Making community technology centers accessible and welcoming

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Abstract

Simply providing computer equipment isn't enough to bridge the digital divide. Technology is most effective when it is combined with technical support, staffed computer labs, and properly maintained computer systems. The Seattle Community Technology Alliance reassessed the needs of the community technology centers (CTCs) in its area and implemented an action plan. The results changed the perception of the centers from little more than empty computer labs to resources for individual and community development. This effective practice is excerpted with permission from an article that originally appeared on the Seattle Community Network website.

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Issue

By the end of 1999 the Seattle area had established 35 community technology centers (CTCs) for residents in need of computer and Internet access. Unfortunately most of the CTCs were understaffed, providing infrequent hours and poorly maintained computers.

Although thousands of dollars worth of space and technology had been generously donated to bridge the digital divide, much of those resources were not being utilized. An assessment of CTCs found that bridging the digital divide takes more than just throwing equipment and software at the problem. The assessment discovered a lack of community networking and involvement and the false perception of technology as an end, rather than as a tool. CTCs needed to be viewed as more than just a source for technological access but also as a means for individual and community welfare and development.

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Action

An assessment of community technology centers by the Seattle Community Technology Alliance (SCTA) identified several key needs, among them:
  1. Timely and capable tech support
  2. Trained staff for managing the labs
  3. Contemporary and consistent systems, networking, and internet connectivity
  4. Technology training for lab patrons as well as paid staff and volunteers
  5. Effective marketing, advertising, and outreach
As a result, SCTA hired full- and part-time administrators and staff (initially one project coordinator, four lab coordinators, and one technician); obtained technology matching funds for select projects; and secured the donation of state-of-the-art computers, software, and Internet connectivity.The Alliance recruited several AmeriCorps*VISTA members to assist with training, marketing, outreach, and the implementation and sustainability of the program. The responsibilities of the various members were as follows:
  • Worked with the City of Seattle Technology Department; responsible for recruiting volunteers to assist the part-time lab coordinators, the roll-out of a needs-awareness and community outreach project, and served as the liaison between various partners in the project.
  • Consulted with low-income housing projects on how to start and maintain computer labs as well as provided recycled computer equipment, software, classes, and limited tech support for existing labs.
  • Worked with an organization that helps the homeless; maintained their computer lab, assisted the organization with limited tech support, and facilitated the training needs of the patrons. Also active in organizing collaborations between the AmeriCorps*VISTA members in Seattle working on the digital divide.
  • Worked with Seattle Community Network; provided technology training for the local libraries and the targeted CTCs, technology resource development and listings, CTC and digital divide research and analysis, and community networking.
A graduate student at the University of Washington and a staff member of the university's Office of Educational Partnership worked together in negotiating service-learning contracts with the targeted CTCs. This provided 20 college students with part-time jobs that allowed them to apply the skills they learned while gaining work experience for future employment. This was also a cost-effective way to help staff the labs with knowledgeable personnel (beyond the lab coordinators hired by the SCTA).

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Context

The City of Seattle Technology Department, in conjunction with the Seattle Public Library, various public and corporate technology organizations, students and faculty at several universities and colleges, and select community centers, formed the Seattle Community Technology Alliance. The partnership designed and implemented a comprehensive digital divide program that could be scaled, and obtained funding from the Federal Department of Education to support its efforts.

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Outcome

As of Fall 2001, there were seven sustainable, fully functional, staffed and supported CTCs with high-speed Internet connections, and several other CTCs in development. Most of the labs put into place a comprehensive educational package complete with basic technology learning paths, career services, and literacy programs. Thousands of minority, low-income, disabled, and elderly community residents gained access to computers and the Internet that otherwise would not have been avaible to them.

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Posted On

July 31, 2001

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For More Information

Craig Kyte
Seattle Community Technology Alliance
Project Director
Phone: (206) 386-4687

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