TechStart: Bridging the Technology Gap with Computers, Content, and Community

TechStart: Bridging the Technology Gap with Computers, Content, and Community

by Zithri Ahmed Saleem

Recently, a parent phoned me saying that they were looking to save money by upgrading their child's twelve-year-old PC, part by part, and wanted to know if my organization could provide help in this area.
Another parent complained about his eight-year-old child's need to "do the Internet thing for schoolwork", and commented "it is ridiculous that nowadays kids need computers just to do schoolwork."

Almost everyday now, I come into contact with people who want to be helped along the path of becoming "up-to-date" with today's ever-changing technology. Some of the most severe cases are those parents who probably need much more help than they realize. People today should know that it is not feasible to upgrade twelve-year-old PCs to accommodate modern usage, just as they should know that most of us do not "do the Internet thing," but rather use the Internet to facilitate communication and the transfer of information. Furthermore, if your child is required to utilize the Internet as part of their schoolwork, it is not an unreasonable request provided that the child has Internet access at home, or school, or via a community resource like a library. In fact, most libraries offer Internet browsing stations for people to use, but many are not aware of such resources or how to use them. Technology access is especially lacking for children of color and children from low-income families, who are too seldom even aware of the latest and greatest in computer technology and often have no contact with technology (outside of television).
Conversely, I am concerned that even if the children of these families were equipped with their wildest technical desires, including new computers, DSL, flat screen monitors, laser printers, and a lifetime subscription to PC Magazine, their children would probably not be much better off than before. Far too often, I have visited homes and computer labs boasting the latest and greatest computing machines, only to witness these premium machines being used by kids for nothing more than playing Solitaire, action games, or downloading files of music by their favorite artist. Recently, I worked with a computer lab boasting fifteen new machines donated for student use by a well-known, charitable organization. Due to overwhelming demand, this lab posted a sign stating that the use of the computers would be limited to homework and instructional purposes. It is disturbing that after posting the sign they no longer experienced any congestion, let alone normal traffic! I am convinced that the charitable donor had every good intention, as did the operators of the lab when they decided to make new machines available for public use. The unintended consequence stemmed from their inability to combine their efforts to achieve the desired effect.

These two scenarios characterize two major facts that must be considered when attempting to adequately address the issue of access to technology by communities of color.

Communities of color, specifically children, often do not have the infrastructure (i.e., access to current technology, appropriate curriculum, safe learning environments, and preexisting knowledge of computers) needed to bridge the technology gap commonly referred to as the "Digital Divide."

Providing these resources alone is not enough! Changing the current paradigm also requires teaching expertise, technical knowledge, and dedicated people who will plan, manage, control, and monitor the actual implementation of such efforts.

With these facts in mind, the Technology Access Foundation (TAF) has created the TechStart program to provide quality technical education to children of color and children from low-income families. TechStart is the latest component of the Technology Education Pipeline (TEP), an education model and specific delivery system designed to ensure the greatest impact on the communities served. This model, and the programs derived from it, is designed to be replicated nationally.

TechStart will target children ages 5-12 using a combination of technologies, proven educational methods, and existing community agencies to introduce tools for success. By engaging the children in technology-based, experiential learning activities, they will develop critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. TechStart activities will take place on-site at existing community centers and computer labs throughout the greater Seattle area, and will be equipped with state-of–the art technology, regular site staff, trained volunteers, and educational professionals. In addition to learning activities, students will receive help from tutors and be required to finish their regular schoolwork. The planning and design stages are already in progress, and TAF is on schedule to open the first three TechStart facilities in Fall of 2000.

About the Author:

Zithri Ahmed Saleem is the TechStart Program Manager. For more information about the Technology Access Foundation or TechStart, please contact Zithri at zithriw@techaccess.org or visit the TAF's website at http://www.techaccess.org.

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