BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN THE SAN JOAQUIN...

The Digital Divide Education Project of New Valley Connexions

Prepared by USDA National Center of Excellence

California State University, Fresno for New Valley Connexions

A Partnership of the Great Valley Center and the

California Trade and Commerce Agency’s

Division of Science, Technology & Innovation

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE INTHE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

MARCH 2000

For More Information:

The Great Valley Center911 13th StreetModesto, CA, [email protected]

USDA National Center of ExcellenceCalifornia State University, Fresno550 East Shaw Avenue, 2nd FloorFresno, CA 93710559-225-1194

THE SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY REGION

Counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced,San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare

Total area: 27,280 square miles; 17% of the landarea of California

Total population: 3.3 million; 10% of California’spopulation

Ethnic composition: 53% White, 34% Hispanic,8% Asian/Pacific Islander,4% African American, and1% Native American

Age distribution: 0–9 years, 18%; 10–19 years,16%; 20–44 years, 36%;45–64 years, 19%; 65+ years 10%

Adult Educational attainment: 66% arehigh school graduates; 14% have abachelor’s degree.

About this ReportThis report is part of the NEW VALLEY CONNEXIONS

program, a partnership of the Great Valley Center andthe Division of Science, Technology & Innovation ofthe California Trade and Commerce Agency. TheGreat Valley Center is a regional organization to helppeople deal successfully with growth and change in theCentral Valley. The purpose of the research grant wasto “identify opportunities to grow technology-basedclusters in the San Joaquin Valley in order to make theValley more competitive, enhance its base of agricul-ture and natural resources, attract compatible invest-ment, and improve the quality of life.”

An area of focus of NEW VALLEY CONNEXIONS was theDigital Divide Education Project. It addressed theregion’s digital divide by creating an educationalawareness project in the San Joaquin Valley, a region ofthe Central Valley that has particularly high concentra-tions of Hispanic, rural, immigrant, less educated, andlower income populations which statistically are on theunder-served side of the digital gap.

The community response to this project lead to anaction-oriented spin- off program, the Central ValleyDigital Network (CVDN) of the Great Valley Center.CVDN serves to address issues of equity for and accessto information technology in the region as an enginefor greater economic participation and fuller access tocivic life. For more information, please visithttp://www.greatvalley.org/cvdn .

The report was prepared by Deborah Stephens, ProjectConsultant of the Digital Divide Education Project,and current Program Director of the Central ValleyDigital Network at the Great Valley Center.

The full report is available on the Web athttp://www.greatvalley.org/nvc.

The document is intended to stimulate discussion andcatalyze action. The Great Valley Center welcomesyour comments and further suggestions.

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NEW VALLEY CONNEXIONS Project Area: The San Joaquin Valley

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Contents

I. Executive Summary 4

II. Video 5

III. Community Outreach Sessions 6

IV. Additional Events and Projects 8

V. Recommendations 9

VI. Central Valley Digital Network 10

VII. Appendix 12

A. The Digital Divide Fact Sheet 12

B. Summary of Participant Feedback 13

C. Handout: How to Get a Great Deal on a Computer, Internet Access and Email 22

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Executive SummaryInformation rich areas have a direct correlation toeconomic success and personal advancement. Yet, thedivide between those with access to new technologiesfor this information and those without is an increasingliability in minority and rural communities. Withrural citizens half as likely to have access to technologyas their urban counterparts, education is needed tosupport communities to become aware of how tech-nology is changing the way of work, education, andliving in the Information Age.

In the Central Valley, this “digital divide” betweenthose who have access to information technology andthose who do not spans a larger gap than the nationalaverage. According to a recent survey by the PublicPolicy Institute of California, almost two-thirds of theHispanic population in the Central Valley have notused the Internet or e-mail. In addition, middle classhouseholds have double the chances of having acomputer in their home as working class families.Three times the number of people with collegeeducations use a computer or the Internet comparedwith those who have a high school education or less.

The Great Valley Center’s NEW VALLEY CONNEXIONS

program and the National Center for Excellence atCalifornia State University, Fresno have taken leader-ship in addressing the region’s digital divide bycreating an educational awareness project in the SanJoaquin Valley. The major theme of the project is toevoke a message about how technology is changing theway we work, live, learn and play in the San JoaquinValley—an area with high concentrations of Hispanic,rural, immigrant, less educated, and lower incomepopulations. From September 1999 – March 2000,the Digital Divide Education Project launched aneducational video, conducted over 16 public presenta-tions and events, and created an informational websiteto provide some immediate resources to the region as acatalyst for beginning to close the digital gap.

The Digital Divide Education Project in collaborationwith Univision KFTV Channel 21 (Fresno) producedan educational video: “Getting Everyone Connected toTechnology in the San Joaquin Valley.” This fifteen-minute video uses real people and local examples todemonstrate the advantages of technology and to

reduce concerns regarding accessibility. The narratedvideo, available in English and Spanish versions,features a series of interviews with people of variousages, backgrounds, and professions who describe howthey use technology and how it has made a differenceto them.

The Digital Divide Education Project also conductedover 16 public presentations to increase awarenessabout technology in society. The Community Out-reach Sessions were conducted in Fresno, Kings,Merced, Stanislaus and Tulare counties. There weretwo types of sessions: one for those who are “servicereceivers” or those who are themselves new to learningabout technology; and another for those who serve as“solution providers,” making technology access andtraining available to the public.

Feedback from the Community Outreach Sessionsranged from “I didn’t know anything about thisbefore” to “Why don’t people know about our com-puter centers that are available?” to “How can myorganization sponsor computer classes in my commu-nity?” In sum, there is receptivity to the issue and aninterest to deal with it. However, there is now a needto provide programs and resources to directly addressthese issues of the digital divide.

