HERTFORD — Alta Allen laughs when she thinks about the other things she could have bought with $6,000.

A few dozen designer handbags, a number of flat screen televisions, or upgrades to her home — all could have been hers for that kind of money.

But Allen, fourth-grade teacher at Hertford Grammar School, decided her hard-earned cash needed to go elsewhere. And thanks to her generosity, students in her classroom have something that relatively few classrooms in the region have — a learning space that combines an Internet café with a traditional mash up of desks and dry erase boards.

“I would rather have something for the students like this than have a new pair of shoes,” Allen said of the 15 Dell mini-computers in her classroom that she paid for out of her own pocket.

Prior to coming to the Perquimans County Schools two years ago, Allen ran the technology department for the Beaufort County Schools. When she made the move from administrator to teacher, Allen didn’t lose her love of technology.

But what she did lose was easy access to the tools that she says motivate students the most. So little by little, Allen has been purchasing computers for her classroom.

She started with 10 last year. As soon as she paid those off, she ordered five more. Now that the second set have been paid for, Allen is working on adding an additional five.

It’s by no means a cheap investment. Allen says that in total, she spends approximately $400 on each computer.

“I just pay it monthly just like a car payment or a house payment,” Allen says.

Despite the expense — the 20 computers will cost her about $8,000 — Allen says it’s worth it.

“Kids are highly motivated using computers,” she said. “The student that you can’t get to pick up a pencil and paper will gladly get on a computer and research.”

The motivation was on display Wednesday, when Allen asked her students which one of them would like to get on the computer.

Almost instantly, every hand shot into the air. A few were sent to take tests in the round table near the door. A few more were sent to the Dells resting on top of a Tupperware bin full of books. Others were sent to the classroom’s other nooks where laptops lay.

The remaining students gave little scowls.

Allen smiled at one, and told him that if he could smile just a bit, she’d let him log on later.

Ideally, Allen says, she’ll have 26 computers in her classroom by the end of the year. She hopes that eventually, every student in her classroom will have access to their own computer.

For now, the students are just enjoying the access to technology.

Cailey Byrum says she likes working on computers because it’s more fun than sitting at a traditional desk.

“You get to do fun things and you learn a lot more,” Byrum said.

Although Allen paused a little when asked how many times the students have lost computer access this year, the students didn’t.

“Two times,” a few of them said in unison.

“It was bad,” another chimed in, before turning back to the computer in front of him.

Contact Kristin Pitts at kpitts@dailyadvance.com