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University of Pennsylvania's Program to Bridge the Digital Divide
What we are doing:
We are offering service to the following Digital Divide Program sites in the academic year of 2006-2007:
Penn's Computer Refurbishing Initiative
Informally known as The Shop, the Computer Refurbishment Center processes computers donated from various university organizations and corporations. Computers are prepared for use throughout the community. Many of the programs Digital Divide assists accommodate computers from The Shop. At this site students can learn how to refurbish a computer and basic networking skills. No technological skills are necessary.
Penn Tech Team
Based in the Shop, this team of students provides technological assistance on an as-needed basis to various Digital Divide Sites. Several dozen computers labs in schools, communities of faith, and non-profits have received technical support. They have helped to install hardware and software, establish networks, and troubleshoot problems for local schools, community centers, and communities of faith.
High School Tech Teams
As part of an initiative to get partner schools more involved in using technology, Digital Divide is helping develop computer clubs for students at our partner schools. Last year, we started an after-school computer club at Sayre High School and trained 10 students to troubleshoot computer problems. The students met weekly to work in the computer labs and clusters set up by Digital Divide as well as with the school's own computer equipment. This year we are continuing with the Sayre club and extending the program to University City High School.
Training the Trainers
Initiated to fulfill the need of self-sufficiency in the community, Training the Trainers teaches community members to use their existing knowledge of computers to teach others. Penn students provide guidance and mentorship to these community members looking to better their own neighborhoods. New students will have the opportunity to work with experienced students to teach the class. This year we are focusing on providing classes to teachers at Sayre and University City High Schools where Digital Divide has done significant work in setting up computers labs over the last few years.
For more information on any of the ongoing programs, please contact digitald@pobox.upenn.edu
What we've done in the past:
Youth and School Initiatives:
Beulah Baptist School- Computer Literacy
Students who work at this site help students in second and third grade with basic computer literacy.
Calvin Presbyterian
Church - After-school Computer
and Homework Help
Calvin Presbyterian Church hosts an after-school program for pre-school and elementary school children. This program provides Penn students with an opportunity to work with computers and assist children with their homework.
EcoTech - University City High School
EcoTech encompasses numerous projects including Philly Turf Tech (a graphics-intensive E-Zine for environmental technology issues), a GIS (Geographical Information Systems) class, a Powerpoint class, an A+ class (computer training certification class) and a computer hardware course. By working with these various programs, students provide assistance to various environmentally and technologically conscious classroom service learning programs. All types of expertise are needed for these programs, including HTML knowledge or knowledge of GIS.
West Philadelphia Public Libraries- Computer Literacy
This program
provides Penn students the opportunity to work after school with teenagers.
Students come to a Teen Cafe where you can use to your creative freedom to
teach them basic computer skills.
Adult Computer Literacy Initiatives
Community
School Computer Literacy Classes - Adult Computer Literacy Classes
Run by the West Philadelphia Partnership (WPP), the Community Schools Program offers free classes to the public in various subjects ranging from basic computer skills, network and repair to job training. Classes are offered at West Philadelphia High School, Sayre High School, and University City High School. Penn students can help with curricula development, teach classes, or assist existing teachers.
Cyber Outreach - Adult Computer Literacy Classes
Cyber Outreach, a student run volunteer organization teaches basic computer skills to adults with little experience in using computers. Participants learn to the basics of how to use a computer and become familiar with commom computer programs and the Internet.
E-Lit
Specifically aimed at women living in shelters, E-Lit participants are taught the necessary computer skills to attain a job and become independent. New students will work with existing E-Lit staff to teach classes.
Potters House Mission - Adult Computer Literacy Classes
The Digital Divide class at Potter's House Mission teaches basic computer skills to adults with little experience in using computers. Participants learn to the basics of how to use a computer and become familiar with commom computer programs. After mastering basic skills, participants are taught to use a graphic design program and the Internet.
