Archive for June, 2009
Computer Connects to Launch New Website
A website describing the Computer Connects program will be launched at www.computerconnects.org. As Net Literacy ramps up the number of computers student volunteers repurpose from over 3,000 in 2008 to a projected 5,000-6,000 in 2009, additional schools are becoming involved in this program. Slipstream CDs created by 2008 Board Chair Brian Kelley now have Microsoft Volume License Keys integrated into them, and significantly speed up the process. Repurposing 100 computers in one day was the “word record” for Net Literacy and required a dozen student volunteers 13 hours of hard work in 2007. In 2009, half a dozen student volunteers can now repurpose 100 PIVs using Brian Kelley’s slipstream CD in seven hours. “See” more about Computer Connects at www.computerconnects.org!
Net Literacy @ Indianapolis Website Launched
Net Literacy launches a new website (www.netliteracy.org/indy) that recognizes contributions from it’s partners Bright House Networks, Intel, Lilly Endowment, and the Clowes Fund. Collectively, these organizations have contributed $100,000s in cash and in-kind services to Net Literacy. Through the generosity of our partners, hundreds of computer labs have been created or expanded and 10,000s of individuals have gained increased access to computers and the Internet. Please learn more about how are partners are enabling student volunteers to make a difference by visiting www.netliteracy.org/indy.
First of Six Net Literacy Summer Programs Begins on June 18th
Net Literacy’s first summer program begins on June 18th and concludes on August 7th. Conducted at Indianapolis Public School #68 and comprised of students attending five high schools, students will learn life skills, job skills, and provide community service as they repurpose 400 computers and build a graphical user interface website as a frontend for a virtual campus that will be made available to any school upon their request at no cost. Other Net Literacy (www.netliteracy.org) summer programs will teach Internet safety, build a financial literacy website, and repurpose 600 – 800 computers during the next 60 days. Contact [email protected] for additional information.
Net Literacy Recognized with a Jefferson Awards for Public Service
Net Literacy will receive a Jefferson Award for Public Service (http://www.jeffersonawards.org/) on June 16th in Washington DC. Net Literacy’s work will be recognized by US Senators Lugar and Bayh.
The Jefferson Awards are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America. They began in 1972 to create a Nobel Prize for public service. Today, their primary purpose is to serve as a “Call to Action for Volunteers” in local communities.
The Board of Selectors chooses the winners. The national Jefferson Awards honorees are a “Who’s Who” of American history makers. They have included: Barbara Bush, Rosalynn Carter, Colin Powell, Peyton Manning, Oprah Winfrey, Lance Armstrong, Sandra Day O’Connor and Alan Greenspan.
The Jefferson Awards has over 150 Media Partners in over 90 communities across the country. A local panel of judges selects the winners who are grassroots. These Media Partners are major local newspapers, television and radio stations.
Net Literacy was nominated for the Jefferson Award by Helen Lenke, a senior citizen that learned how to use a computer and the Internet through the Senior Connects (www.seniorconnects.org) program in 2003. In 2004, she purchased her own computer and a broadband connection. Six years later, Mrs. Lenke still sends boxes of cookies to her friendly student volunteers…and keeps up with them via email. The student volunteers fondly refer to her as their “cookie monster.”
Student Volunteers Create PSAs That Resonate With Youths
Listening to this PSA explains better than a paragraph of narrative how student volunteers create Internet safety PSAs that resonate and impact youths:
What is “Wiki-Management?”
Wiki-Management is one of the “secret ingredients” that uses the power of the net and collaboration. In 2006, Net Literacy realized that “everything is local” and that with digital inclusion, “one size does not fit all.” So using the wiki concept, Net Literacy partner schools began refining and fine-tuning the Net Literacy model based upon their own experiences. Net Literacy partner organizations and school continiously update and share their best of class practices…and our organization and processes continue to evolve as we incorporate the great new ideas that continue to be suggested and are incorporate into our evolving model. As students refined this process, Net Literacy coined the term ”wiki-management.”
Net Literacy’s student empowered all volunteer organization personifies this term where a model continiously evolves in a changing online environment to maintain a constant mission. Wiki-management is a secret ingredient that differentiates Net Literacy’s digital inclusion model. As the Internet progresses from Web 3.0 to Web 5.0, wiki-management will become recognized as an Internet empowered and Net savvy way of collaborating and efficiently conducing business in an online, synergistic, and real time manner.
More about wiki-management is at http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Wiki-management
June 8th USIIA-Net Literacy Press Conference
On June 8th, the USIIA (www.usiia.org) and Net Literacy (www.netliteracy.org) will conduct a joint press conference to announce their white paper and release it to the FCC and Congress proposing a national blueprint to reduce the digital divide throughout America. The press conference will be conducted at the National Press Club and feature David McClure, President of the USIIA (US Internet Industry Association) and Daniel Kent, Board of Directors at Net Literacy. The white paper is entitled:
“Digital Inclusion: Bringing The Rest Of America Online With Broadband”