The government’s efforts on providing internet access across the country over the years make the digital divide no longer a big challenge thus paving the way for the government to create more digital opportunities, Sung Yu-hsieh, Deputy Minister of Research, Development and Evaluation Commission (RDEC) told FutureGov Asia Pacific Magazine.
To promote internet usage in the country, RDEC has deployed 535 laptops to 16 public libraries and elementary schools around Taiwan including Chiayi, Nantou, Pintung, Yilan and Yunlin counties.
“It does not mean that people cannot afford computers,” says Sung.
“But the goal is that if your computer is broken or you are somewhere without bringing your computer, you can always go to the nearest library to borrow a laptop for your current information needs, ” he added.
The key objective is to make the people continuously connected to the government through the internet, he stressed.
The laptops that has been delivered carried 35 government-published e-books that could access National Taichung Library’s more than 10,000 catalogues. RDEC statistics reveal that 7,132 individuals used the service for an average rate of 89 per cent.
“Increased access to the Internet in these areas is raising the profile of e-government services and improving local residents’ computer skills,” said RDEC Minister Chu Chin-peng.
Chu said the initiative is also playing a vital role in reviving and improving the value of public libraries through dramatically increased visit numbers.
“The commission will continue working with other agencies to bridge the digital divide,” said Chu. Echoing the minister’s remarks, Chiayi County Magistrate Chang Hwa-kuan said a broad spectrum of residents, from school children to the elderly, are now seizing the opportunity to go online and experience the internet.
Reference: http://www.futuregov.asia/articles/2011/may/11/taiwan-creates-more-digital-opportunities/
Showing posts with label digital inclusion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label digital inclusion. Show all posts
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Digitally-deprived Chinese hooked into IT education program - Global Times 4 January 2011
By Yu Jincui
The Annual Award Ceremony for the Dell YouthConnect program in China took place on Tuesday in the Beijing Guo Yi Hotel.
The program to support education and digital inclusion initiatives for young people in rural areas was launched in Beijing in November 2009. Dell provided $2 million in cash and product grants to the China Education Development Foundation and the China Youth Development Foundation to spread Information Communication Technology (ICT) education to young people in remote areas. 32 Dell Learning Centers and 50 ICT Supporting Centers have been set up and many youngsters in rural areas have benefited.
The Dell YouthConnect program targets pupils from grade three to grade six. Teachers are encouraged to carry out student-centered inquiry learning using information technology, and help students expand their knowledge through practice, cooperation, exploration, experiment and observation. The program builds an online community where teachers and students can exchange ideas, and schools can share education resources. This boosts the quality of education in rural schools and helps students discover new ways of learning.
At the ceremony, prizes were awarded for 69 projects completed by the students as part of the program. By using information technology to explore nature and culture, and produce literary and artistic work, young Chinese in remote areas learn knowledge and master social skills.
Zhang Baoqing, former vice-minister of the Education Ministry and the Director-General of CEDF, spoke highly of the Dell YouthConnect program. He said that the program had been welcomed by both teachers and students, and had helped students improve their learning methods and become more autonomous in their learning. He pointed out that although China had been carrying out education reforms for many years, there was still a big gap between China and the developed countries. The Dell program helps address some of the deficiencies in the Chinese education system.
Dell views education and digital inclusion as a key means of connecting youth to a more promising tomorrow. A global program, Dell YouthConnect has cooperated with many non-government and non-profit organizations in helping youth in backward areas of countries such as Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa and China. Li Guoqing, Vice President of Dell China, General Manager of Dell China Public Sector, vowed to promote the program in China on a larger scale
The Annual Award Ceremony for the Dell YouthConnect program in China took place on Tuesday in the Beijing Guo Yi Hotel.
The program to support education and digital inclusion initiatives for young people in rural areas was launched in Beijing in November 2009. Dell provided $2 million in cash and product grants to the China Education Development Foundation and the China Youth Development Foundation to spread Information Communication Technology (ICT) education to young people in remote areas. 32 Dell Learning Centers and 50 ICT Supporting Centers have been set up and many youngsters in rural areas have benefited.
The Dell YouthConnect program targets pupils from grade three to grade six. Teachers are encouraged to carry out student-centered inquiry learning using information technology, and help students expand their knowledge through practice, cooperation, exploration, experiment and observation. The program builds an online community where teachers and students can exchange ideas, and schools can share education resources. This boosts the quality of education in rural schools and helps students discover new ways of learning.
