computer skills training
Computer and Digital Literacy Program Building
Organization:
Black Child & Family Institute VISTA Name:
Victoria Jackson
Program Start:
6/2001
Program End:
8/2003
Project Description:
Closing the Digital Gap Program
Objective 1: The Program Director, BCFI staff and volunteers will provide orientation and introduction to the project and the Lansing community
Objective 2: New Horizon Computer Learning Center staff will provide four days of training in Beginning, Intermediate and Advance Windows and Beginning Internet.
Objective 3: Provide training and support in helping members of the target population increase their computer knowledge and skills.
Objective 4: : VISTA workers will assist in the implementation of the Port of Entry/Closing the Gap program
Objective 5: Public and private sector resources will enable the project to continue after the Members leave.
Project Outcome:
Objective 1: Objective completed at the beginning of the program-February 2001.
Objective 2: All Vistas Have had over 10 days of training.
Objective 3: Victoria has provided support services to all 516 graduates
Objective 4: Victoria has scheduled Workshops for 414 graduates since she started. She has assisted in the recruitment of 24 volunteers. Victoria is part of the new and old equipment teams. These teams are responsible for the dispensing and acquiring of all computers and component parts.Victoria has assisted in the scheduling of 24 volunteers,
Objective 5: We have received funding from foundations for over $90,000. We fell short of our objective to raise $8,000 from faith based organizations and $14,000 in individual donations. We received $7,100 from faith based organizations and $10,000 from individuals. We have received a continuation from the City of Lansing Economic Development Initiative and increased the funding to $40,000.
One of the major problems our program has encountered in the past is the overwhelming popularity our program; we have reduced our waiting list to the point that that a new applicant is able to attend class in 6-8 months. We have a new internet service provider ACD.NET who has generously agreed to provide all of the Closing the Digital Gap’s graduates with free 1 year internet service. We have come along way in a short period of time, but we still have a long way to go.
CAMINOS Pathways Learning Center
Website:
http://www.caminossf.org/ Location:
San Francisco, CA
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, CAMINOS enables low-income, Latina immigrants to create opportunities for self and economic improvement through access to technology. CAMINOS is a non-profit organization dedicated to using technology to improve the lives of Latina immigrants. By enabling unemployed or underemployed Latina, immigrant women move from manual or service labor to office and technology-based work, thus interrupting the cycle of poverty and social isolation affecting Latina immigrant women’s health and wellbeing.
CAMINOS works to ensure that low-income Latina immigrant women in the community can reap the benefits of the information revolution that is fundamentally changing our economic and social structure. Without programs such as ours, poor communities would miss the opportunity to be integrated into the technological era, further exacerbating existing equity problems.
Our programs work together to empower Latina immigrant women to build living-wage careers within the information and technology sector.dive
CTC Program Building
Organization:
San Diego Cyber-Y VISTA Name:
Sharon al Hourani
Program Start:
8/2002
Project Description:
Goal 1: To help create and find sustainable solution for a new technology based afterschool program targeting youth in the community.
Goal 2: To help design and find funding for technology skills workshops aimed at adult community members
Goal 3: Help design a program evaluation system that accurately monitors the Cyber Y’s programs
Goal 4: Design a program to manage and recruit 10 new Cyber Y volunteers
Goal 5: Work with other San Diego Community Technology Coalition (SDCTC) members to help find collaborative solutions to region wide community technology challenges.
Project Outcome:
Sharon has shown only the utmost dedication to the Cyber Y and has helped nurture our afterschool programming into a highly successful and sought after community afterschool option for our neighborhood. The first class was an overwhelming success with high retention and participation from our local 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. This semester we added one day of programming and now offer Cyber Y afterschool for 3rd and 4th together and a separate class for the 5th graders.
In addition, Sharon has also worked closely with the Cyber Seniors class that meets once a week and provides ongoing instruction support and recruitment for the class. She also developed an open access time one morning a week in order to provide additional out of class time to participants to have more computer usage time. Starting with only a couple of attendees, word of mouth has quickly filled up this morning time.
Impact Quote:
As the Project Director for YMCA Youth and Family Services’ Community Collaborations Project Area I can say that it has been a tremendous asset to our programs to have Sharon onboard as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member. Sharon has shown only the utmost dedication to the Cyber Y and has helped nurture our afterschool programming into a highly successful and sought after community afterschool option for our neighborhood.
San Diego Cyber-Y
Location:
San Diego, CA
In effort by the YMCA to set up Community Technology Centers (CTCs).
Recruitment Resources Consulting
Website:
http://lctc.org/ Location:
Lowell, MA
The RRCTC (Recruitment Resources Community Technology Center) is a multi-service computer educational program administered by Recruitment Resources Consulting. The Center is located at the Flanagan Center, a neighborhood tenant facility through the Lowell Housing Authority. The RRCTC focuses on functional computer skills designed to enhance employment and educational pursuits. We currently offer a five-days per week after-school program that works with kids ages 7-17 on computer skills that will enhance their educational experience. The program works in conjunction with the tutoring program at the Center administered by Casey Family Services and the Boy’s Club. The computer curriculum promotes basic skill acquisition as well as project-based learning in community organization, education and leadership. The program is open to all youth living in the Lowell Housing Authority.
Website and Database Development
Organization:
Lowell Telecommunications Corporation VISTA Name:
Kevin Loechner
Program Start:
11/2001
Program End:
11/2002
Project Description:
The goals Kevin has been working on are:
1.Creating a strong network infrastructure that is affordable, stable and easy to manage for non-tech people.