Based on comments gathered in sessions and generalissues in the field, here is a list of recommendationsfrom the Digital Divide Education Project for nextsteps to address the technology gap in the CentralValley:

• Target an organized audience with which tospread the message.

• Help people know why to use a computer.• Teach all groups about technology.• Encourage and prepare teachers to use

computers in the classroom.• Make owning the technology simple and easy.• Promote and create public places for technol-

ogy access and training.

For more information, please visithttp://www.greatvalley.org/nvc/digital_divide .

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AudienceThe video is designed for an audience of those livingin the San Joaquin Valley who are new to and/orunfamiliar with using information technology. It isreally an introduction to how computers and theInternet are changing society. Because over one-thirdof the population in the San Joaquin Valley is His-panic, the video was produced in both Spanish andEnglish so that the message can be widely distributedamong residents of the Valley and perhaps beyond.

Educational GoalThe educational goal of the video is for the audiencemember to gain a better understanding of howtechnology can be used in everyday living, why it’sbeneficial to know how to use it, and where one cango to gain access. Although not an instructional toolabout how to use technology, it is a motivational toolto build curiosity and to create an incentive forlearning how to use it.

DistributionHundreds of free copies of the videos have been madeavailable to local governments, small businesses, andcommunity-based organizations to share the messagewith their constituencies. The Digital Divide Educa-tion Project is also making available a set of presenta-tion slides that can be used with the video as the basisof a workshop/discussion for the participants. Formore information about the presentations, please visithttp://www.greatvalley.org/nvc/digital_divide/ddep_sessions.htm .

The Digital Divide Education Project also releasedcopies of the video to local cable companies in the SanJoaquin Valley, and the California Trade and Com-merce Agency digitized the video for online viewing(http://www.greatvalley.org/nvc/digital_divide/ddep_video.htm).

Video

The Digital Divide Education Project in collaborationwith Univision KFTV Channel 21 (Fresno) producedan educational video entitled “Getting EveryoneConnected to Technology in the San Joaquin Valley.”The video has four parts: (i) general examples of howto use the Internet, (ii) technology in education, (iii)technology in business, and (iv) how to get connected.This fifteen-minute video uses real people and localexamples to demonstrate the advantages of technologyand to reduce concerns regarding accessibility. Thenarrated video, available in English and Spanish,contains a series of interviews with people of variousages, backgrounds, and professions who describe theiruse of technology and how it has made a difference tothem. The interview guests were carefully selected tobe genuine, non-intimidating, and relatable to theaudience. In other words, the people in the videocould easily relate to the audience as their local teacher,co-worker, librarian, employer, neighbor, policeofficer, or grandparent.

Contact [email protected] or call 209-522-5103to request a free copy (while supplies last) of thevideo in Spanish and/or English.

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The Digital Divide Education Project conducted over16 public presentations to increase awareness abouttechnology in society. There were two types ofsessions: one for those who serve as “solution provid-ers” for making technology access and training avail-able to the public and another for “service receivers” orthose who are themselves new to learning abouttechnology. Both sessions stressed the importance ofhow technology is changing the way of work, livingand learning. The service receiver presentationfocused more on how the technology works and whatone can learn and gain from it. The solution providerpresentation offered data about who is connected andwhat can be done about it.

Copies of the Microsoft Powerpoint slide presenta-tions for both service providers and receivers can befound online at http://www.greatvalley.org/nvc/digital_divide/ddep_sessions.htm .

Synthesis of Feedback from SessionsAt the end of each session, a summative evaluationtool was used to gather qualitative feedback from theparticipants. For the participants in the servicereceiver presentations, the comments were consistentlyabout the need to learn about technology to get abetter job to help themselves and their families.Secondary benefits included the opportunity tocommunicate with other people and become moreeducated. There was evidence of breaking stereotypi-cal myths about using technology because participantswrote that after attending the workshop they learnedthat “everybody can use technology no matter the ageor background.” The participants left encouraged and“motivated to learn more about technology.”

For the solution provider presentations, a significantgroup of the respondents indicated that the digitaldivide was an issue that they had not previouslyconsidered. This information was new to them, andthe context for its relevance and importance in the SanJoaquin Valley was recognized and appreciated. At thesame time, there was a yearning for more informationabout program models and outreach tools for low-income, rural, and ethnic minority populations. Mostparticipants left the sessions ready and eager to takeaction at some level.

Community Outreach Sessions

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Here is a summary of responses that were collectedfrom these presentations:

1) What information was particularly useful to youin this presentation?

• Statistics and definitions: in general and inCentral Valley

• Consciousness raising: the need, the demograph-ics, the future trends, and the message thathardware needs to be coupled with the desire tolearn.

• Information Sharing: idea generation, resourceinformation, how to reach the rural, low incomecommunities.

2) What would you like to hear more about?

• Infrastructure: ways to improve “wiring” in lowincome/rural areas.

• Outreach Methods: how to get it out, how toreach different cultures, low-income groups andrural areas, and how to reach out to thosewithout computer literacy

• Resources: program models, access, etc.• Coordination: Future meetings and presenta-

tions, how to get personally get involved, learn-ing how each county is moving forward—whatis the short and long-term plan and who are theplayers?

• Training: computer classes for beginners, e-commerce/how to develop a website, etc., teachertraining.

3) As a result of this session, what, if anything, areyour next steps to address the digital divide in yourcounty?

• Increase public information: conduct outreachabout access to technology, particularly tounincorporated areas; find out about mobilerural outreach; make public advertisements;educate myself more to better inform others.

