is the PEN in need of a facelift?

[Barbara Jayne Rosen]

VA PEN for the couple of times I have used it is very
antiquated, and slow. Internet access is limited, and
interactive talking is virtually impossible, unless you really
know what you are doing. Perhaps it's time for VA PEN to get
into the 21st century, and use the technology that is
accessible to them.

[Lisa E. Gregory]

I use VAPEN and I find that for the price, *FREE*, it doesn't get
any better than this. VAPEN is a great opportunity to learn
about the internet and I have been very pleased with the
opportunity to set up an e-mail account and to get on-line for
free. I have also introduced students to the internet who do
not even have computers. None of this could happen without
VAPEN. I do not find VAPEN any slower than other internet
providers that I have worked with. Maybe your modem is slow.
I have been able to get to almost any internet address that I
type in. If you use the Netscape program (also FREE) you can
get any graphics you want. I must say that I am pleased with
the service and that I can only hope that they continue to
provide service to Virginia for years to come. You say that
they need to use technology that is available to them...what
technology is this? Do they have people trained to use it?
Will they have to cut out the free access in order to use this
technology? I'm sorry that your experience with VAPEN has not
been as fulfilling as mine. Better luck in the future.

---
L. Gregory
Biology Teacher
Frederick Co., VA