2.Developing a website presence and plan for 3 local nonprofits.
3.Contributing to the development of a Computer Training book to teach Microsoft Office programs to adult learners. Progress has been made toward completing the Excel training.
Project Outcome:
In terms of capacity building, we have had the greatest success with goal 1. Kevin has been leading the project to transfer our network from a Windows to a Linux operating system, while training two staff members to be able to take on the technical duties when he leaves.
With regard to goal 2, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell site is essentially complete, although has not been launched due to decisions still to be made on the part of the club. Unfortunately, we fell short on this goal, which was to complete three sites by the end of Kevin’s term. . We hope to have Kevin create a template that can be used by other nonprofits that would like a website.
As a result of Kevin’s work on goal 3, we have a rough draft of the first part of a project based Excel training near completion, and hope to have the beta version done by Kevin’s departure.
We had two other goals Kevin was going to work on that we did not pursue. One was helping with the development of an information-interviewing library; the other was working on developing a volunteer program for the Lowell Community Technology Consortium.
Computer Training Curriculum Development
Organization:
Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA) VISTA Name:
Alison Hale
Program Start:
8/2001
Program End:
11/2002
Project Description:
Alison has gotten a great deal accomplished in the past six months: the completion and maintenance of a student-tracking database, the revision of our Introduction to Computers curriculum including the translation of portions into Spanish, the development of a curriculum for a Netscape Composer class, the expansion of our Technology Center’s software library, the development of a plan to encourage computer use among the adult population of Villa Victoria, and work towards the creation of a youth magazine. In addition, Alison has continued to work with community residents in open lab and to otherwise help maintain the technology center.
Project Outcome:
Alison’s assistance to launch and to implement the Introduction to Computers at the technology center has helped the residents of the Villa Victoria to understand the basics of computers operation via a three-day class. This program has trained over 250 people and distributed 91 computers among our community.
Impact Quote:
Without Alison, El Batey Technology Center simply would not have been so successful, she is an intelligent young woman with many talents and a true interest in community. The Villa Victoria has gained a wonderful friend in Alison and we hope she knows she will always have a home here.
Program and Curriculum Development
Organization:
Kids Computer Workshop VISTA Name:
Benedict Tisa
Program Start:
6/2002
Program End:
6/2003
Project Description:
Objective 1: Develop a series of activities cards for computer learning
a. Identify 15 topics and start to develop content, along with instructional materials.
b. Develop 40 individual cards or lessons
c. Pilot test material on program that will train 20 tutors.
d. Modify based on experience during implementation.
Objective 2: Develop resources section for the KCW (Kids’ Computer Workshop) website
a. Develop resources that can be used by students, tutors and parents.
b. Maintain and update resource section.
c. Identify person to maintain and update the resource section of the web site as needed.
Objective 3: Develop and implement classes for seniors
a. Develop and implement course materials based on feedback from two focus groups.
b. Develop a series of five short courses geared to the needs of 20 seniors’ from the Shaw/Columbia Heights community.
c. Identify two volunteers to continue working with senior outreach.
Objective 4: Develop and implement community outreach activities in the Columbia Height-Shaw area of the District of Columbia
a. Identify at lease two potential partners to strengthen and increase programs’ capacity.
b. Working with other CTC in the Columbia Height/Shaw area, develop outreach programs in the community.
Project Outcome:
Objective 1
This has been accomplished and has developed into a Resource for Educators section of the KCW web page. Educational topics were identified and the materials developed in both digital and print form when appropriate.
Objective 2
Resources have been developed for the following topics: Resources for Educators that covers KCW specific materials as well as a resource to other information and organization useful to teachers and students in the KCW program as well as resources for adult class that offered at the YMCA by KCW.
Objective 3
These classes have been held each Thursday; the enrolment had to be limited to 15 participants due to space requirements. Courses and class materials were developed that not only impart computer skills but also are focused on activities and resources that empower seniors to take part in community, governmental, social and health activities.
Objective 4
Two additional partners have been identified and are in the process of implementing or developing activities with KCW.
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 assistance
Organization:
RTPNet VISTA Name:
Martha Moore
Program Start:
2/2001
Program End:
6/2004
Project Description:
The scope and activities of Martha’s job have been changing. Our original plan was for her to work with adults to develop job skills. However, the Learning Center is now leased to the John Avery Boys and Girls Club. They are liable for activities in the Center, and they only want activities in the Center when there is a John Avery Boys and Girls Club person there. So Martha’s worked has changed scope.
Project Outcome:
Martha acquired a new Internet linux server (donated from Teaming for Technology) She also has gotten new network wiring and hubs. New software was acquired from fees from computer classes and donations. She has forged a partnership with Goodwill Training for free online classes.
Working with GCF online training, she has renewed her partnership with them and now facilitates classes of Adult students online.
She is upgrading the computer lab. She has gotten more furniture for the lab. She will be acquiring from Teaming for Technology 20 upgraded units (17 for the lab and 3 to go to students in the community). The Lab will also be re networked.
She is also a Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) Pride Ambassador. She assists the bus drivers with issues that she can handle to help the bus driver do his job more effectively. She goes to monthly meetings to help in transportation decisions for her community. The perk that comes with this is that she gets to ride the bus free for a year.
Impact Quote:
“I’m proud of the work Martha has done and have enjoyed working with her.”
- Supervisor