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First Stop - Center for Information and Technology Education

This center is in charge of the 'Challenge Grant". They employ a part-time support person to manage the phone lines and a part-time person as Webmaster (this is a graduate student).
Partners have unlimited web page capabilities and technology support people.
They had an option to purchase 400 computers which allowed them services of a tech person for one year.
This service allowed access for all school staff members and 1700 outside users.
Center is responsible for training of the community, staff, partner groups in a variety of software packages - ex. Microsoft Works/Hyperstudio.

Second Stop - Anderson Public Library

This building is a converted Sears building. Technology is integrated throughout the library. It is open seven days a week with much activity on Sunday.
They offer many 'in-kind' services. It employs a full-time trainer who trains the community.
They hold an "Internet Camp for 4th graders". Also allow individuals the opportunity to access the net in one hour blocks.

Third Stop - Concentric Computers Service

This service offers training for the community, networking with the community, and provides free services for the community.
Businesses are charged a fee to offer services, non-profits are offered these services at no charge. They also work with the Junior College.

Fourth Stop - The Herald Bulletin

The newspaper offers a 'chat line' for the community and 'voice mail' to all schools. The voice mail is free to all schools and receives 10,000 to 15,000 calls a month.
Webpage capabilities are offered to non-profit agencies.

Fifth Stop - Edgewood Gradeschool

This school has a program titled "The Buddy System" which includes 600 laptops which go home with students. This is the result of a grant they received for low-income and free/reduced lunch students. Parents are required to participate in two training sessions prior to computer check-out.
Thirty-seven classrooms are connected to the Internet. Classrooms integrate technology in all content areas.

Recommendations

Provide home Internet access to teachers and other designated partner professionals.

Provide more teacher training during school hours.

Provide more computer training (Internet use, word processing, spreadsheet) for community members.

Provide web page construction/maintenance workshops

Sponsor a Computer Vendor Fair

Initiate more in-kind services with community, such as library Internet computers in exchange for training programs

Investigate resources necessary to provide a Buddy Computer Loan System for low-income families