CTC programming
CTC Implementation and Support
Organization:
The Timothy Smith Network VISTA Name:
David Johnson
Program Start:
9/2004
Program End:
9/2005
Project Outcome:
David has assisted TSN Coordinator with the procurement, development, distribution and evaluation of instructional materials for member sites.
David has met with eligible sites independently and jointly with TSN coordinator as well as helped procure and disseminate information between sites and the TSN coordinator. Because of David’s technical background and ability to grasp the complete picture he has resolved many problems and questions before they could become issues. Once the financial issues are resolved, David will independently visit the Centers receiving equipment to ensure that its installation is complete and satisfies the Center’s requirements. As a result of the David’s assistance the current round of hardware and furniture upgrades is ahead of last years pace.
David is serving as the Project Manager for the re-design of the website). Davis is coordinating the translation of a portion of the website into Spanish and is keeping the content of the web site up to date. David frequently provides help desk support to members using the site.
David is currently serving as a fifth-grade group leader for the Kinetic City program. Kinetic City is a science-based program aligned with Boston Public School standards for grades 3-6 designed to be offered in out-of school time. David along with key staff from member sites will be trained to both run the program and sites as well as on how to train others to lead the program. David will provide important feedback as we pilot this train-the-trainer program being developed jointly with MIT’s Kavli Institute.
• David has developed and is maintaining two databases for managing the information needed for reporting to our funders—Boston Connects, Inc. and the Timothy Smith Fund. These databases track information for 40 sites, hundreds of classes, and thousands of students.
• David completed a series of classes at BNN TV’s Multimedia Center and used these new skills to video the recent Girls Get Connected Conference. It is anticipated that he will turn this into a CD or DVD which can be used for publicity for upcoming conferences. David will also use these skills to create a CD or DVD of success stories of individuCenter activities.
Impact Quote:
I must take this opportunity to comment on David directly. He demonstrates a level of maturity far beyond that which I have seen from others in his position. His attention to detail and in depth-technical skills have has enabled him to successfully create and
maintain the databases critical to the TSN’s daily operation. David’s work ethic is outstanding—he is never late, he is never absent, he never complains, he is totally reliable. If I give his something to get done he does it on time and accurately with a minimum of input, much less supervision. David demonstrates real depth and breadth of perspective in meetings with funders, meeting with TS Center staff, and in meetings with the TSN Steering Committee. Of particular note is the “business acumen” he applies to the TSN which he acquired through planning his business in Milwaukee.
CTC After-School Programming
Organization:
First Baptist Church VISTA Name:
Charlena Barnes
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
6/2004
Project Description:
The mission of the FBC Computer C.A.F.E. is to spread today’s technological knowledge around the community and to empower the members of the church and community through technology training. We strive to elevate youth to positive futures through using computer technology for tutoring, cultural events, and mentoring by pairing stable, professional adults both working and retired with youth.
Goal 1: Implement an after-school program
Goal 2: Facilitate a Business Center
Goal 3: Public and private sector resources will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
During her term, Charlena researched three online volunteer management programs and posted volunteer position descriptions. Charlena organized activities for the Black Family Technology Awareness Week, which consisted of three days of workshops focusing on family, technology, and financial stability. She developed, coordinated, and managed the workshops.
Charlena met with World Vision, First Baptist Church staff and Middle School Youth Rep. to develop and implement an ongoing student recruit drive.
She provided assistance to business center users and provides technical assistance to the church, its members, and the community.
She has developed procedures for an after-school program.
She developed the FBC Computer C.A.F.E. website (http://fchurch.org/cafe/index.shtml).
Youth Digital Literacy Training Development
Organization:
RTPNet VISTA Name:
Douglas Dumont
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
6/2003
Project Description:
Douglas worked with Duke University faculty and students to develop CLICK (Creating Literacy in Computer Knowledge), a computer literacy training program for 6th graders. CLICK develops computer skills for at-risk middle school students, engaging them in an after-school setting that is interactive and fun. CLICK lessons include Internet research, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations. The website (http://www.duke.edu/web/isis/click/about.html) contains downloadable lesson plans and teaching modules, as well as tips and hints for starting up a technology training class.
Project Outcome:
Douglas worked very well with Duke’s faculty and students. He recruited and trained students to teach CLICK, and he worked with the faculty and staff of the ISIS (Information Science and Information Studies) certificate program, primarily Edward A. Shanken, Executive Director, and Katie Watchman, Program Coordinator.
Douglas is now a graduate student in Biomedical Engineering at Duke.
Impact Quote:
I am especially pleased with Douglas’ work. He completed all his tasks exceptionally well.
CTC Program Building
Organization:
RTPNet VISTA Name:
Ella Holden
Program Start:
4/2002
Program End:
4/2003
Project Description:
This year has been successful, for we conducted the following classes here at the Riley Hill Technology Center: Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, as well as Introduction to the personal computer. The total number of students attending was 54. As Ella says, “I was blessed with seven volunteer instructors by advertising in the community. I was also privileged to teach Microsoft Word with an Introduction to the Personal Computer.”
A Computer Repair course was developed for Riley Hill Community Technology Center. Ella decided to use two resources to develop this course: Computer Concepts (Third Edition) and Technology for Social Change’s curriculum (www.tecschange.org) with their permission. Ella also planned to use the RTPnet site as a reference for this course.
