In late 2010, Axiom Technologies, LLC launched sustainable broadband adoption programs to increase the utilization of technology in the healthcare, fishing, and farming industries in Washington County, Maine. These BTOP-funded programs are establishing the groundwork for defining new and innovative ways that broadband can improve production, service, and knowledge in each of these industries.

Healthcare
In November 2010, Axiom Technologies held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Maine Fiber Company, a BTOP infrastructure grantee which is connecting the Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions to a statewide fiber-optic network and announced new telemedicine learning capabilities. At the ceremony, both grantees announced new telemedicine learning capabilities. This faster network connection from the Maine Fiber Company will enable Axiom Technologies’ to help the College host video conferences with other state hospitals and learning institutions, so students can participate in remote distance learning. For instance, Axiom Technologies set up a similar remote learning program at the College of Nursing in Lewiston, Maine, where students can use video conferencing services to connect to the University of Maine in Machias and take their nursing pre-requisite classes. The College also set up video conferencing capabilities, allowing nurses and paramedics to view a more diverse range of medical cases than those available at the local community’s Down East Hospital.

Fishing and Farming
Axiom Technologies is working to build new applications that can help improve the use of land and water resources and increase business knowledge and productivity software for economic development purposes. In January 2011, Axiom Technologies provided 10 local farmers and 10 local fishermen with wireless equipment and rugged laptops as part of a pilot project that included 62 community members. Participants followed an online curriculum and were offered training assistance over the course of 11 weeks. The courses focused on building skills in Microsoft ® Office, QuickBooks, Adobe ® Photoshop, basic computer setup and maintenance, and other computer software. The 62 community members completed more than 1,500 hours of training in the 11 week period. As the project moves forward, Axiom Technologies will increase broadband connections in locations near farmers and fishermen, and will look to build industry-relevant applications and assist local industries with utilizing broadband for small businesses and economic development purposes.

The School Board of Miami-Dade County launched the Learn Ideas, Navigate Knowledge (LINK) program in 35 low-income elementary, middle, and high schools across the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district. This program promotes broadband adoption among economically distressed populations by providing the necessary training and equipment to students and their families. The school board partners with non- and for-profit organizations to provide computers, Internet service, and multilingual digital literacy training to participating families.

The LINK program created an Introduction to Computers class through its partnership with The Parent Academy. Through this class, participants learn computer basics, Internet fundamentals, and how to use LINK’s Parent Portal. Once completed, participating families receive a free personal computer and access to its Parent Portal, an online tool that allows parents to view students’ grades and keep in contact with teachers. Additionally, a video of the Introduction to Computers class, available in English, Spanish, and Creole, is pre-loaded onto each computer along with anti-virus and word-processing software.

By the end of the project, the LINK program is expected to provide computers and Internet access to approximately 6,000 households.

YTECH digital literacy and civic engagement programs served 271 young people in the summer months of 2011. Each young person gained digital literacy skills while working as a team to learn about a social issue, connect online and in person with community leaders, create digital media and take action in their communities. YTECH is program of the Metrocenter branch of the YMCA of Greater Seattle.

“Armed with hard skills, access to technology and a forum for expression and action, we can create the next generation of employable, engaged, skilled civic participants,” said Chris Tugwell, YTECH director.

Fifteen high-school aged youth from a workforce development program in the city participated in a seven-week internship with YTECH and formed Seattle United Neighborhoods to tackle neighborhood-specific problems.

“We used photos to tell stories and reflect on issues around Seattle that needed to be changed,” said Chi Nguyen, 19. One of Chi’s projects was a photo essay that addressed a lack of lighting on the streets surrounding her house. Chi and other project participants shared their media and concerns with Seattle City Councilmember Mike O’Brien. After the meeting, Chi was able to take necessary steps to fix the lighting on her street.

“Youth voice is important because people listen. It’s not everyday you see a kid speaking out, so Councilmember O’Brien encouraged us to keep it up,” said Kidist Mengitsu, 17.

