Several members of a group of Mathews residents concerned about increasing requirements for internet access to complete homework assignments spoke to the county school board at its July 16 meeting, which was held in the Mathews High School media center.

Group members MaryLou Sterling, Judy Rowe, Eunice Hyer and Gaylen Davis submitted a letter to the school board prior to the meeting, which outlined their position on the internet usage requirements. After hearing from the group, the school board decided to place the item on its August agenda to hear from a professional on the matter and discuss it more in depth.

According to the letter, group members understand that the computer is a present reality and that life and work in the future will require considerable internet literacy. "But," the letter continued, "the present framework which sends second graders home with online work that affects grades raises serious questions."

The group cited a recent survey that was conducted sho...