Bringing technology support to schools in low-income communities

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Abstract

AmeriCorps members, in partnership with technology firms and nonprofit organizations, are bringing technology support to schools and community organizations across America. Serving as program facilitators in schools located in low-income communities, AmeriCorps members interface with teachers and students, teaching technology-based programs during school hours and in after-school programs. NetDay provides AmeriCorps members with technical training and support, as well as orientation on community service. This program was highlighted in the National Service News, Issue No. 167, September 2002, published by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Issue

Providing appropriate technology resources to low-income communities and schools.

Action

Effective practices include:

NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge (NAB) Program members serve as program facilitators in schools located in low-income communities, working with teachers and students, teaching technology-based programs during school hours and in after-school programs.

For example, in 2001, NAB members:

Installed and configured network computers in schools in partnership with a large computer company
Trained elementary school teachers as lead trainers on new computers
Created a training manual for school technology coordinators to use for troubleshooting after computer installation
Developed a science curriculum using technology resources and training teachers and students on Internet research for the curriculum
Refurbished and donated computers to students' homes
Instructed teachers one-on-one in software appropriate for classroom use

NetDay provides AmeriCorps members with technical training and support, as well as orientation on community service. NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge members are trained in:

Civic responsibility, conflict resolution, team building, and leadership development
Technology skills including hardware, software, and networking
(At the Detroit School for the Deaf) American Sign Language so that they can better serve the students and teachers
Computer building and repair
Adaptive arts that are being used in the special needs schools where they serve

A NetDay project coordinator administers the program in each community. The project coordinator is also responsible for fostering school and community relationships, local partner development, member development, and program paperwork. The project coordinator is also responsible for fostering school and community relationships, local partner development, member development, and program paperwork.

Context

Founded in 1996, NetDay is a national non-profit organization with a mission to connect every child to a brighter future by helping educators meet educational goals through the effective use of technology.

From 2001-2003, NetDay managed 141 AmeriCorps members as part of the NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge Program. NetDay organized programs with 27 local schools, provided professional development to members, and oversaw community service activities. AmeriCorps members provided K-12 children, teachers and parents with increased opportunities to access computers, and promoted effective education technology skills through local partnerships and national service. Support and involvement of the schools and the school systems was critical to program success.

The NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge Program had sites in low-income communities in Oakland and Costa Mesa, California, Detroit, Michigan, and Mercedes, Texas.

NetDay received a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to support AmeriCorps members in empowerment zone communities from 2001 — 2003. NetDay raised matching funds from school districts, corporate sponsors, and foundations.

Outcome

Between 2001-2003, NetDay AmeriCorps Bridge Program members in four communities provided 120,000 hours of service to 27 local schools. With the 8,896 computers that were installed, AmeriCorps members provided technology skills to 2,486 teachers and 39,779 students. In addition, they engaged 825 community service volunteers to assist with their mission.