this winter. There will be financing for sixteen more sites in the FWISD if the bond package passes. This district, FWISD, is also getting the benefit of Region 11 and their installment of T-1 lines. These should be installed and available in the spring of 1999. Some schools in this district have even now enjoyed the fact that they have internet access in their classrooms and are teaching and using the internet as a tool for other disciplines. Distance learning is coming. It is not imperative that everyone take advanage of the medium because as has been shown, people can and do learn in one room schoolhouses and in Ivory towers but if someone is going use every possible means to educate and receive an education as varied and inclusive as possible, then we must consider distance learning as at least one means to that end. It is coming and is already here. Are you ready? ...
