Survey of Program Models of Christian Community Computer Centers

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Survey of Program Models of Christian Community
Computer Centers

• Andrew Sears
• Executive Director
• TechMission

www.techmission.org 617.282.9798
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Outline

• About TechMission and AC4
• Survey of Models for Using Technology in Youth
  Programs
• Survey of Models for Using Technology in Programs
  with Adults
• Additional Resources and Assistance from
  TechMission and AC4

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TechMission, Inc.

• TechMission, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) with the goal of
  supporting Christian computer centers through two
  program areas
• Association of Christian Community Computer
  Centers (AC4) supporting Christian CTCs across
  the world through an association model (currently
  with over 560 member organizations)
• TechMission Boston Program supporting Christian
  Community Technology Centers (CTCs) in the
  greater Boston area through direct program
  support with plans to replicate in other cities
  (LA and Chicago)

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Our Mission

• Mission to support Christian community computer
  centers across the world as they address the
  Digital Divide by providing others with computer
  skills to make a living and a spiritual
  foundation to make a life

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Locations of AC4 Members
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AC4 Member Site Statistics

• Combined Technology Program Budgets 16,551,798
• Participants Served in Tech Programs 108,865

Numbers reflect annual budgets and number of
participants each year and are based on self
reporting of AC4 member sites.
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TechMission Boston Program

• Program operated by TechMission and partners
  across six sites in Boston
• Provides at-risk high school students with
• SAT preparation class to over 200 students
• MCAS preparation class to 175 students
• Academic tutoring and support
• College planning and preparation
• Computer classes to over 350 adults

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What is a Christian Community Computer Center?

• Definition of Christian Community Computer
  Centers any ministry using computers as an
  outreach to serve the community

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Christian Community Computer Centers
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Models for Integrating Faith with Tech Holistic
Programs involving Tech

• Over 75 of AC4 members primary model is to
  integrate technology as part of holistic program
• After School and Teen Programs
• Rehabilitation Programs
• Jobs Programs
• Adult Basic Education, GED or ESL Program
• Faith and spiritual development are one component
  of holistic development
• It is often very hard to separate faith out from
  other components in a holistic program (i.e. in a
  rehab program)

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Models for Integrating Faith with Tech Computer
Classes and Tech Programs

• About 25 of AC4 sites operate technology
  programs that are operated distinct from other
  programs and may take the following approaches to
  integrating faith
• No faith in tech program, but provide information
  on other optional activities involving faith
• No faith in tech program, but offer optional
  Bible study before or after classes
• Open class time with prayer requests
• Include faith as part lesson for computer classes
• Require listening to a mini-sermon or
  participating Bible study to participate in
  computer classes

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Models for Using Technology in Youth Programs
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K-8 After School Technology Activities

• Model provide tech time in existing after
  school program
• Integrate computers with other activities in
  after school program
• Black History Month, Scan in Art, Themes
• Project based learning works best
• Teaching software does not work without a goal
• Need to split age groups (k-8 into 2 or 3 age
  groups)
• Music Mixing and Video Production works well with
  older kids (4-12th grade)

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K-8 Computer Aided Learning in After School
Programs

• Compass Learning Odyssey Program
• www.compasslearning.com
• Provides Web based testing and lessons for k-12
  youth based on state standards.
• Provides ability to diagnose individual student
  learning deficiencies and reports for groups of
  students

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Computer Aided Learning in High School Programs

• TestU (www.testu.com)
• Provides Web based testing and lessons for 9-12
  grade youth to pass state assessment exams and to
  do well on SAT and ACT exams
• Provides ability to diagnose individual student
  learning deficiencies and reports for groups of
  students
• Alternative option is www.princetonreview.com
• College preparation and future planning
• http//www.myroad.com

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Other Program Models for Youth

• Computer Club
• Meet for tech projects or field trips
• Media, Music Mixing and Video Production
• Hip Hop eJay (www.voyetra.com)
• Acid Music (www.sonicfoundry.com)
• Youth Run Business
• Web Design, Graphics Design, T-Shirts, etc.
• Example www.prepenterprises.com

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Teen Volunteer and Intern Programs

• Youth Volunteers Duties
• Assist with classes
• Youth Staff Duties
• Supervise walk-in center and fix computers
• Assist with classes
• Work in Web Design Business
• Learn on the job and through self study
• Discipleship all youth staff have regular time
  of discipleship and leadership training

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Educational and Edutainment Software

• Jumpstart Series
• Provides educational games for kids ages k-6
• Web-Based Educational Games
• http//www.eduplace.com/kids/
• Encyclopedia Africana by Microsoft
• Provides the most complete encyclopedia of
  African and African American information

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Helpful Sites for Youth Ministers in General

• http//www.techmission.org
• http//www.uywi.org
• http//compassionworks.compassion.com
• http//www.youthbuilders.com
• http//www.reach-out.org
• http//www.funattic.com
• http//www.christianpromote.com
• http//www.youthpastor.com

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Models for Using Technology for Programs with
Adults
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Becoming a Certified Microsoft Office Specialist
(MOS) Testing Center

• Provide Certification in Microsoft Office
• Costs 495 to become a certified testing center
• comes with 10 tests practice software
• Additional tests are 50 each
• To sign up call Alex McCabe at DDC Training
  Services (800-528-3897 ext. 315)
• ask for their application and order form to
  become an iQ Testing Center for MOUS Exams

