Thank you, Optimum, for continuing the free internet connection at the Kump Education Center for the benefit of our community. In the fall of 2019, Suddenlink constructed a computer learning center and free internet access at Kump Center for more than three years.
When Optimum took over, we feared losing this service; however, Bethany Simmons and Michael Shaffer in the marketing department told us that Optimum would continue to keep us connected to the internet to assist local children, teachers, and the City of Elkins.
Throughout the epidemic, effective internet access has been essential for local schoolchildren. We created online “Tech-Link” tutoring for children who were falling behind in fundamental abilities in 2020.
Davis & Elkins College students maintained contact with primary kids, teaching them and assisting them in staying on pace with their curriculum.
While presenting professional teacher training and academic research, our computer technology proved useful.
We sponsored a seminar this summer to equip area math instructors to assist kids with dyscalculia. In addition, we have utilized the learning lab for a number of springtime Kump Education Research Seminars where student teachers and college faculty have presented their findings. The thirteenth Seminar is scheduled on April 26 at 4:00 p.m.
Botanist Elizabeth Byers found 36 native West Virginia species while instructing conservationists to recognize the essential plants in a healthy marsh.
With this technology, our ancient city facility is brought into the twenty-first century. KEC Board Members have utilized the Optimal Learning Lab for monthly Zoom Board Meetings and annual mailing list preparation.
In December of last year, the Elkins Police Department utilized our computer lab for online testing to satisfy requirements for staff promotion. The Optimal Learning Lab was the perfect place for our young police officers to concentrate on exam questions, since it provided a distraction-free environment with cutting-edge technology.
When issues arose on our end, every member of the internet service staff was cordial and helpful. In the fall of last year, when we were working in the apple orchard, a tree spike pierced one of the internet cables. For the following two weeks, we had no idea what was wrong with our internet. When we requested assistance, the workers used their technology to assess the issue and immediately reconnected the damaged line.
Due to Optimal, Kump Education Center is able to provide learning possibilities that may facilitate a more progressive link between our community and the outside world.