• Partner with businesses for training: createpartnerships with businesses to make trainingover the Internet available to new employees.

• Expand computer education: discuss teachingsome basic computer classes; expand our com-puter education at the Adult School to reachother groups—seniors, lower income; promotedistance learning.

• Spread the word: to colleagues; take video toother meetings; talk to those in our county whowork in technology to improve services to ourcustomers; may write article for our marketingand information newsletter.

• Assess infrastructure: look at availability of PCand phone line connections for offsite locations indifferent cities of our country.

• Create more support for Spanish-speakinglearners: try to have a dedicated Hispanicspeaking person on site at all times and adedicated computer.

4) What information would be helpful for you tohave posted on our website so that you will have easyaccess to tools and information?

• Program Models: examples of other initiatives(e.g. Shafter story), suggestions for outreachactivities; how to share information with low-income families; cultural tools; how to create a“buy in” so adults can/want to get on-line.

• Public Access Information: where to find local,public access sites/terminals, etc.

• General Information: how to schedule you/youragency for a video presentation, find a list offunding sources.

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In addition to the Community Outreach Sessions,there were several other opportunities to create publicawareness about the issue of the digital divide in theSan Joaquin Valley.

“Addressing the Digital Divide in the Central Valleyand Beyond” (January 19, 2000)Sponsored by Intel Corporation and hosted by KVIEChannel 6 in Sacramento, the Great Valley Center,and NEW VALLEY CONNEXIONS, the Digital DivideEducation Project held a special event entitled “Ad-dressing the Digital Divide in the Central Valley andBeyond.” Over 100 people concerned about the issueattended the luncheon event which featured twoactivities. First, there was a screening of highlightsfrom the PBS documentary, “DIGITAL DIVIDE,”with comments from the executive producer, DavidBolt of Studio Miramar. Second, there was a panelpresentation about challenges and solutions fromexperts and activists including California State Super-intendent for Public Instruction Delaine Eastin, Dr.Milton Chen of the George Lucas EducationalFoundation, Graciela Martinez of the AmericanFriends Service Committee-Proyecto Campesino inGoshen, and Frank Quintero, President of the MercedCounty Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

NEW VALLEY CONNEXIONS Conferences (September22-23, 1999 and May 9, 2000)The Digital Divide Education Project was featured intwo sessions of the San Joaquin Valley TechnologyConference in September of 1999. The first was apresentation to the general session about the project,and the second was in partnership with ConnectedCommunities for a workshop entitled, “The Valley’sTelecommunications Infrastructure – Where WeStand, Visions of the Future”. At the NEW VALLEY

CONNEXIONS Workshop in May 2000, the Projectmade another subsequent presentation.

Additional Events and ProjectsIDEAL Seminar Presentation (February 12, 2000)The 2000 Class of Fellows in the Institute for theDevelopment of Emerging Area Leaders (IDEAL)participated in two presentations from the DigitalDivide Education Project about how technology isaffecting various communities in the Central and SanJoaquin Valleys. The Fellows were trained in newtechnology skills so that they can share their under-standing with others in their regions throughout theCentral Valley.

NVC Newsletter articlesThe Digital Divide Education Project has publishedseveral articles for Insight, the NEW VALLEY

CONNEXIONS Newsletter. This newsletter is publishedin paper format and mailed to over 6000 people. It’salso available online at http://greatvalley.org/nvc . Thefirst article published in Winter 1999-2000 wasentitled “Increasing Technology Awareness to Bridge theDigital Divide in the San Joaquin Valley,” the secondarticle in March 2000 was “Getting Connected in theSan Joaquin Valley,” and the third article published inSeptember 2000 was “The Central Valley DigitalNetwork.”

Channel 47 (KJEO-TV Fresno) “47 This Morning”Public Affairs Show Interview (October 12, 1999)In October of 1999, the Digital Divide EducationProject was featured with the NEW VALLEY

CONNEXIONS program on the public affairs morningshow at CBS Channel 47 (Fresno). This interview wasused to raise awareness about the important effortsbeing made towards increasing technology opportuni-ties in the San Joaquin Valley.

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Based on comments gathered in sessions and generalissues in the field, here are a list of recommendationsfrom the Digital Divide Education Project for nextsteps to address the technology gap in the CentralValley:

Target an organized audience with which to spreadthe message.One of the Project’s community outreach sessions at apublic housing center was cancelled due to a lack ofinterest in the topic and the potential participants notknowing that there was anything to gain immediatelyfrom showing up at a meeting. Promoting a “technol-ogy workshop” is often not enough. Organizers needto find ways to include this message with other localevents and meetings so that there is already an orga-nized and available audience. Examples may includegatherings for the PTA, community housing associa-tions, civic clubs, churches and faith-based organiza-tions, etc.

Help people know why to use a computer.The benefits of computer use are often a hidden secretbecause it is an under-used resource in many commu-nities in the San Joaquin Valley. Computers are notprevalent in homes, schools, or workplaces. Dot-comadvertisements are becoming more frequent. Withoutexample or incentive, the use of a computer mayappear to be irrelevant especially to non-native Englishspeakers in this region. However, when people aretaught about and how to use computers and theInternet, a new world of opportunity is open. Whenproducts and services are put online, interest is peaked.As families and local leaders learn about the value ofinvesting in computer and Internet access, they caninfluence interest in their communities.

Teach all groups to learn about technology.People of all ages, backgrounds, and professions canlearn about computers together. There is no priorityfor who needs to learn first—it’s a matter of how toenable them to learn. Today, experts are developing atall different stages whether it’s teenagers in a wiredclassroom or seniors from a wired retirement commu-nity. We need our new experts to be seen as commu-nity resources who can benefit everyone throughsharing their new knowledge.

