BUENA PARK : Girl Goes Global Via Computer

Christy Delzeit has an electronic world of information at her fingertips.

Through computer networking, the 12-year-old Buena Park student can access new information, learn technology skills and make global friends or “key pals.”

Christy, who was promoted Thursday from sixth grade at San Marino Elementary, is one of 11 students from countries around the world attending the Global Classroom Youth Congress next week in Washington to discuss developments in instructional computer networking.

The Youth Congress is part of the World Future Society Seventh General Assembly, a conference of policy-makers in government, education and business, which is being held Sunday through Thursday.

Christy and the other students attending the conference will demonstrate projects in international student telecommunications. Students will also give their views on the future of education.

Joining Christy at the conference will be Mia Sillanpaa, 15, from Valkeala, Finland, who is staying with the Delzeit family for six weeks. The two met through computer networking.

Christy and Mia, who both plan on careers in computers, said they are looking forward to the conference to learn from students from other countries and hear new ideas in telecommunications.

Christy will be making a presentation on “Academy One,” an on-line computer information resource program created more than two years ago by her mother.

“I wanted an avenue for the kids that was educational--where kids could go (into the system) and be comfortable and safe,” said Linda D. Delzeit, director of education for National Public Telecomputing Network. She said computer networking promotes the concept of a “classroom without walls.”

“It takes local information and turns it into a global lesson,” she said.

Academy One is an educational resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators, Delzeit said. There is no cost to the users or participating schools. More than 300 schools worldwide are participating in Academy One, she said.

The program is offered through National Public Telecomputing Network, a nonprofit organization that helps communities bring local computer systems on line, Delzeit said.

Delzeit, who has taught other students at San Marino Elementary how to use Academy One as well as teachers, said the program’s educational value is unlimited--and the skills learned are necessary to become successful adults.

“There isn’t going to be a decent-paying job in the future that doesn’t involve computers and telecommunications,” Delzeit said. “So we’re preparing kids with the skills to use on the job--and we’re doing it in a fun way.”

Through this electronic schoolhouse, students can learn a wealth of information, she said. For example, they can engage in electronic conversations with other students from across the country and world and learn about their holidays, customs, cultures or news events.

Students can learn foreign languages through electronic mail, access the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s databases, and can even call up artwork on their screens created by children in other cities and countries.

“The network is only a tool--it’s not the end result,” Delzeit said. “The network provides the connection to information and the exchange of information--and the end result is a better understanding between the nations and between the kids.”