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Archive for January, 2010
Broadband for America Blog About Net Literacy
Net Literacy is a member of Broadband for America and today, the following blog was posted at http://www.broadbandforamerica/blog/net-literacy-works-bring-internet-everyone
Net Literacy Works to Bring the Internet to Everyone
While the FCC has been working on a national broadband plan for Congress, much of the focus has rightly been on how best to make high-speed Internet access and adoption universal. When most people think about broadband access, they probably imagine the cables and construction tools behind broadband deployment. However, at Net Literacy, we focus on another area of the national broadband foundation that is equally important: providing computers for the public and teaching people how to safely navigate the web. http://www.netliteracy.org/index.asp
The digital divide can hit both children and seniors; families who cannot afford a computer at home, or the broadband services that power them, risk denying their children access to the same learning resources of their classmates. Likewise, seniors who have not made the jump across the digital divide are missing out on access to medical services, the convenience and privacy of online shopping and the opportunity to telework when physical restrictions may otherwise keep them out of the office. And everyone else in between is increasingly finding that most job listings are online.
That’s why our team of student youth volunteers work with our adult staff to increase computer access by creating public computer labs where we can teach basic computer and Internet skills to the community and educate both kids and parents about online safety. In 2003, we began our Senior Connects program, which helps bridge the digital divide by having students teach senior citizens computer skills on a one-to-one basis. The program has quickly spread across the state of Indiana. In addition, we publish many of our other materials online where anyone can use them. http://www.netliteracy.org/other_programs.asp
Getting broadband access to everyone in America is only half the challenge. The high-speed Internet adoption process also requires the computer training and knowledge to safely and smartly navigate the web whether you’re a grade school student or well into your retirement. Net Literacy is a BFA member for more information about them visit http://www.netliteracy.org
TechPoint Foundation Awards $8,000 to Net Literacy
The Techpoint Foundation was instrumental in Net Literacy’s (www.netliteracy.org) birthing process. Said Daniel Kent, President of Senior Connects (now call Net Literacy), “the Techpoint Foundation was the first organization that provided Net Literacy Funding – together with Bright House Networks. This provided us a $20,000 grant in 2005 and enabled us to expand our offering to include Internet safety and reducing the digital divide among youth.” The Techpoint Foundation continued funding us for the next couple of years until they made the decision to focus their efforts to help New Tech High at Arsenal Tech. New Tech High began operations in 2008 and Net Literacy formed a chapter at New Tech High in 2009. ”
In 2007, the Techpoint Foundation awarded Net Literacy the Bridge Builder Award.” More can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LnRdscXElE
New Student Leadership Named
The following student leadership appointments have been made – congratulations to all honorees:
Student Chair – David Johnson
Student President – Daniel Kent
Chief Technology Officer – Brian Kelley
Student Vice President – Will Petrovic
Daniel Kent was the organization’s first President, then served as Student Chair and Member of the Board of Directors. Brian Kelley has served as Student Chair and Team Leader of Computer Connects. Will Petrovic has served as Student Chair and Team Leader of Computer Connects. Congratulations to all.
All existing and former Student Chairs will comprise the Student Executive Committee.
19 Net Literacy Alliance Chapters and Affiliates Participate in Mini-Grant Program
19 Net Literacy (www.netliteracyalliance.org) chapters made the deadline and are able to compete for one of three $1,000 grants to promoted digital inclusion. While several Net Literacy chapters and affiliates did not meet the deadline to compete for the $1,000 grants, they will qualify for the Mini-Grant programs. These grants will enable the chapters torepurpose hundreds of computers, teach Internet safety to elementary and middle school students, and help teach seniors and other computer and Internet skills. Winners include:
a. YWCA in the City of Marion (whose Net Literacy Chapter has recently combined with the Marion Housing Authority).
b. Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
c. Arlington Community School
d. John Marshall Community School
e. TC Howe Community School
f. Tech Force (at ITT Tech)
g. Carmel Connects (Carmel High School)
h. Northwest High School
i. George Washington Community High School
j. Providence Cristo Rey High School
k. Connersville Middle School
l. New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech
m. New Tech School of IDEAS (Decatur Central High School)
n. Eastview School (Connersville)
o. IPS Off Campus Instruction School
p. Rensselaer Central Middle School
q. Net Literacy Chapter at Fort Wayne Housing Authority
r. Net Literacy Chapter at Fort Wayne Urban League
s. Net Literacy Chapter at Fort Wayne Community Schools
The competition was tough and the following schools will be invited to compete for a $1,000 grant – YWCA/Marion Housing Authority, IPS Off Campus Instructional School, New Tech School of IDEAS, New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech, and TC Howe. The following schools were recognized but did not receive enough points to qualify to compete for the next round of the $1,000 grant. Congratulations since they received Honorable Mentions – Rensselaer Central Middle School, Providence Cristo Rey, Tech Force (ITT Tech), Net Literacy at Fort Wayne Community Schools, Northwest High School, Carmel Connects (Carmel High School) and John Marshall Community High School. Again, congratulations to all.