Using Computers as an Outreach Association of Gospel Rescue Mission Education Track Conference

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Using Computers as an OutreachAssociation of
Gospel Rescue MissionEducation Track Conference

• Andrew Sears, Executive Director
• Association of Christian Community Computer
  Centers
• Providing Skills to Make a Living and the
  Spiritual Foundation to Make a Life
• www.acccc.org or
• E-mail info_at_acccc.org

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The New Economy
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Christian Community Computer Centers
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Who to serve with each program?
Discipleship Participants
A.B.E.
Computer Access
Computer Classes
Transient Homeless Population
Local Community
Youth
Adults
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Tips for Basic Computer Classes

• Classes can easily be taught by volunteers
• LCD projector is very helpful
• can get for 1,100 from lightware.com
• Classes can be as little as once a week
• Typing with Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
• Can be taught with minimal instruction using
  supervised, scheduled time
• Curriculum/lesson plans available at www.acccc.org

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Office Track Classes
Basics
Intro to Computers 1 2
Intro to the Internet
Typing
Intermediate
Intermediate Word
Intro to Excel
Advanced Level
Word MOUS Test PREP
Advanced Excel
(or start Track for Multimedia)
Databases
An arrow indicates a prerequisite of either
taking the class or good subject knowledge.
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Recruiting Volunteers

• Announcements in 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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Volunteer Ideas

• Instructors (if you are teaching classes)
• Need significant expertise in subject matter
• Primary responsibility for class falls on
  instructor
• Tech Professional in subject area who volunteers
  (or staff instructor)
• Assistants/Mentors/Lab Monitors
• Assistants only need basic knowledge of subject
  matter
• Many students can return following semester to
  assist and continue learning
• Serve as instructor in training
• Help reduce the student-teacher ratio (need at
  least 15)

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Tips for Computer Access Center

• Free computer and Internet access
• High speed Internet connection is very helpful
• Allows students time to work on homework
• Can often be directly supervised by advanced
  students (with staff near by)
• Safety issues vary based on local situation

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After School Technology Time

• 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
• We split K-2nd grade and 3-7th grade
• We use Jumpstart software with kids
• Youth Tech Curriculum
• Youth curriculum and resources at www.acccc.org

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After School Tech Curriculum Ideas

• Greeting cards we use Microsoft Publisher
• Research on the Internet
• Searched for poets and their poetry
• History of Hip Hop on the Internet. Present
  findings using PowerPoint
• Poetry taught formatting in Microsoft Word by
  having students write their own poems and then
  type them into Word.
• Students often need to compose poems before
  coming to computer
• Encyclopedia Africana do a Scavenger Hunt
  through the time line portion
• Calendars students scan in photos
• Newsletter written, edited, and laid-out by the
  students
• E-mail accounts and their own web pages
• Lego Mindstorm Robotics with programmable legos
  (300 per set)
• Suggestions and curriculum ideas provided by Mary
  Pavan and Chris Tsang from PREP Computer Center

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Other Ideas for Youth

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

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TechMission Program of AC4

• Full-time positions to assist with tech programs
  through AC4 and Americorps/VISTA
• Great opportunity for discipleship program grads
  or recent college grads
• You recruit and select applicants yourselves
• Requires GED equivalent and US Citizenship
• Pay is 9-10,000 with health insurance and 4,725
  educational stipend or loan repayment
• Still in process for approval for program
• If approved, 10-20 positions should be available
  by summer
• Contact info_at_acccc.org or join our E-mail list
  for more info

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Joining AC4

• Join for free now, but may have a fee in the
  future
• Benefits
• Keep informed of events of interest to Community
  Computer Centers, Grants, Computer Donations
• Share program information
• Participate in future joint programs
• Low cost web design service
• Sign up on survey or send E-mail to info_at_acccc.org

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Association of Christian Community Computer
Centers

• Mission
• To support and promote the use of computers and
  technology in Christian outreach ministries
• To assist the 190 identified existing Christian
  community computer centers and help others get
  started
• To partner with national organizations to support
  Christian computer centers
• Web www.acccc.org
• E-mail info_at_acccc.org

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Discounted Software

• Software to Serve Participants and Community
• Get 30 most Microsoft, Adobe, Symantec products
• At www.computmentor.org and at www.giftsinkind.org
  
• Software for staff
• Get copies of Microsoft Office XP Professional
  for 65
• Order at www.ccbministries.com (select store and
  Microsoft non-profit licensing)

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Computer Donations

• Gifts in Kind International (www.giftsinkind.com)
  
• Cost 125 to register and must be Non profit
  501(c)(3) and use software for service to
  community
• Cost 225 for 5 used computers 486 above
  laptops/desktops
• Network hubs for 50
• Provide great discounts (90 off) on office
  products, projectors, clothes, etc.
• Computer Refurbishing
• Accept computers along with clothes other
  donations
• Have a minimal acceptance standard (I.e Pentium
  or above)
• Request written agreement they are transfering
  software license with computer

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Information Resources

• Community Technology Centers Network
  www.ctcnet.org
• Good E-mail list and go to national conference
  each June
• Provides Community Technology Center start up
  manual
• Youth Learn
• Provides manual and E-mail list for youth and
  technology
• Compumentor
• Provides technology information to non-profits
• Visit HUDs Neighborhood Networks at
• www.neighborhoodnetworks.org
• NTIA Report Falling through the Net
• www.digitaldivide.gov/reports.htm

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Appendix
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Web Site Filtering Software

• Filtering Service by Promise Keepers
  (pkfamily.com)
• 5.95 per month for existing DSL or cable modem
  connection
• Filtered dial-up Internet access for 15.95
• Filtering Server or Client Software
• CleanWeb (www.cleanweb.net)
• CyberPatrol (www.microsys.com)
• Cybersitter (www.solidoak.com)
• CyberSnoop (www.pearlsw.com)
• Net Nanny (www.netnanny.com)
• Net Shepherd (www.netshepherd.com)
• Safesurf (www.safesurf.com)
• Watchdog (www.sarna.com)
• We Blocker (free at www.we-blocker.com)
• X-Stop (www.xstop.com)

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Digital Divide
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Multimedia Track Classes
Basics
Digital Music Studio
1. Students are encouraged to take other classes
on this track in future semesters.