Archive for the ‘Commuter Computer’ Category
Computer Commuter gets $5000
December 8th, 2011
We have fun news to share about the Computer Commuter. We just learned that we were selected to receive funds by the Foundation for Rural Service. They are providing us with $5000.
The funds will be used to expand the services offered on their specially equipped van, which travels to six communities to offer computer/internet access and training. The mobile lab helps break down barriers to technology faced by the elderly, unemployed, minorities, and youth and brings free access to computers and internet service directly in to the communities.
Thank you Foundation for Rural Service!
Posted in Broadband Updates, Commuter Computer | Comments (0)
Broadband Advocates & Budding Web Developers
November 6th, 2011
Dale W. Hammond and Lyndon Perry are students at Gonzaga University. They spoke with us a few weeks ago about our Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) program initiatives. They were taking a higher level look at what MIRC partners might be able to do to enhance the benefits of the MIRC projects and recently shared their report with us.
The students knew about a program in the UK where folks in rural areas were offered computer and Internet training and were comparing MIRC to that UK efforts. The good news is that the programs shared many successful traits – but the students were able to pull one difference from the UK program that might help us make the most of our efforts here.
They talked about adding to the MIRC initiative a concerted effort develop local advocates through a Hometown Advocate Program (HAP). The idea is to find HAP candidates who are broadband users and work well with groups, to encourage them to become local champions, provide them with tools they need and reward them. The local trainer becomes part of the local capacity that does not go away when the grant funding ends. So it’s an effective way to build lasting capacity.
Interestingly enough we already have one such plan in place with our Website Development Series starting this week. We have classes scheduled for Wednesday (8:30-10:30) at Dawson High School and (6:00-8:00 pm) in the Computer Commuter in the parking lot of Dawson City Hall. It’s a perfect class for anyone who likes to write, likes computer and is looking for a change in career. Call for more information 320-598-7976
Posted in Broadband Updates, Commuter Computer, Events, LqP in the News, News & Trends | Comments (0)
Testimonials from LqP Computer Commuter
October 10th, 2011
Last week we had visitors from the Blandin Foundation and consultants with National Telecommunications and Information Adiministration (NTIA) at the Computer Commuter. They were interested in our involvement with the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) initiative.
It was great to have a chance to show off a little with a tour. But it was alsoa good chance for Pam Lehmann to talk to some regualr users of the Computer Commuter…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHb20Dr87xU
Also Mary Quick talks about how patrons learn to use the computers on the bus…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mar9lmnZorQ
Posted in Commuter Computer, Events, News & Trends | Comments (0)
Ancestry Info at the Computer Commuter
October 4th, 2011
We’re pleased to announce that you can now access Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest on a Computer Commuter. It’s just another reason to come check out the computers when we’re in your town.
Posted in Commuter Computer, Events | Comments (0)