Equity: Community Technology Centers' Network and Models
There are a wide range of resources to promote equity of access to the Web and Internet...
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The goal of the almost 150 members of the Community Technology Centers' Network is to promote equity of access to the Web and Internet. Maintained by EDC, members include after school study centers, volunteer technology facilitators, tech museums, housing associations, consumer advocacy groups, software companies and other businesses, NSF, internationally-oriented projects like I*EARN and Institute for Global Communications, special needs centers (for visually impaired, eg.), educational technology centers and regional and state networks.Some online curriculum is available but the major advantage of this site is the array of members and partners for schools to consult.
The Digital Clubhouse was established first in Silicon Valley and has just spawned a new site in New York City. Its mission is to close the equity gap not only between have- and have-no access to computers but also to encourage the building of cross-generational learning communities. Within these new communities the young teach the old-a sign of the times. Specifically, the focus is upon creating a real living lab for 21st century work in networked, multimedia design. The Digital Clubhouse is underwritten by a group of corporations and the atmosphere is loft-casual. The developers hope other clubhouses will spring up; they are tracking its progress to generate a replicable model.
Here is a sampler of exciting and innovative community networks:
ACEnet-rural southeastern Ohio-help local entrepreneurs, artists, and craftspeople sell goods and services.
LincolnNet-South Metro Chicago-youth produce Cybercast.
Mountain Area Information Network-Western North Carolina-computer recycling for the disabled
The Columbia Basin Public Information Network provides community technology centers for low-income citizens and the disabled. SMILE targets rural schools for math and science enrichment.
The US DOEducation has consolidated teaching and learning programs across 35 agencies at the federal level into one partnership (FREE). The goal is to realize Internet-based communities and thereby develop new resources and collaborative teams. The resources span history, the human genome project and the FBI. Teams can earn up to $50,000 for a proposal which begins to generate collaboration from this top level directory.
LEAP in Hartford has received national recognition for bring computers for students and families to housing projects in Hartford CONN--the playing field can be level!
The Center for Enhancement of Science and Math Education specializes, like all the regional labs, in adapting learning to the diversity of students especially in urban areas.
3Com has developed an urban challenge initiative which awards $100,000 to school-community networks in cooperation with VISTA.
For community groups, located in HUD-sponsored projects, special technical assistance is now available at Neighborhood Networks.
Intel in collaboration with the Boston Museum of Science and MIT's Media Lab is sponsoring the establishment of 100 Computer Clubhouses all around the world to reach underserved students. Its activities have been designed for after-school programs. Besides science sections offer information about future careers in science and encourage students to chart their own family trees.
In the fall of 2005 The North Central Regional Educational Laboratory published a comprehensive report about equity in science education. Good fuel for school board level decisions.
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CTCNet is a superb example of self-empowerment, offered by telecommunications. Sometimes people say money will not help improve schools; we wonder then, why wealthier folks are usually better-educated than poorer folks.This site, along with others in this Community Center, will help level the playing field.