Encourage and prepare teachers to use computers inthe classroom.Although most schools are wired in some way, theresources are left largely untapped due to a lack oftraining for use in instruction. If schools are one ofthe best ways to reach communities with technology,then we need to prepare educators to use it effectivelyas both an instructional tool and a communicationtool with parents, future employers, and the commu-nity at large. Since only new teachers are required tolearn about technology as an instructional tool,current and senior teachers often need support.

Make owning the technology simple and easy.Getting computers into homes is the most direct wayto close the digital divide. However, in many cases theresponsibility of starting and maintaining a computermachine is daunting to potential owners. Offer basicpublic classes in getting started. Show people how toget started, what is a good deal with a computer, andonce purchased, how to set up and update a newcomputer.

Promote and create public places for technologyaccess and training.Libraries, schools, and one-stops are already places togo for public access to the Internet. Finding out moreabout these opportunities and establishing trainingsupport for their users is important. In addition, findways to put the technology into existing communitycenters like places of worship and recreation centers.

Recommendations

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Central Valley Digital Network

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As our society becomes increasingly information-basedand knowledge-driven, opportunities for equalparticipation in our democracy through education,jobs, and community become skewed among socioeco-nomic and geographically distributed groups. TheCentral Valley Digital Network (CVDN) is a programof the Great Valley Center that serves to address issuesof equity for and access to information technology inthe region as an engine for greater economic participa-tion and fuller access to civic life.

The Central Valley Digital Network is creating realoptions for accessing information technology andlearning new skills in a region risking isolation fromparticipation in the New Economy. A key compo-nent of this program is directed to infusing humancapital into local organizations to increase theircapacity to offer training, outreach and access totechnology. In the first year, this will occur in theform of deploying 20 AmeriCorps*VISTA Membersinto a total of five counties in the region (Merced,Stanislaus, Sutter, Tulare and Yuba counties) to serve aslocal organizers for reaching out to and supportingmembers and groups in communities who have notbeen able to access the Information Highway for avariety of reasons.

The program outcomes of the Central Valley DigitalNetwork are:

1. To generate awareness in the Central Valleyabout economic opportunity through technol-ogy and the skills and resources for accessingit.

2. To increase the resource capacity (time,equipment, site, trainers/coaches, etc.) of localorganizations to make public access availableto technology.

3. To provide technology literacy training andcoaching to the constituents of your localorganization and community members.

4. To provide the Spanish-speaking communitywith increased access to a variety of informa-tion and services through the use of technol-ogy.

As evidenced in over 16 of the public outreach sessionsconducted by Great Valley Center’s New ValleyCONNEXIONS Digital Divide Education Project, animmediate way to decrease the digital gap is to matchstaff capacity with existing computer resources at localorganizations. Several agencies have basic hardwareand software equipment, but they lack the staff toorient new users, the knowledge to design and offerappropriate training, and the time to get the word outto the community about their services. The VISTAcomponent of the CVDN offers a solution to the lackof staff, knowledge, and time by providing an innova-tive program that enlists the support ofAmeriCorps*VISTA Members (the domestic peacecorps) from the Corporation for National Service. Itis a multi-county, bilingual program that increases thecapacity of local organizations to make informationtechnology access and training more readily, conve-niently and widely available to the public.

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Each VISTA works at one of the assigned localorganizations to assess technology, train volunteers toteach others in basic computer and Internet skills,conduct public outreach to use the technology, andorganize related projects that are unique to the hostorganization as well as county-wide collaborations.During the project year, the outreach and sessions areconducted in both English and Spanish.

In the first year, the VISTA component is operating inMerced, Tulare, Stanislaus, Sutter and Yuba counties.The Program has assigned a team of 4-6 VISTAs toeach county or joint county area. They are individu-ally placed at key public technology providers in thecommunity. In each participating county, the VISTAsare assigned to a school, a library, job training center,public housing agency, or community-based organiza-tion to help improve their technology services andcoordinate with similar programs across county lines.The host organizations of the VISTA Membersinclude:

Merced CountyEmployment Development Department - Merced Job ServiceFamily Resource CouncilHispanic Chamber of CommerceHousing Authority of The County of MercedMerced County Adult School

Stanislaus CountyHousing Authority County of StanislausStanislaus County Department of Employment and TrainingStanislaus County Library

Tulare CountyABLE IndustriesBoys & Girls Club of Tulare CountyCommunity Services & Employment Training, Inc. (C-SET)Wittman Village Community Center

Yuba/Sutter CountiesSutter County Schools—Career Training and Education CenterSutter-Yuba Friday Night LiveYuba County LibrarySutter County Library

The VISTAs receive training to learn basic computerand Internet skills; how to train others to train newusers in technology; problem-solving with computers;public outreach strategies in two languages and manycultures; project management; community needsassessment; and more. The VISTAs also have monthlyprojects to accomplish both at the host organizationand with their county-wide team.

For more information about the Central Valley DigitalNetwork, please visit http://www.greatvalley.org/cvdn .

