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21st Century Community Learning Centers -
Technology Integration Training and Technical Support
With the expertise gained through our digital divide initiative and experiences in service learning and character education, the PSLA will be able to support 21st Century Community Learning Centers to achieve the technology integration required by the NCLB legislation. Jon Zemanek, who has been leading the digital divide initiative for the past two years, can support after school center staff by providing training and technical assistance in several areas described below.
Middle School Digital Miracles Program
The PSLA will provide intensive staff training and consultations to help after school programs implement this computer-refurbishing program. The PSLA will help staff research appropriate sources for recyclable computers, teach staff how to set up a space for the computer recycling and provide training on how to use the comprehensive Digital Miracles manual. After this training, after-school staff will be able to implement the 40 hour curriculum in a format that fits their student’s and communities’ needs. In this program, MS and HS student participants learn how to take apart a computer and put it back together. The students will then install the software and hardware necessary to make the machine functional. Students will then use the skills they gained in the program to provide a service to their community. After the computers are completed, students can take the recycled computer home or donate it to a community organization that is in need.
High School Computer Support Technicians Program
The PSLA will provide intensive staff training to develop after-school programs
that involve older students in computer repair and operation. These trained
youth will then gain hands-on experience by providing technical support to
schools and community organizations. This support includes maintaining computer
labs and refurbishing computers for community members. The students also
work towards gaining certification in a variety of technical skills, such
as CompTIA A+, enhancing their resumes for future jobs in the computer field.
These trained students can be a valuable resource for the after-school program,
maintaining the computers on site.
Teacher, Staff and Youth Workshops
The following will be shorter, specific staff trainings that will provide specific information. All of the workshops focus on using technology to excite students about learning and to give them skills that will assist them in their school careers and future. Course descriptions are targeted to adults, but ALL could be adapted to involve youth and empower the young people to take on the technology projects.
International Computer Driver's License
Staff will be given an introduction to the International Computer Driver’s
License or ICDL curriculum. ICDL is a global standard for workforce computer
literacy. PSLA will provide information on resources to develop a school-based
ICDL certification program and how to integrate it into existing curricula.
Video Production
Staff will be given an introductory course on basic video production focusing
on using it as a tool for advocacy and documenting service learning. Emphasis
will be placed on providing a wide range of ideas for video production.
For example, after-school students can create a video public service announcement,
document a community problem, or promote their center.
Web Design
Staff will be given direction to the wide variety of web design tools and
hosting options that are available, many for free. Staff will be helped
to brainstorm how students can develop and implement web sites for academic,
career, and community building.
Multimedia Presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint)
Staff will be assisted in understanding how they can help youth design and
use multimedia presentations utilizing Microsoft PowerPoint software.
These multimedia presentations are tools that many students can and want
to use for academic projects. In the after-school programs students can
have the technology and assistance to develop power points that work with
their curriculums.
Web Searches and Using Technology for Homework Help
Training will concentrate on the tools and techniques for helping young
people use the information on the web to meet academic assignments and
to meet learning goals. Staff will be given the tools to help young people
properly integrate material found on the Internet. Staff will be trained
on how to efficiently conduct searches, distinguish legitimate/verifiable
information on the web, and understand intellectual property.
Setting up a Computer Lab
Staff and administrators will be walked through a planning process for a
computer lab within their Center. This will include identifying proper
equipment, software, and furniture, room layout, and network and electrical
requirements. All consultation will focus on designing the lab to implement
existing curricula and programs.
The Pennsylvania Service-Learning Alliance dissolved as of June 30, 2007. The website will stay posted for one more year, so please share the resources. We are sorry that we will not be able to answer any questions you may have. Good luck with all your future service-learning endeavors!