Rejuvenating an old computer center

There are computer labs all over your city, but you wouldn’t know it. Many of them were the center of the community until Bush declared that there was no longer a digital divide. Federal funding dried up, foundations followed suit and the centers that were once full of activity now sit empty with obsolete equipment.

That’s what I found in my neighborhood. A housing project was built in early 2000 that included a well-organized community meeting area and computer lab. I can only imagine what it was like when there was money to pay a staff person to provide classes and answer questions. But, they haven’t been in there for years and the computers have hardly been used.

Until now.

Tonight I am leading a basic computer class in the lab. There are 8 people signed up, but only 6 computers. I’ve been coordinating this project with a lovely woman named Gloria. She is also a volunteer and together we’re trying to figure out how to create a program with very little funding and the good will of volunteers.

There’s more to be told about this computer lab. The equipment was really old and really slow. I spoke to a librarian who had the same problem and installed Ubuntu on her systems and couldn’t say enough good things about it. So I thought I would see if I could make something similar happen here. I sent a message to a Linux listserv asking if anyone would be interested in making a Linux lab and many people responded. One individual was able to donate 15 computers that his organization was going to recycle.

After many emails across the listserv and much planning I was able to get the donated computers to the lab and over the weekend several dedicated volunteers spent 6 hours installing Edubuntu and making sure at least 6 computers work for my class. They would have connected more computers, but we don’t have enough monitors. I sent the management company a list of equipment that we would like, but haven’t heard back. I don’t expect for anything to happen since the equipment (new chairs, new keyboards, mice, headphones) will be around $4,000.

I’m really excited for this class to start! I miss working directly with people and seeing their excitement at learning something new. I’m impressed with the all the volunteers who have helped so far and hope that more people in San Francisco realize the importance of sharing their computer knowledge.

First Post

We can accomplish anything if we are given access to the proper tools, training and motivation. All three of these components are missing from low income communities. The tools I’m referring to are computers and access to the internet. It may seem strange that people still don’t have computer at home, or multiple computers, but that is the situations for millions in this country. Either they can’t afford one, or the one they have is broken and they don’t know how to fix it or who to call. Even if they have a computer that works they may not have access to the internet because they’re struggling to put food on the table and can’t afford it. And to top it off, they may not know how to use it or have low literacy skills. Surfing the net isn’t as easy as you think.

This is the reality in more places than you think and changing it is not going to be easy. But it has to change, we need to help those who don’t have access get access. Why? If you use a computer at work and home it has become a part of your life. Have a question about an author? Google it. Wondering where to eat? Go to CitySearch. Looking for a job? Go to Craig’s List. I could go on and on. Why should those with money and knowledge be the only ones who can take advantage of this amazing resource?

Everyone deserves access to the internet just like they deserve access to electricity and a phone line. This blog will be my random thoughts about digital inclusion and a journal of my experiences.