APPENDIX: The Digital Divide Fact Sheet

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CALIFORNIA’S DIGITAL DIVIDE: THE CENTRAL VALLEY

ALL CALIFORNIA ADULTS ALL CENTRAL VALLEY ADULTS

Use Use Use UseComputer Internet Computer Internet

75% 61% 64% 50%Race/Ethnicity Non-Hispanic White 77 66 65 54 Latino 61 39 53 35 Asian* 91 81 - - Black* 78 61 - -

California Region San Francisco Bay Area 81 70 Los Angeles County 74 57 Southern California 75 62 Central Valley 70 57

Central Valley Region North Valley 56 44 Sacramento Metro 73 61 North San Joaquin 61 48 South San Joaquin 61 46

Age 18-64 81 67 70 56 65+ 38 27 29 20

Education High School or Less 52 34 45 30 Some College 80 65 72 57 College Graduate 89 80 80 69

Income Under $20,000 45 29 41 28 $20,000-$59,999 75 59 67 52 $60,000 and Above 94 85 84 73

Source: Public Policy Institute of California Statewide Surveys—combined results from September and December 1999surveys and January and February 2000 surveys for all California adults (N=8063) and the Special Survey of the CentralValley from November 1999 (N=2016). The combined total for Central Valley is 3,590.

* Sample size too small to separately analyze these two groups.

VISALIA, TULARE COUNTYCommunity Outreach Session forService Providers, 1/13/00


• Statistics concerning gap in these who are andare not connected. Information on “DigitalDivide” by definition.

• Statistics relevant to Central Valley.• Statistical information.• The entire presentation raised awareness even

though we know it existed.• Exciting thought, generated ideas. How to

reach the rural, low income communities.Hardware needs coupled with the desire tolearn.

• What Digital Divide is. How it’s affectingdifferent demographic areas.

• The need for technology in various popula-tions in the country.

• Who is digital/who is not digital• Very informative.


• I would like to see maps displaying statistics.• Ways to improve “wiring” in low income/rural

areas.• How you will be getting your message out.• Ways to inform community of the importance

of bring computer literate.• How nonwhites can get hardware into their

home. How to reach them culturally—theimportance of.

• What are some specifics being done (or will bedone) to have access available to everyone?

• How to extend outreach.• How can teachers be trained on all the

technology that their schools provide? Teachteachers first!

• Any new innovations, services, etc. (i.e.training)

3) As a result of this session, what, if anything, areyour next steps to address the digital divide in TulareCounty?

• Possibly to add more public communicationsto help people know where access is available.

• Take technology to unincorporated areas.• Partnerships with businesses to make training

over the Internet available to new employees.• Hopefully discuss, teaching some basic

computer classes.• Although I’m unable to attend the Sacramento

conference [Jan 19th], I’ll connect with MaryLou Gonzalez upon her return.

• Discuss at our next TEA [Training andEducation Association of Tulare County] —agenda item.

• Introduce access to as many individuals(people I directly work with) as possible.

• Expand our computer education at the AdultSchool to reach other groups—seniors, lowerincome.

• Promote distance learning.• Take your video to other meetings to present.• Mobile rural outreach


• What approaches others are trying.• Local, public access sites/terminals, etc.• Ideas like what Shafter was doing and where

public could access computers.• Videos. How to get free computers into

homes and churches. Create a “buy in” soadults can/want to get on-line.

• Suggestions for outreach activities.• How to schedule you/your agency for a video

presentation

APPENDIX: Summary of Participant Feedback

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5) Other suggestions/advice/feedback:

• Very good presentation!• Partner with Roman Catholic Church and

Microsoft, bring major players together toprovide resources. Target community mem-bers (i.e., a young student to show neighbors,family access can really benefit themselves/community.)

• Good presentation.

Feedback from Group Discussionduring Session:

What does the Digital Divide look like in TulareCounty?

• Lack of Hardware available to lower incomefamilies.

• Age gap – Younger generation has more accessthan older generation. There is no place for olderpeople to go.

• Present resources are not being utilized. (Kiosks,info centers)

• Some families may not feel that being “wired” isrelevant.

• $$$ keeps families in the valley from being“wired”.

• Unincorporated areas have no access.• Language barriers.

How can we support digital opportunities in TulareCounty?

• Find out about models of what’s working in otherrural/lower income areas

• Get computers into homes and churches• Get the word out in general• Acquire more information about how to provide

opportunities• Get students/young people to show parents/

grandparents how to use technology

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MODESTO, STANISLAUS COUNTYCommunity Outreach Session forService Providers, 1/18/00


• I am very happy to find out most of thecounty agencies are providing computertechnology to the public.

• That there’s people out there that care tonarrow the “digital divide.”

• Becoming informed about the digital divide.• All of it. It illustrated how important it is to

advocate for public access to and informationabout technology.

• Resources.• I hadn’t thought much about the issue. I

appreciated the education.• The statistical number regarding the number

of people online or using the PC.• How all this may be relevant (the discussion)• Statistics.• Ideas about improving technology availability

in our county businesses.• Statistics were interesting. Although I knew

who has more access to Internet/who hascomputers/who uses computers more often.

• Statistics on how large the divide is—I hadn’tthought of it before and the impact it has onour community.

• PBS documentary, website, general informa-tion.

• Websites for information—grants andfunding.


• Efforts now being done to connect all agenciesand their services.

• Programs that address low-income commu-nity exposure to technology.

• What’s available where. Addresses?• Future presentations. Informational meetings.• What can I personally do to help?

• Some ways to provide Internet to our clients/community.

• Safeguards• Specific examples of how Hispanics are

being served.• Making applications and e-mails available

for StanWorks customers.• How Internet is working in other countries

and what are their addresses• How our county is moving forward—what is

the short and long-term plan and who arethe players?

• Classes for beginners• E-commerce/how to develop a website? Do

informational packet or resources

3) As a result of this session, what, if anything, areyour next steps to address the digital divide inStanislaus County?

• To provide more training, awareness, of theaccess of the computer technology.

• Public advertisements.• Internet is more for middle class upper. I

don’t see low income ag Hispanics going onthe Net just to participate in chat rooms.

• Encouraging the public to make technologya priority.

• Access website and download informationand request video.