At the ceremony, prizes were awarded for 69 projects completed by the students as part of the program. By using information technology to explore nature and culture, and produce literary and artistic work, young Chinese in remote areas learn knowledge and master social skills.
Zhang Baoqing, former vice-minister of the Education Ministry and the Director-General of CEDF, spoke highly of the Dell YouthConnect program. He said that the program had been welcomed by both teachers and students, and had helped students improve their learning methods and become more autonomous in their learning. He pointed out that although China had been carrying out education reforms for many years, there was still a big gap between China and the developed countries. The Dell program helps address some of the deficiencies in the Chinese education system.
Dell views education and digital inclusion as a key means of connecting youth to a more promising tomorrow. A global program, Dell YouthConnect has cooperated with many non-government and non-profit organizations in helping youth in backward areas of countries such as Brazil, India, Mexico, South Africa and China. Li Guoqing, Vice President of Dell China, General Manager of Dell China Public Sector, vowed to promote the program in China on a larger scale
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Initiative aims to get disabled ‘Connected’ - Gulf Times - 8 December 2010
The Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada) launched a new initiative yesterday in association with Vodafone and Qtel which will connect people with disabilities to information and communication technology (ICT).
Named ‘Connected’, the programme aims to provide nationwide accessibility to people with disabilities, while ensuring that those in the segment don’t have to pay more than others to use mobile telecommunications technology, officials said yesterday.
Over the next weeks, people with disabilities in Qatar will have access to a wide range of accessible and affordable services and products.
This includes assistive technology (AT) software and accessories, specialised handsets, website accessibility, and greater access to both Qtel and Vodafone Qatar stores.
Mada CEO Faleh al-Naemi said: “This is part of ongoing efforts by Mada and our industry partners to build an accessible ICT ecosystem in Qatar.”
Mada was launched through the combined initiative of ictQATAR (The Supreme Council of Information and Community Technology), Vodafone, Qtel, Qatar National Bank (QNB), and Microsoft, with a vision of ICT for all, and provides AT to people with disabilities.
Based on a vision of a world with information communication technology for all, Mada provides assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities.
The initiative has seen the coming together of Qtel and Vodafone, whose representatives along with al-Naemi signed agreements for the programme yesterday.
Qtel CEO Dr Nasser Marafih said: “Telecommunications transforms people’s lives, and that’s just how we see our broader mission at Qtel. Working with Mada, we are realising an important corporate goal of providing access for all, making the latest assistive communications technologies readily and easily accessible and affordable for people with disabilities throughout Qatar.”
According to him, Qtel’s own ‘Access for All’ straddles core elements of special discounts, special handsets and accessories, accessible branches, and a dedicated website.
Vodafone Qatar legal, regulatory & external relations director, Mathew Harrison-Harvey, said: “As Qatar aspires to build a fully connected society, Vodafone is proud to leverage its expertise through our partnership with Mada.
“It is part of our responsibilities to contribute by making communication more accessible for everyone.This includes handsets, tariffs and services that are specifically tailored to people with disabilities.”
Speaking to the media later, Dr Marafih said Mada’s innovative work can be copied throughout the region.
“We surely see this working in the markets we operate in,” he said. Harrison-Harvey also agreed while pointing out that Vodafone’s global outreach and expertise will be utilised to support the initiative.
Source:
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=403366&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16
Named ‘Connected’, the programme aims to provide nationwide accessibility to people with disabilities, while ensuring that those in the segment don’t have to pay more than others to use mobile telecommunications technology, officials said yesterday.
Over the next weeks, people with disabilities in Qatar will have access to a wide range of accessible and affordable services and products.
This includes assistive technology (AT) software and accessories, specialised handsets, website accessibility, and greater access to both Qtel and Vodafone Qatar stores.
Mada CEO Faleh al-Naemi said: “This is part of ongoing efforts by Mada and our industry partners to build an accessible ICT ecosystem in Qatar.”
Mada was launched through the combined initiative of ictQATAR (The Supreme Council of Information and Community Technology), Vodafone, Qtel, Qatar National Bank (QNB), and Microsoft, with a vision of ICT for all, and provides AT to people with disabilities.
Based on a vision of a world with information communication technology for all, Mada provides assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities.
The initiative has seen the coming together of Qtel and Vodafone, whose representatives along with al-Naemi signed agreements for the programme yesterday.