"The council members need to hear our young voices if they would like to hear what really matters,” said Ephraim Nelson, 15, “it will help prepare for the future and with that, we can make the new generation better.”

As their capstone Take Action project, Seattle United Neighborhoods planned a successful night out event in South Seattle “to give young people something to do.”

"We did lots of blogging and community outreach. I learned that young people can change the community and make it a better world,” said Jordan Chambers, 16.

Jordan and other YTECH participants use Puget SoundOff.org, a local social networking site focused on social issues, to share their digital media creations, blog and connect with their peers. Puget SoundOff.org is funded in part by the City of Seattle’s Information Technology Department.

"These young people were able to use their creativity and digital media skills to spread awareness about issues that matter most to them, empowering them to choose issues they care about as they become adults.Having an outlet for young people to voice opinions is the best way to engage the next generation in making our communities a better place,” said Colleen McDevitt, YTECH digital literacy instructor.

YTECH is part of Washington state’s Communities Connect Network, a Broadband Technology Opportunity Program grant recipient for 2010-2012. BTOP funds made it possible for YTECH to expand its equipment inventory of laptops and cameras and travel outside of the city limits to offer digital literacy trainings.

"To bridge the digital divide, to be competitive and keep up with our changing economy, we must guide young people in using technology. They must be encouraged to engage in online environments and to create their own pieces of digital media,” said Roni Ayalla, YTECH project coordinator.

Follow more of YTECH’s work at youthandtech.wordpress.com.

Schools in northern Wisconsin are using the internet in different classrooms to provide new opportunities to reach all types (and ages) of learners. For example, each teacher in the school district in Superior has a website where students and parents can log online and find out information on assignments and upcoming events. Additionally, through video teleconferencing, The University of Wisconsin-Superior provides distance learning opportunities for adult learners obtaining their degree through a distance learning course of study. Additionally, one-on-one course offerings are available to assist business owners, or aspiring business owners, through an informal classroom setting. Check out the video here to learn more.

The Colorado State Library, operating under the Colorado Board of Education, is creating a culture of technology engagement through its public computer center project, Bridging the Great Digital Divide. The project is designed to improve lives by providing computers, training, and public awareness campaigns in 81 Colorado communities.
Since April 2011, libraries began offering training on topics, such as basic computer skills, job skills, and Internet use. In the first three months, Colorado public computer centers offered more than 260 training classes to nearly 3,000 people. Recently 10 new public computer centers opened in the High Plains Library District. Local community partners also are working with the libraries to host training topics including workforce skills, business 2.0 development, and new immigrant literacy. In addition, the State Library staff developed a technology boot camp and curriculum to help library staff and community volunteers become more proficient in technology.
To further the goal of increasing broadband adoption, the State Library also developed a statewide public awareness campaign to encourage community members to visit the centers, take training classes, and adopt broadband. Libraries throughout the state will participate in the campaign by hosting local launch events with open houses and guest speakers. The State Library staff also developed nationally recognized tools for gathering local statistics to evaluate the effectiveness of training and outreach.
Through the Bridging the Great Digital Divide project, Coloradoans will learn skills, access online education and health information and be able to participate more fully in the digital economy. Community agencies also can now offer training in ways they were not able to do so before, allowing citizens in remote parts of the state to stay connected with regional resources, such as workforce centers, small business development offices, and regional agricultural offices. Resources and opportunities provided by the Colorado State Library’s project can have a lasting impact on communities across the state.

An informal national movement of student volunteers that work to increase digital inclusion and broadband adoption.

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Created by the American Library Association (ALA) in response to a Presidential committee recommendation in 1989. Recognizes October as National Information Awareness Month and works to promote the visibility of information literacy by collaborating on a variety of activities with a host of organizations, schools, colleges/universities, businesses, and governmental agencies.

Tools for teachers, collaborative space to share ideas and discussion groups.