• Bring back information to communitypartners and agency managers.

• Not sure what I can do. I know I will beginpassing along the information re: free ISPs.

• Look at availability of PC and phone lineconnections for our offsite locations indifferent cities of our country.

• Educate myself more to better inform others.• Address the issue more—give more informa-

tion to people particularly recipients.• Talk to those in our county who work in

technology to improve services to ourcustomers.

• Continue with plans in place –target over-coming the issues of “wire” off site locations

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and shared connections.• Spread the word about Employment and

Training Resource Centers! 3 locations opento the public.

• May write article for our marketing andinformation newsletter


• I would like to find out the feedback/com-mands from the discussion.

• List of funding sources (e.g. for RFPs)• If you can share information about how our

low-income families can get access to comput-ers.

• Other countries accomplishments in tech-nologies.

• Cultural tools• How-to’s for technologically illiterate people• List of funding or grants we can access to

meet our county needs.• And when awarded who in our county got the

grant/funding so that we can network.• Funding sources and more websites


• Good presentation! I will access your websiteand share information with my co-workers.

• Good presentation and great resources.Thanks!

• To have access to the Internet in other lan-guages.

• Thanks, you handled the tech issues very well.And thanks for speaking in English and not“computerish”

• Great job! Very informational.• Good presentation…maybe explain a little

more upfront about the Digital DivideEducation Project and how the Great ValleyCenter relates.

Feedback from Group Discussionduring Session:

What do you see as current “Digital Opportunities”in Stanislaus County? [session #1]

• One stops are an important technology resourcefor employment and training; job search, research,class work, resumes, etc.

• Patterson, Newman, Oakdale, and other outlyingareas have resources with DET and libraries.

• Training is available at libraries for using thecomputers.

• We need to show young people as well as old forhow to use the computer…”community resourceclasses.”

• Libraries want to create community centers for thetechnology resources, but need space.

• We need better training for teachers to use tech-nology.

• Children need to be exposed to technology fromyoung ages.

• Parents need to get the training to understand whytechnology is important to use/invest in.

• People need to know why they need a computer.• We need to make client services user friendly to

get comfortable using the technology…make itrelevant…show how it will improve their lives.

• Show people how to get started, what is a gooddeal with a computer, and once purchased, how toset up a new computer, etc.

• Show people how to get/find information.• Improve bi-lingual information for Hispanic

information, etc.• Create way to help people stay current with how

technology gets updated.• We need to have more neighborhood centers for

people to come in for social services

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What do you see as current “Digital Opportunities”in Stanislaus County? [session #2]

• Use technology to address transportation shortagefor getting information without traveling.

• Need to coordinate internal systems to access sameinformation…one point of entry for clientservices.

• Use the One-stops to avoid duplication in infor-mation sharing.

• Need to increase access with outlying areas(bandwidth and connections) for providingservices.

• Understand that community services have ex-panded faster than technology has

• Look for online accreditation and training for jobdevelopment.

• Increase opportunities for elderly to gain access totechnology and increase communication withfamilies, etc.

• Partner with SCEDCO, etc. for high tech businessto come to the Valley for employment opportuni-ties.

• Use it for better ways to research and peak interestin new ways; especially for students.

• Look for ways to share with people what’s avail-able with technology as an option…knowingwhat’s out there.

• Have goal is to maximize opportunity for technol-ogy and help people make a personal choice forhow to use it.

• Can Jobtrak customers use email accounts?Yes…they are using it at home or in the ResourceCenter.

• See how we are setting up local centers inHughson, Riverbank, etc….but need wiring tomake it happen.

• Create an education piece online about how newusers can use technology or where they can go tobuild into training programs that already exist.

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TURLOCK, STANISLAUS COUNTYThe Waitfield School,Responses from 90 Sixth Graders, 1/18/00

The sixth graders at this school were divided into smallgroups and asked to create responses to the followingquestions: “How would you teach [fill in here] to usetechnology (computers or the Internet)? What would youteach them first?”

Grandparents• Show them the CD-Rom Mavis Beacon Teaches

Typing so they can learn to use the keyboard• Give them a manual• Teach them a little every day (not all at once)

Parents• How to turn the computer on• How to print• How to save• How to use a website and the Internet• E-mail• All about a Digital Camera• How to use a mouse• How to print• How to type• How to save and create folders

People who don’t speak English• How to buy a translator [digital]• How to program a computer to any language• Tell them how to work a mouse• How to draw

Soccer Coach• How to find out about good soccer players• How to use Instant Messenger vs. the telephone• How to get plays from different coaches and the

Internet• How to get scores and see who’s in first place

Friend• How to turn it on• What a mouse and keyboard is for• What a Monitor is• Names of the parts• What the screen is about

Grandparents and Neighbors• How to work the Internet• How to show people how to use the Internet• How to learn new stuff• Stuff that’s changed since they were little• E-mail• How to buy stuff and sell stuff

Teacher• Sit down and explain it to them• What to push• Where to go on the Internet• What to do• The Mouse

Little Brother• How to turn it on• How to use the keyboard• How to use the mouse• How to view it• Screensaver• How to print• How to scan• How to turn it on• How to go on the Internet

Little Sister• How to turn it on• How to play games• Show programs• How to shut it down• What not to do• Internet• Look up websites• Bilingual writing center• IBM vs. Mac

Babysitter• How to find out what to do if the baby gets lost or

sick• How to call mom or the police on the Internet• Explain that it takes time to use it

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MERCED, MERCED COUNTYCommunity Outreach Session forService Providers, 2/8/00


• The awareness factor of how importanttechnology is to keep up with future technol-ogy.