Qtel CEO Dr Nasser Marafih said: “Telecommunications transforms people’s lives, and that’s just how we see our broader mission at Qtel. Working with Mada, we are realising an important corporate goal of providing access for all, making the latest assistive communications technologies readily and easily accessible and affordable for people with disabilities throughout Qatar.”
According to him, Qtel’s own ‘Access for All’ straddles core elements of special discounts, special handsets and accessories, accessible branches, and a dedicated website.
Vodafone Qatar legal, regulatory & external relations director, Mathew Harrison-Harvey, said: “As Qatar aspires to build a fully connected society, Vodafone is proud to leverage its expertise through our partnership with Mada.
“It is part of our responsibilities to contribute by making communication more accessible for everyone.This includes handsets, tariffs and services that are specifically tailored to people with disabilities.”
Speaking to the media later, Dr Marafih said Mada’s innovative work can be copied throughout the region.
“We surely see this working in the markets we operate in,” he said. Harrison-Harvey also agreed while pointing out that Vodafone’s global outreach and expertise will be utilised to support the initiative.
Source:
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=403366&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The Habitat-Redemtech project - Bridging the digital divide: Low-income families enjoy cast-off PCs - December 16, 2010
By Todd R. Weiss
Eliana Gomez moved into a Habitat home in Columbus last December. It's the first home that Gomez, a native of Mexico, has ever owned. Her family also received a computer through the Habitat-Redemtech program, and she says that she and her three children find the machine extraordinarily helpful.
"My 8-year-old uses it more than anybody. He likes to do his homework on the computer. He knows how to use it, and he's teaching me sometimes," she says. "My daughter, she is 2, likes to play Dora on the computer."
Eliana Gomez with her son, Jacob, 8, daughter Leticia, 2, and Redemtech volunteers, Laurie and Chris Williams, who installed the PC in the Gomez home.
Gomez says her family hasn't been able to afford Internet access yet, but the PC is nonetheless giving her children opportunities that they didn't have before. And for her part, she says, learning to use the computer at home is opening doors to new opportunities at work. Her employer has asked her to be a manager, and she's working on her computer skills to reach that goal, she says.
"I didn't know how to use a computer," she says. "I go to classes. I like to do that."
Companies that donate old computers make more money through tax savings than they would by simply selling their unneeded equipment, says Robert Houghton, president of Redemtech. The companies making the donations pay Redemtech to refurbish and redistribute the equipment, at a cost that's lower than what they would end up spending if they tried to donate the machines on their own, he says.
Redemtech has set up its own internal program called the Serious Good project to promote the fact that businesses that donate their old IT equipment can enjoy increased tax benefits while helping low-income families.
How innovative is the Serious Good Program? In a recent research note, IT analyst firm Gartner Inc. said the program could truly help businesses find better ways to donate old gear. "Gartner has long advised enterprises to be cautious when donating used IT equipment to charitable organizations, because the process can be labor-intensive and requires careful planning, asset preparation and documentation," while exposing donor companies to significant liability if the recipient organization subsequently fails to dispose of the equipment properly, Gartner wrote.
The Serious Good initiative can mitigate those types of risks, according to Gartner, because Redemtech acts as an intermediary to "streamline the process from end to end, minimizing end-of-life liability risk by including no-charge recycling as a standard part of the process, and ensuring the recipient gets a high-value, working asset. These relatively low-risk IT asset donations can be attractive to an enterprise's corporate social responsibility area."
But beyond just helping with tax breaks and making companies feel good that their old computer equipment is being put to good use, the bottom line is that families truly benefit from the Habitat-Redemtech project, Houghton says.
"Habitat has changed the paradigm so that safe, affordable housing has to include a computer," he says. "They've identified that eliminating that digital exclusion is a necessary part of setting up a family in one of their homes."
Source URL: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9200984/Bridging_the_digital_divide_Low_income_families_enjoy_cast_off_PCs?taxonomyId=64&pageNumber=2
Habitat for Humanity
URL: http://www.habitat.org/
Serious Good Project (Redemtech own internal program)
http://www.redemtech.com/seriousgood/default.aspx
Redemtech has set up its own internal program called the Serious Good project to promote the fact that businesses that donate their old IT equipment can enjoy increased tax benefits while helping low-income families.
Eliana Gomez moved into a Habitat home in Columbus last December. It's the first home that Gomez, a native of Mexico, has ever owned. Her family also received a computer through the Habitat-Redemtech program, and she says that she and her three children find the machine extraordinarily helpful.
