The students at Bachman Academy are the recipients of a generous donation from Lee University’s IT Operations. Thirty-one older computers have found a new home and a bright future in the academy's computer labs and classrooms. The machines will be an upgrade to much of the equipment on the campus.
When Jim Osterman, of Lee University, heard of the school’s need, he realized the university would be able to help by donating older equipment that was no longer in use. “It wasn’t “current” technology but was still in working order, and it was our desire to find someone who might be able to use it – rather than just having it recycled. “ Mr. Osterman said it is rare that they have leftover machines; however, “it seemed like a win/win for us, as we had some newer student workers who needed some hands on experience – testing and configuring systems. And it was apparently a win for Bachman [Academy] as we are told that, even though our equipment is beyond viability in our environment, it was still an upgrade for Bachman [Academy].”
As the majority of the student body at the academy struggles with learning differences and language processing, the upgrade in technology will allow more students to use text-to-speech recognition software, and other programs that assist students with learning disabilities.