• Debbie’s presentation was wonderful Bravo!• Film-partnership with Ph.D., schools, com-

puters to kids• Everything was new to me. I had no idea

about this program.


• How to be able to reach those rural uncon-nected communities.

• Models—what communities are doing.• Networks/partnerships.• How we can help the Hispanic population in

Merced County

3) As a result of this session, what, if anything, areyour next steps to address the digital divide inMerced County?

• Keep in contact or share ideas with peopleand agencies that can make a difference inbettering “digital” situation awareness.

• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is lookingto develop strategies to get informationcommunity participation and access totechnology. Informing the haves of theseriousness/relationship of poverty and accessto technology.

• Try to have a dedicated Hispanic speakingperson on site at all times and a dedicatedcomputer.


• Computer interface/Internet


• As I go along and get more information, I willmost likely have more suggestions.

• Christmas baskets – food 2 computers!• Computer give-away!

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MERCED, MERCED COUNTYMerced Housing AuthorityCommunity Outreach Session forService Receivers, 2/8/00

1) What new things did you learn about technologyin this presentation?

• New terms. Free services.• That everybody can use it no matter the age or

background.• How important it is to learn and use the Internet.

Everything you can use it for.• To buy things and learn how to use Internet and

communication.

2) What, if anything, motivated you to learn moreabout technology?

• You need technology to get a good job.• The thing that motivated me to learn about

computers was I wanted to get a better job.• It is really interesting. You need at least basic

computer training to get a job, learn about thingsabout the world.

• I want to get a job to help my children.

3) What are some things that you want to be able todo with technology?

• Do a better job at work. Use the Internet to“visit” other parts of the world.

• I want to be able to learn to use the Internet andemail. I want to be able to learn more aboutcomputers over all.

• Communicate with other people.• Communicate with other people and look for

more education.

4) What other information do you wish had beenpresented today?

• It covered all the basic information.• Nothing, I learned everything I want to know and

learn.• It has been perfect and good. It motivates me

more to learn about technology.• It’s perfect I like because you learn more about

technology.


• Good presentation. Very helpful.

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FRESNO, FRESNO COUNTYFresno County Office of Education,Superintendent’s Advisory Group,Community Outreach Session forService Providers, 3/23/00


· Amount of difference in access to technol-ogy

· Validating some assumptions and thestatistics

· The % of homes that don’t have Internetaccess or computers in the home

2) What would you like to hear more about?· What are the resources available to

providing current information on thefunds and programs to connect ruralareas.

· More information on what programs etc.are being used in other rural areas withsimilar population make-up as FresnoCounty and the San Joaquin Valley

· Grants for technology in small ruraltowns

· How can we get all our families in ouronline

· How many ways could overall commu-nity access to Internet and how will itbenefit us.

· Grants and corporate partnership· How to get parents more interested or

motivated in the area of technology

3) As a result of this session, what, if anything, areyour next steps to address the digital divide inFresno County?

· Find out how Huron will implementgrant

· Providing programs with some familiesgetting online

· Assess our schools in relationship to“Digital Divide”

· Promote technology in our community

4) What information would be helpful for you tohave posted on our website so that you will haveeasy access to tools and information?

· Progress on E-rate awards· Technology center structure and function· Progress toward reducing the “Digital

Divide”· Contacts whereby parents or staff can be

made available to deal with purchasingcompanies, prices of software/hardware,troubleshooting information, etc.

5) Other suggestions/advice/feedback:· Lobby for Digital Grants for 6-7-8 grades

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APPENDIX: Handout

How to Get a Great Deal ona Computer, Internet Access And Email

Computer and Internet technology can be expensive, but there are ways to access the Information Superhighwayand not go into debt. This handout includes advice on getting free or reduced rates on this technology. By nomeans are these suggestions the only way to get access to affordable technology, but they are at least a startingpoint.

EMAILIn order to use electronic mail (“e-mail”), you need to have an email account. This account is like a mailingaddress that identifies you on the Internet and establishes an e-mailbox to collect messages that get sent to you.There are many ways to acquire an e-mail account: some accounts are bought for personal use, some are assignedfrom businesses or civic organizations, and others can be acquired for free from many different providers. Thenice thing about the most popular free e-mail accounts (see list below) is that they can be accessed from the web atany time. In other words, you can use any computer that is hooked up to the Internet anywhere to check your e-mail and send messages. You can use these e-mail accounts from home, work, school, an Internet café, a friend’shouse or any other computer in the world with an Internet connection. To get started, just go to the websites thatare listed and sign up.

Excite http://www.excite.com/Info/inbox/welcome.html“Excite” Inbox is not only a free e-mail service, but also a free voicemail and fax service. It includes an emailaddress that is yours as long as you want it. You also get a toll-free voicemail and fax number with your ownpersonal extension. People can send email to you at your email address or leave voice messages or faxes at yourvoicemail extension. There’s no special software to install. And you can use Excite Inbox from any computer, atany time, to send and receive messages over the Internet.

Hotmail http://www.hotmail.com/Hotmail was the world’s first web-based e-mail provider, which means you can send and receive messages fromany computer connected to the Internet. Your messages are stored in a central location, so your Inbox will alwaysbe up to date. This is great for people who use more than one computer, travel frequently, or don’t even own acomputer.

Yahoo! http://mail.yahoo.com/

On Yahoo!, you also get your own Yahoo! Free email address to access email from anywhere. You’ll be registeredwith all of Yahoo!’s services.