Project Outcome:
Developing this course has helped Ella to better troubleshoot computers, for there are individuals in the community that are in dire need of help. These individuals bring their personal computers to the center for technical support. In the Wendell Community and surrounding areas, the Riley Hill Technology Center is the only source that does not charge a fee for service.
We very grateful to add our source of Volunteers & Technology Resources. We have used the following sources this year (2003-2004):
• Schools (K-12) students as well as other personnel
• Community Colleges
• Libraries (Public and Other)
• Local businesses
• Wake Forest Pediatrics (Wake Forest, NC)
• Churches (Wakefield, Zebulon First Baptist etc.)
• RTP.net (Website)
• Family and Friends of staff members
• Department of Social Services (Eastern Regional Center, Zebulon)
• Retired Senior citizens
The quality of life has improved for the youth and adults who have taken computer classes at the center, however updating the computer equipment as well as software is still needed. We are currently looking for funding for this project and for a long-term way of sustaining the center. The Riley Hill Survey Plan has given some insight on how to get this plan implemented.
Impact Quote:
“Ella has done an outstanding job in coordinating and teaching classes as mentioned in her report this period. She is very dependable, very cooperative, a team player, and continues to be an asset to the Riley Hill Community. Her interaction with others (peers, youth, students, etc.) is outstanding. During this time period, there have not been any negative comments received regarding Ella. To sum it up, I would rate her as ‘Consistently Exceeds’ the requirements in all aspects of the job.”
- supervisor
CTC Program Building
Organization:
Break Away Technologies VISTA Name:
Will Loeb
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
6/2004
Project Description:
With respect to the VISTA project, it is Breakaway Technologies’ goal to assist individuals with 6th grade reading and math skills to increase their skills to ninth grade levels via our contextualized literacy program.
Goal 1: To develop a curriculum for the contextualized literacy program and determine its effectiveness.
Goal 2: To secure adoption of the contextualized literacy program by the American Association of Community Colleges.
Goal 3: To develop forms and procedures for BT to use in connection with the contextualized literacy program.
Goal 4: To develop community partnerships for BT’s Smarthood.net program and CTCs through partner outreach.
Project Outcome:
In specific terms: in respect to Goal #1, we have in fact created a contextualized literacy program in response to the previously assessed needs of the A+ candidates. In conjunction with the curriculum we have produced the necessary adjoining workbook. At this time we have just completed our first test run of this curriculum, we are currently gathering and analyzing the feedback from subjects along with our partnering organizations. To date the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We are now moving to incorporate this data into the program itself.
As to Goal #2 the materials are currently under review by the AACC. We are expecting helpful feedback and an overall smooth process. At this point in time the curriculum remains under advisement with the AACC.
On Goal #3 we have created and put in place specific operating agreements with our various partner organizations. As these agreements were drafted by a VISTA who is a lawyer, they are professionally created and agreed upon by all concerned.
CTC Implementation and Outreach
Organization:
Pangea Foundation VISTA Name:
Edith Yang
Program Start:
8/2002
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
- Help develop an implementation plan for 25 CTC’s in San Diego County and 25 CTC’s in Orange County
- Help implement Abilities Networks and train CTC’s in San Diego and Orange County
- Help develop an implementation plan for statewide usage in California, which includes 5 workshops and a pilot with 20 CTC’s
- Public and private sector resources will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
Beth and Edith worked well above their call of duty to lead the efforts of designing a system that helped bring technology solutions to low-income senior and disabilities housing properties. They worked directly with staff at affordable housing properties for seniors and people with disabilities as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Southern California office to make sure that Pangea designed a system that could help low-income seniors and people with disabilities use technology to access community resources to meet their need. They designed the functional specification of the system, and then worked daily with Pangea’s software developers to oversee the development of the system. They have been praised by every organization they worked with, especially HUD’s Southern California Neighborhood Networks team leader.
CTC Outreach and Implementation
Organization:
Pangea Foundation VISTA Name:
Beth Joseph
Program Start:
9/2002
Program End:
9/2003
Project Description:
- Help develop an implementation plan for 25 CTC’s in San Diego County and 25 CTC’s in Orange County
- Help implement Abilities Networks and train CTC’s in San Diego and Orange County
- Help develop an implementation plan for statewide usage in California, which includes 5 workshops and a pilot with 20 CTC’s
- Public and private sector resources will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
Beth and Edith worked well above their call of duty to lead the efforts of designing a system that helped bring technology solutions to low-income senior and disabilities housing properties. They worked directly with staff at affordable housing properties for seniors and people with disabilities as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Southern California office to make sure that Pangea designed a system that could help low-income seniors and people with disabilities use technology to access community resources to meet their need. They designed the functional specification of the system, and then worked daily with Pangea’s software developers to oversee the development of the system. They have been praised by every organization they worked with, especially HUD’s Southern California Neighborhood Networks team leader.
Impact Quote:
The transition of Abilities Networks into Abilities For RSCs would not have been possible without having AmeriCorps*VISTA members Beth and Edith! Given the small staff at Pangea and the limited nonprofit resources available today, we relied heavily upon the involvement of our two AmeriCorps members to help make every aspect of this project possible.