It’s best read by clicking on this link so that you can read the whole story on the Partners Bridging the Digital Divide’s website – https://pbdd.org/experience-paper-sharing-success-stories/
By Barry Glicklich, Katherine Lato and Maryanna Milton
September 10, 2019
But if you want to read only about Net Literacy, the information is below:
Learning from each other.
Dan Kent of Net Literacy found that by listening to users’ stories, he has identified opportunities that enabled them to improve programs and better meet users’ needs. After their first few Senior Connects classes at independent living facilities, they were pleasantly surprised by the completion rates and that interest in taking the program was higher than predicted. Net Literacy learned that seniors, and especially those that were somewhat technophobic, became more open to taking classes after they stopped by the multipurpose room and saw their neighbors using computers. Seniors also said that they were more comfortable because classes were held inside their homes (the independent living facility) rather than what some perceived as sometimes cold and sterile classrooms elsewhere. Also, most of the seniors taking classes didn’t have access to a computer and used the temporary computer labs to have fun online in between classes, which encouraged participation. Consequently, Net Literacy restructured their Senior Connects program to build permanent computer labs at independent living facilities and senior apartments. Had they not listened to the stories from users, they probably would have missed incorporating or maintaining aspects of the program that turned out to be quite helpful. https://www.netliteracy.org
Connecting.
Dan Kent of Net Literacy paired a student with a senior for one-on-one computer and internet training. The seniors found that middle and high students teaching them how to use a computer was less threatening and even “cute”, reminding them of their grandchildren. Consequently, they changed the promotional materials to describe the program as one where friendly student volunteers would “adopt” a senior to teach them computer and internet skills on a one-to-one basis. https://www.netliteracy.org
Overcoming challenges.
Dan Kent of Net Literacy learned the value of data driven grant proposals thanks to Dr. Judith Erickson. They used the information to tell the story of how their programs impacted the community. By 2010, they had donated computers or constructed so many computer labs within the core urban center of Indianapolis and within the boundaries of the Indianapolis Public Schools system, that much of the area had a computer lab within a walkable five-block area. They mapped it and used the information to give grant proposals more impact. In 2011, they chronicled this information on their website to share their practices with other nonprofits, and then updated it in 2011 and 2012 as they channeled more of our resources outside of the central Indiana area. It was last updated in 2013. While they repurpose, distribute and distribute fewer computers today, this program hasn’t changed that much and there hasn’t been a need to update the page. https://www.netliteracy.org/research-and-outcomes-3/