INTERNET ACCESSIn order to use email or to surf the web, you need to have a connection to the Internet. An Internet ServiceProvider or “ISP” makes this connection possible. Just like you need to have a telephone service like Pacific Bellto use your telephone, you need an ISP to use the Internet on your computer. Companies like America Online(AOL), Compuserve, Prodigy, Earthlink, Lightspeed, and Mindspring are examples of popular ISPs. Thesecompanies usually charge a monthly access fee for service which ranges from $15-$30. Sometimes municipalitiesoffer an even lower rate for basic Internet access through a public network.

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But wait…there are at least six ways to get Internet access for FREE in the United States:

FreeAccess http://microav.com/AltaVista has announced the upcoming launch of FreeAccess, which will provide users with a no-cost Internetconnection and has prompted many to question whether free Internet access soon will be the norm. In the U.S.,AltaVista, owned by Compaq Computer and CMGI, expects to generate revenue by using data mining to feedtargeted advertisements to a 5 percent area of the user’s screen.

Freei.Net http://www.freei.netThis service is free to users, with one catch: a small banner window of ads is always visible on your screen as longas you’re connected to Freei.net. That means advertisers have access to you whenever you’re signed on. However,Freei.Net thinks you won’t mind this because you’ll only see ads for products and services you’re interested in,based on a survey you complete when you open your account.

Juno http://dl.www.juno.com/get/freeUsing Juno’s free e-mail is simple: all you need is a personal computer and a modem—then, just download theirsoftware. No Internet connection is necessary. Sign up in minutes and enjoy. Absolutely no fees or charges. It’seasy to use, even if you’re brand new to the Internet. There are more than 2,300 access numbers nationwide.

NetZero http://www.netzero.netNetZero provides consumers with free, easy and unlimited access to the Internet while offering advertisers a wayto target those users. A core feature of NetZero is the ZeroPort, a small window displayed on users’ computerscreens while they are online. The ZeroPort can be moved to any point on the computer screen but cannot beclosed so the ZeroPort is always visible regardless of where a user travels on the Web. This enables advertisers todisplay messages the entire time the user is online. Subscribers to NetZero provide basic demographic andgeographic information along with data on their hobbies and interests. This information enables NetZero tobuild a personal profile that is unique to those users and to customize the information they see within the adver-tising window.

Tritium Network http://www.tritium.net/The Tritium Network offers free access to the Internet through its nationwide network of local dial up numbers.You can use any browser you want, any email program and go anywhere you want! If you’re an America Online(AOL) user, and would like to keep AOL, you can save over 50% on your monthly fee. This free access worksbecause advertisers pay for the service. “Ticker-tape” like banner ads run through their patent-pending “TVuesystem” and rotate every 30 seconds in the bottom portion of your screen.

About once a month (in exchange for free access) you will be asked to complete a short on-line survey about yourpreferences. Your answers will determine which ads you see. You view only those ads which fit your profile andcan modify your profile at any time. When you find an advertisement that interests you, the website of theproduct will open in your browser with a single click.

Worldspy http://www.worldspy.com/freeisp/isp.htmlWorldspy has no monthly membership fees, no setup fees, no maintenance fees, no annual dues. It offers 24-HourToll-Free Customer Service Support. [Note: WorldSpy’s FREE Internet access software is currently not availablefor Macintosh.] In exchange for free access, Worldspy will compile your usage data, but will not track yourindividual online activity. In addition, they will never sell this information, nor share your personal data withoutside parties without your permission.

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INEXPENSIVE COMPUTERSThe price is rapidly lowering for personal computers, and some companies have even tried to offer them for “free”in exchange for market research or extended Internet service provider contracts. The trend in lower-pricedcomputers is motivated by the falling price of memory, a move toward Internet-based software applications, andthe saturation of higher-income markets. Market research from A.C. Nielsen shows 53% of American householdshaving at least one computer, though households with the lowest incomes are significantly less likely to own acomputer.

eMachines http://www.emachinesinc.comThe most recent news is that the company “Free-PC” has ended their free computer offer and been bought out bythe company eMachines which offers computers still at a very low price. Emachines offers a personal computerfor $799 with $399 worth of Internet rebates totaling about $500 for the computer.

PeoplePC http://www.peoplepc.comThis company also provides a new, brand name computer in your home and replaces it every three years. You getMicrosoft Works (word processing, spreadsheet, and a database), Quicken Basic 99, and Norton AntiVirus as wellas unlimited Internet access connecting you to membership perks at e-stores across the Web. It also comes withfree on-site hardware warranty and 24-hour customer service. The cost is $24.95 a month, for 3 years (which isabout $900).

Dell Computers http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/products/series_webpc_desktops.htmDell Computers, a dominant market leader in personal computers, also announced at the end of November 1999that they have created an Internet-mostly machine which marks the era of the truly low-priced computer. Pricesstart at $599, after rebate.

Some recent news articles about inexpensive access to computer and Internet technology:

Free-PC Will Be Acquired, Ending Computer Giveaways November 30, 1999The New York Timeshttp://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/11/biztech/articles/30free.html

Computer Makers Look to Lower-Income Groups November 29, 1999The New York Timeshttp://www.nytimes.com/library/tech/99/11/biztech/articles/30compute.html

Internet Plan Includes New PC, Hand-Holding November 11, 1999Wall Street Journalhttp://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-19991111.html

Here’s What You Need When Buying a New PC October 14, 1999Wall Street Journalhttp://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-19991014.html

Cheapest PCs December 22, 1998C|Nethttp://computers.cnet.com/hardware/0-122287-410-257743.html?tag=st.co.122287-411-257743..122287-410-257743

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GREAT VALLEY CENTER

911 13th Street, Modesto, CA 95354Tel: 209/522-5103 Fax: 209/522-5116www.greatvalley.org [email protected]

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE IN THE SAN JOAQUIN...

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