PICAYUNE, Miss. – The students in Patricia McCarthy’s first and second grade class now have a new tool when it comes to learning about the continents, animals, and the solar system.

On January 18, 2008, Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) USA donated a desktop computer to McCarthy’s class at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Elementary School in Picayune.

Ellen Loper, principal at the school, said the computer was a much needed addition for the school and its students.

“Our students enjoy computer activities everyday including journaling, painting, and math and language skill building games,” Loper said. “Since our diocese is presently using the PowerSchool student management system, Mrs. [McCarthy] will soon use her new computer to post grades, lesson plans and student attendance into the system from the comfort of her own classroom. A big thanks to DOT for their most generous gift to us!"

On hand for the donation was Nuria Arias, Program Director, Patricia Fowler, Program Manager, and Joshua Thomas, Communications Specialist, of Digital Opportunity Trust USA. DOT USA is a nonprofit organization that is currently working with educators in Louisiana and Mississippi schools by training teachers on how to better use technology in the classroom.

“We are delighted by the opportunity to provide this computer to the students here at the St. Charles Borromeo,” Arias said. “All across the country, technology is becoming an integral part in the education process and we at DOT are very happy to help facilitate that type of environment here at the school.”

Mrs. McCarthy, who has been teaching for more than thirty years, actively engages her students to use technology by providing assignments that require them to use the computer in school and at home. Many of her students are excited about the new opportunities the computer provides for classroom activities.

"We can learn about the rainforest, space, and even snakes," students Robin, Errol, and Hunter said.

"I want to use the computer to learn about animals in Australia," Camilla added.

Staff at the school are working with very limited technology resources, with only a handful of computers available for use.

One student said that she’s happy that she now doesn’t have to go to the school’s makeshift computer lab to do her assignments.

"We can use it anytime because it is in our room," Lauren said.