Avonova s Digital Literacy Pilot Proposal Draft
TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive Summary 1. Underlying Principles and Philosophy 2. Structure of the pilot project 2.1 Timeframe 2.2 Hardware 2.3 Participant selection 2.4 Participant training and support 3. Pilot Partners - role 4. Evaluation Framework 5. Governance
Appendix Training questions Participant criteria Evaluation questions Executive summary Avonova is a Stratford centric grassroots organization involved in support and promotion of technology in Stratford s emerging digital technology culture. The Intelligence Communities Forum (ICF) named Stratford one of its seven top finalist in the 2011 Intelligent Communities survey. While Stratford did extremely well to place in the top 7 category, digital inclusion and literacy was an area identified where Stratford could improve as a community. Avonova would like to propose a digital literacy project as a first step to bridging our community s digital divide. The basic premise of the project is help excluded families in the community, and provide them with connectivity, computer hardware, software, training and support. The need is
especially strong where school age children are unable to respond to technology dependent assignments The need has been validated by local social services who estimate approximately 500 families are in need. A pilot project is being proposed by Avonova in concert with local sponsors and agencies to execute the proposed digital literacy project with a small sample of low income families, thus enabling evaluation and proposals for the future. 1.0 Underlying Principles and Philosophy Avonova, a grassroots organization of local Technology Experts has an interest in supporting community advancement in technology through outreach initiatives. Avonova believes families should have the tools that will enable them to achieve their highest potential in the global knowledge-based economy. As a pilot program of Avonova this OUTREACH project enables low income learners to access affordable quality computer and internet access. These tools work together to strengthen and build the capacity of families within the community, which in turn, fosters its economic growth and sustainability. Avonova OUTREACH aims to put internet access in the hands of local families that will: 1 Increase knowledge, ability and confidence to use computers 2 Provide tools to those furthering their education 3 Enhance individual capacity to pursue career goals 4 Provide at home access for school age children 5 Enable access to online library and city resources
6 Encourage social inclusion in schools and community In summary our goal is to execute a Proof of Concept/ Pilot to deliver digital literacy to x amount of people to determine viability how to act as a catalyst to proof a sustainable model on how to rollout to the entire community- subsisting in a smart community. 2.0 Structure of the Pilot Project Timeframe The initial test program would ideally focus on a small test group of ten families. Families matching the criteria would be selected by local social services. The proposed pilot would be Q2, 2012 through Q3, 2012 Proposed Hardware There are a number of possible digital devices that could be deployed to each participating family. The ideal device must meet the following criteria: High speed access Ease of Use Compatible with the Library s digital collections formats. Print capability Proposed Software Web Browser Standard operating system email capable
open home office software Participant Selection Participants for the pilot will be selected by the community social services providing a good cross section of the target demographic with participants that are willing to commit to the training and evaluation component of the pilot. See appendix, Participant eligibility considerations. Participant(s) training and support The training plan recommended is that offered at the Stratford library with added assistance by Avonova members when determined to be needed by the progress evaluations and as advised by social services. All training will be conducted in public locations. Communications, including tips and progress surveys are intended to be conducted online. About your computer - Avonova volunteers, this prepares the family to take the computer home, set up, and basic hardware troubleshooting. Library courses: Computer comfort Internet basics for beginners Saavy searching Easy gmail Email attachments and more MS word Basics MS excel Basics Social networks Participants will also be given information on sites and ways to access other information that may benefit their learning curve, sites for children, how to access local news, local event calendars, sale flyers for local supermarkets, scams to avoid,, etc. 3.0 Pilot Partners City of Stratford Mayor s Office Role: Project Sponsor
Social Services Department Role: Identify, promote, and recruit digital divide families for the program. Assist in the pilot evaluation. Stratford Public Library Role: Promote the Library s digital media collection (downloadable ebooks and audiobooks) to participating families through existing Library digital literacy training courses. Rhyzome Networks / Switch ISP Role: Provide Internet connectivity at no cost to participating families. Avonova Role: Project champion Provide volunteers from its membership to assist with setup, training, ongoing support, support and program management. Fundraising for the purchase of the technical solution. Prepare recommendations post pilot. Other Volunteers and Sponsors 4.0 Evaluation Framework The duration of the pilot project would be for a period of six months. Participants would be required to complete a survey about their level of computer literacy at the beginning and end of the project, and describe how they use the technology in their daily lives. Interim online surveys would be issued every six weeks to solicit feedback and ensure added mentoring is in place. See survey questions, appendix. Success will be measured against objectives as follows: 1 Increase knowledge, ability and confidence to use computers have found lower cost alternatives, e.g. making use of reduced service charges from online billing, comparative shopping for groceries be active on the program at end of 6 months
2 Provide tools to those furthering their education Have used the computer/internet for educational initiatives 3 Enhance individual capacity to pursue career goals Are using 1 or more social media Confidence in use of internet, word and excel 4 Provide at home access for school age children Have completed one or more school project using internet Have printed assignments 5 Enable access to online library or city resources have accessed City digital services, local information have downloaded one or more ebook 6 Encourage social inclusion in schools and community Households have one or more email accounts 5.0 Governance Use of library services is governed under the Stratford Public Library, internet Service, acceptable use agreement. Privacy for participants: All personal or identifying information for pilot participants will be obtained with applicable consents from social services.
Appendix Eligible Participants Must be a resident of Stratford Must be recommended by the Social Services Must be enrolled in a skills development, learning or academic program Enrolment in a skills development, learning or academic program Examples of eligible programs include: Students registered in elementary, secondary or post-secondary institutions Courses offered through a credible institution Night school courses Training - Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is involved in training? A: Training is composed of general computer hardware identification and basic computer setup, followed by specific target areas of learning. Q: How long does the training take? A: The training time is normally between 1 and 2 hours per session. The rate at which the household takes the training will depend upon course availability and individual learning. Q: Who will provide the training? A: Training will be provided by the Stratford Library services and and/or Avonova volunteers. Q: Is training mandatory?
A: Yes, basic computer setup training is an important and mandatory part of the OUTREACH program. Further training is encouraged to maximize the learning experience. Q: Where can I get more information on computers or further my training? A list of local training organizations and resources will be available for you to further explore these options. Your local library is full of very useful reference material for any training you would like. There are also several free alternatives on-line available (an internet connection is required to access these resources). A quick search for free computer training will yield several great results. You can also sign up for computer courses offered in your community for all different levels of skill. Survey for beginning and Ending of Pilot (needs to be tied to evaluation and cover all family members ) Please choose the best answer to the following questions: 1. How many people are in your Household 2. Do you have access to high speed (broadband) Internet? Yes No 3. How often do you use your home computer? Seldom or never! 2 to 4 times a month Weekly Daily 4. Do you have an email account? Yes No
5. Have you made a purchase over the Internet? Yes No 6. Do you conduct your banking online? Yes No 7. Do you have a Facebook Account? Yes No 8. Have your children completed a school project at home using the internet? 9. 10.12.Do you have a Twitter Account? Yes No 1. How would you describe your computer knowledge? Beginner Intermediate Advance! Expert