Students and teachers in Butte Central High School classrooms have computer technology faster, more efficient and more accessible than the technology in place when the 2009-10 academic year ended.

Using funds donated anonymously, the school has new wiring and wireless modules in each classroom. Students and teachers throughout the building can access the school’s server. They have faster access to the Internet and its educational resources.

The improvements allow Butte Central to “use more than just the computer lab for technology needs, and students can now bring laptops to class,” Principal Tim Norbeck said. Teachers can use multiple educational resources simultaneously, he said.

The high school was built in the early 1950s with top-quality brick, rebar and other materials. Norbeck said the solid construction made implementing an efficient computer system difficult. Prior to the current school year, students and faculty used a system frustratingly slow and sporadic.

“Our teachers will now have the ability to interact with students in a new way and incorporate technology into their instruction,” Norbeck said.

“We are excited to be taking this important step into the future.”

He hopes that before long, every student will have a laptop computer in the classroom.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 9, September 17, 2010.