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Other Certification Programs

• A Certification in Computer Hardware and Tech
  Support
• Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE)
• Cisco Certification

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Computer Aided Learning for Adults GED Training
Software

• Innovative Learning Systems Nova
• www.ilsnova.com
• American Guidance Service
• www.agsnet.com
• Aztec Software
• www.aztecsoftware.com
• McGraw-Hill/Contemporary
• www.ntc-cb.com
• Plato Learning System
• www.plato.com
• Steck-Vaughn
• www.steck-vaughn.com
• Merit Software
• www.meritsoftware.com

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Model for Computer Classes

• Classes can easily be taught by volunteers
• Get more advanced students to assist in classes
• One instructor, 2-4 assistants and 10-20 students
• Classes are taught with instructor using LCD
  projector
• Classes can be as little as once a week (good for
  most volunteers) with homework students do during
  the week
• Typing can be taught with minimal instruction
  using supervised, scheduled time with Mavis
  Beacon Teaches Typing
• Curriculum/lesson plans available at www.ac4.org

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Sample Office Track
Basics
Intro to Computers
Intro to the Internet
Overview of Computers
Intermediate
Intermediate Word
Intro to Excel
Advanced Level
Word Certification
Excel Certification
(or start Track for Multimedia)
Databases
Establish Basic Computer Knowledge highly
employable in office jobs, administrative
assistant and temp work
Goals
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Sample Multimedia/Advanced Track
Basics
Digital Music Studio
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Curriculum for Computer Classes

• TechMission Manual contains curriculum for Intro
  to Word and Excel
• AC4 has dozens of additional lesson plans for
  teaching computers at www.ac4.org
• Includes Word, Excel, Photoshop, etc.
• Includes lessons for youth and adults
• Using Theology to Teach Technology by Clemmie
  Perry
• Find more at http//www.etrainingconsult.com

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Walk In Computer Center

• Provide walk-in computer access to the community
• Low cost way to serve the community
• Have Interns Serve as Lab Monitors for Assistance

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TechMission Leadership Development Model

• Students take a computer class then become
• Assistants who then assist in teaching a class
  and may take advanced classes and then become
• Instructors who then teach a class and train
  assistants and may become
• Interns who help run programs and teach classes

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Basis of TechMission Leadership Development Model

• People Remember
• 10 of what they read
• 20 of what they hear
• 30 of what they see
• 50 of what they see and hear
• 70 of what they discuss with others
• 80 of what they experience personally
• 90 of what they teach to someone else

From psychologist William Glasser
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Recruiting Volunteers

• Make announcements in other Churches for Tech
  Volunteers
• Computer Ministries
• Computer ministries are teams of volunteers from
  churches or staff that support community computer
  centers
• Online volunteer recruitment
• Like online job posting for volunteers
• No way to limit inquiries to Christians only
• Register opportunities at volunteermatch.org,
  volunteersolutions.org, servenet.org and
  idealist.org

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TechMission Volunteer Training Model

• Have required volunteer training each semester
• Three parts of training
• Program Overview and Vision Setting
• Explain what we do, and the motivation to build
  vision
• Details of program and expectations of
  volunteers
• Train the Trainer
• Provides basics needed for teaching and being
  assistants
• Cross-Cultural Ministry Training
• Required each semester for all volunteers

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Getting Additional Resources from TechMission and
AC4
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Benefits of AC4 Membership Training

• Training through our national and regional tech
  conferences, workshops and conference calls
• TechMission Manual 60 page manual for operating
  Tech Programs including curriculum and capacity
  building materials
• Information and curriculum available to members
  only on our Website
• Free electronic subscription to Christian
  Computing Magazine

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Benefits of AC4 Membership Community

• Conferences regional and national
• Regional Chapters for regional collaboration
• Volunteer Network recruit volunteers for members
  through AC4s website
• E-mail List with over 700 participants
• Contact List of Christian Computer Centers

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Benefits of AC4 Membership Resources

• Subgrants and Intensive Technical Assistance
  totaling 750,000 (through the C4T Project in CA,
  IL and MA)
• Discounted Gifts in Kind Membership providing
  access to over 800 million in product donations
• Advocacy for members to foundations, corporations
  and government initiatives
• Equipment Assistance in securing computer and
  hardware donations
• Consulting on starting and growing a computer
  center and Web Design

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How to Join AC4

• Sign up for membership at www.techmission.org
• Membership cost
• 20 per year for organizations with budgets over
  500,000
• 50 per year for organizations with budgets over
  500,000

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TechMission Conferences

• TechMission National Technology and Ministry
  Conference October 27-28, 2004 in Atlanta
• TechMission West Coast Regional Technology and
  Ministry Conference June 5, 2004 in Los Angeles
• TechMission Northeast Regional Technology and
  Ministry Conference March 2005 in Boston

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AC4 Members, Chapters and Program Sites
AC4 Member Sites
AC4 Chapter Sites
TechMission Program Sites
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Other Information Resources and Networks

• Community Technology Centers Network
• www.ctcnet.org
• CTCNet is the secular counterpart organization to
  AC4
• Christian Computing Magazine www.ccmag.com
• International Conference on Computing and
  Missions (gospelcom.net/iccm)
• Youth Learn www.youthlearn.org
• Provides manual and E-mail list for youth and
  technology
• Compumentor www.compumentor.org
• Provides technology information to non-profits

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Digital Divide
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Computer Literacy and Jobs