"My 8-year-old uses it more than anybody. He likes to do his homework on the computer. He knows how to use it, and he's teaching me sometimes," she says. "My daughter, she is 2, likes to play Dora on the computer."
Eliana Gomez with her son, Jacob, 8, daughter Leticia, 2, and Redemtech volunteers, Laurie and Chris Williams, who installed the PC in the Gomez home.
Gomez says her family hasn't been able to afford Internet access yet, but the PC is nonetheless giving her children opportunities that they didn't have before. And for her part, she says, learning to use the computer at home is opening doors to new opportunities at work. Her employer has asked her to be a manager, and she's working on her computer skills to reach that goal, she says.
"I didn't know how to use a computer," she says. "I go to classes. I like to do that."
Companies that donate old computers make more money through tax savings than they would by simply selling their unneeded equipment, says Robert Houghton, president of Redemtech. The companies making the donations pay Redemtech to refurbish and redistribute the equipment, at a cost that's lower than what they would end up spending if they tried to donate the machines on their own, he says.
Redemtech has set up its own internal program called the Serious Good project to promote the fact that businesses that donate their old IT equipment can enjoy increased tax benefits while helping low-income families.
How innovative is the Serious Good Program? In a recent research note, IT analyst firm Gartner Inc. said the program could truly help businesses find better ways to donate old gear. "Gartner has long advised enterprises to be cautious when donating used IT equipment to charitable organizations, because the process can be labor-intensive and requires careful planning, asset preparation and documentation," while exposing donor companies to significant liability if the recipient organization subsequently fails to dispose of the equipment properly, Gartner wrote.
The Serious Good initiative can mitigate those types of risks, according to Gartner, because Redemtech acts as an intermediary to "streamline the process from end to end, minimizing end-of-life liability risk by including no-charge recycling as a standard part of the process, and ensuring the recipient gets a high-value, working asset. These relatively low-risk IT asset donations can be attractive to an enterprise's corporate social responsibility area."
But beyond just helping with tax breaks and making companies feel good that their old computer equipment is being put to good use, the bottom line is that families truly benefit from the Habitat-Redemtech project, Houghton says.
"Habitat has changed the paradigm so that safe, affordable housing has to include a computer," he says. "They've identified that eliminating that digital exclusion is a necessary part of setting up a family in one of their homes."
Source URL: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9200984/Bridging_the_digital_divide_Low_income_families_enjoy_cast_off_PCs?taxonomyId=64&pageNumber=2
Habitat for Humanity
URL: http://www.habitat.org/
Serious Good Project (Redemtech own internal program)
http://www.redemtech.com/seriousgood/default.aspx
Redemtech has set up its own internal program called the Serious Good project to promote the fact that businesses that donate their old IT equipment can enjoy increased tax benefits while helping low-income families.
Countries Bridge Digital Divide With New Ultra Low Cost Computer -
Calgary, AB – Dec 7, 2010 – Userful Corporation, the global leader in Linux desktop virtualization, today released Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™. The software turns 1 PC into 11, enabling up to 11 students to use different applications at the same time from one host computer. Each student is equipped with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Userful MultiSeat enables schools to quickly deploy large numbers of computer stations for a very low cost, whether in the classroom, computer lab, or school library. With Userful MultiSeat, Ministries of Education, governments and NGOs can deploy twice as many computers for the same budget dollars using familiar and flexible, standard PC hardware accompanied by a simple low-cost USB device. On a global scale that means millions of additional children can now gain computer access for the first time, using money already set aside by governments and NGOs for digital inclusion.
More than 50,000 schools worldwide are already using Userful to provide millions of students with computer access. Userful has proven to be the computer solution of choice for governments with digital inclusion mandates to provide school age children with computer access, on limited budgets. Countries such as Brazil, who have already successfully deployed over 350,000 Userful computer stations to schools in every municipality, have shown that with the combined cost savings of Userful MultiSeat, Linux, and open source software, it is feasible to provide every student with a comprehensive education using computers, regardless of whether they live in a city or a remote indigenous village with little infrastructure. The Brazilian Ministry of Education has reported saving 60% in up-front costs, and 80% in annual power savings as compared to their previous PC-per-station solutions. To date, Userful has sold more than 750,000 seats.
"Userful MultiSeat software and HP multiseat USB thin client hardware are an ideal solution for regions such as India, where schools need to deploy large numbers of full featured computers for minimal cost, using minimal infrastructure," said Rajat Mehta, Country Manager PSG, HP India. "Userful is a professional and responsive company that enables schools to leverage Linux and open source software for a very professional, and high performance user experience."
