Technology Programming and Tools for 21st Century Community Learning Centers

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Technology Programming and Tools for 21st Century
Community Learning Centers

• Jon Zemanek
• Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance

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Presentation Goals

• Introduce participants to technology resources
  and solutions to enhance and expand the
  effectiveness of their 21C centers

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Digital Miracles

• An after school technology program designed to
  introduce students to basic computer repair and
  operation
• Utilizes used computers as an educational tool
• Students create and implement service-learning
  projects to bridge the digital divide in their
  community

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Digital Miracles Costs and Requirements

• Designed for ages 12 and up
• Used computers to use in the program
• Tools
• Spare parts (modems, RAM, etc.)
• Software licenses (Microsoft Windows)
• Salary for teachers
• Classroom space
• Jon Zemanek, Program Coordinator,
  jzemanek_at_sas.upenn.edu
• Website http//digital.paservicelearning.org

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Technology Student Association (TSA)

• TSAs mission to prepare our membership for
  the challenges of a dynamic world by promoting
  technological literacy, leadership, and problem
  solving, resulting in personal growth and
  opportunity

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Technology Student Association

• Students work together in a club to learn about
  various aspects of technology in a project-based
  learning environment
• Clubs participate in regional and national
  competitions to showcase projects and innovation
• Project categories include architecture, graphic
  design, manufacturing design, technical writing
  and vehicle engineering

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Technology Student Association Requirements

• Designed for middle and high schools
• Clubs must affiliate with national and state
  organizations
• Pay annual membership dues -- 14 per student
• Attend events and competitions
• Purchase materials for projects
• Dennis Gold, PA Program Coordinator,
  dgold_at_state.pa.us
• PA Website http//www.patsa.org
• National Website http//www.tsaweb.org

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International Computer Drivers License (ICDL)

• An IT industry standard certification for
  competently using computers in a work environment
• IT Certification for the rest of us

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International Computer Drivers License

• Covers seven key areas of computer usage
  including basic IT concepts, file and folder
  management, word processing, spreadsheets,
  databases, presentations, and Internet usage
• Certification is internationally recognized
• Certification is obtained through online testing

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ICDL Requirements

• Purchase or development of curriculum for
  students
• Testing costs -- about 150 per student
• Finding an existing testing center or creating a
  testing center in your school
• Website http//www.icdlus.com

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Moodle

• Free software to create and implement online
  courses
• Has features very similar the commercial software
  Blackboard
• Features include lessons, assignments, quizzes,
  tests, surveys, messageboards, chat, and Wiki.

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Moodle Requirements

• An existing website (can be a school site or an
  independent 21C site)
• Appropriate web server software (supports PHP and
  MySQL)
• Content for the courses
• Students and teachers only need computers and an
  Internet connection to utilize Moodle
• Website http//www.moodle.org

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National Cristina Foundation

• Nonprofit organization dedicated to obtaining
  used computers for schools and nonprofit
  organizations
• No fees to become a partner organization
• Finds computers and resources in your geographic
  area
• Also helps you build partnerships directly with
  donors
• Website http//www.cristina.org

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TechSoup

• Part of CompuMentor, an organization dedicated to
  assisting nonprofit organizations and schools
  utilize technology
• Online store features new donated hardware and
  software at very discounted prices
• Website http//www.techsoup.org

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OpenOffice

• Free program that works very similarly to
  Microsoft Office
• Can create and edit MS Word documents, Excel
  spreadsheets, and Powerpoint presentations
• 100 free for download and use
• Available for PCs but not Macintosh
• Website http//www.openoffice.org

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CNET

• Website featuring reviews and FAQs for all types
  of technology
• Reviews from both experts and end users
• Many products will have video reviews
• Extremely useful when evaluating new IT products
  to purchase
• Website http//www.cnet.com

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Download.com

• Website with incredible amounts of software
  available to download
• Most programs are reviewed and rated by experts
  and end users
• Contains freeware, shareware, and commercial
  demos
• Website http//www.downloads.com

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Wikipedia

• Free online encyclopedia
• Related articles are hyper-linked together
• Articles are supported by online and printed
  references or are marked incomplete or disputed
• Users can add additional researched content to
  articles
• Website http//www.wikipedia.org

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Livejournal

• Free online journaling and blogging tool
• Highly customizable
• User can control who views content and personal
  information
• No advertisements unlike other similar tools
  (MySpace, Friendster)
• Website http//www.livejournal.com