"Userful and DisplayLink have worked closely together to build support for DisplayLink USB virtual graphics enabled devices with the market leading Userful Linux solution." said Dennis Crespo, DisplayLink Executive VP, Marketing and Business Development. "The performance and ease of use of the Userful MultiSeat software running on DisplayLink technology enabled devices is outstanding. As the leader in USB virtual graphics, DisplayLink is excited to be a part of the super easy way to set-up and run computer sharing."
It is easy to set up, use and maintain. Unlike traditional approaches to desktop virtualization, Userful require no servers, no server rooms and minimal demands on IT. If you can unbox a computer, you can deploy a computer lab of virtual desktops with Userful. To set up, simply plug USB MultiSeat devices such as the HP t100, Wyse E01, MCT MWS 8820, DisplayLink based docking-stations or USB video devices, into the host PC. Then plug a monitor, keyboard, and mouse into each USB MultiSeat device, install Userful software, and the system is ready to support multiple students using different applications at the same time from one computer, each with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. With Userful's performance optimized software, the students feel like they each have their own dedicated PC, but in reality they are all sharing a single host computer.
Userful MultiSeat reduces hardware costs by up to 80%, and reduces required infrastructure (power plugs, cabling, etc.) by a factor of 10 as compared to a traditional PC-per-seat solution. It also reduces energy costs by up to 90%, enabling schools to recover the cost of their computers through electricity cost savings over a few years. The low cost and robustness of Userful MultiSeat makes it an ideal solution for schools in rural and developing regions where infrastructure is minimal, electricity is unreliable, and there is little physical space.
Userful MultiSeat is Linux based, and is available as an all-in-one install DVD, or as a stand-alone package to use on your own Linux installation. The install DVD includes a wide variety of no cost applications such as: Edubuntu operating system, iTALC classroom computer management tool, OpenOffice.org office suite, Firefox web browser, and subject based applications for astronomy, chemistry, languages, mathematics, planning, and more. Hundreds more applications can be installed at no charge with a single click through the Software Center -- a centralized repository of free Linux based applications. Teachers can use additional free open source software to further lower costs, easily tailor curricula to individual students, and monitor and control the classroom computers. Students can develop digital skills that will help them with their school work and prepare them for jobs in the future.
"Digital inclusion is a very important," said Tim Griffin, President of Userful. "Userful MultiSeat bridges the digital divide by enabling governments to deploy hundreds of thousands of school computers for costs so low, they were impossible before this release."
With the included classroom computer management software teachers can centrally manage and monitor the computer stations with ease. For instance teachers can see what each student is doing on their station, send students messages, remotely take control of a student's station, share files with and between students, create or delete student accounts/change passwords, and add a new application to all computer stations by installing it only once on the host computer, among other control features.
Userful offers any Ministry of Education worldwide a 90 day licensing pilot to test drive our solution on 1 system, up to 11 stations. To learn more and to download, visit http://userful.com/products/userful-multiseat-linux, email getstarted@userful.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or phone +1.403.289.2177 ext.795.
About Userful:
Userful Corporation is the world's leading Linux desktop virtualization company with millions of users in over 100 countries. The company's software which turns 1 computer into 11 lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both electricity consumption and e-waste. Userful's software is sold through a partner network of resellers and OEMs worldwide. Privately held and founded in 1999, Userful launched their flagship product in 2002, and has since sold over 750,000 seats. To learn more about Userful, visit: http://www.userful.com
Trademark notice: Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™, and Userful MultiSeat™ are trademarks of Userful Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Note to editors: For more information, news, and photos from Userful, please visit the Userful press kit at: http://userful.com/company/news-and-reviews/press-kit
A video to embed is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfu5GSS664Q
Source URL: http://userful.com/press/bridging-digital-divide
More than 50,000 schools worldwide are already using Userful to provide millions of students with computer access. Userful has proven to be the computer solution of choice for governments with digital inclusion mandates to provide school age children with computer access, on limited budgets. Countries such as Brazil, who have already successfully deployed over 350,000 Userful computer stations to schools in every municipality, have shown that with the combined cost savings of Userful MultiSeat, Linux, and open source software, it is feasible to provide every student with a comprehensive education using computers, regardless of whether they live in a city or a remote indigenous village with little infrastructure. The Brazilian Ministry of Education has reported saving 60% in up-front costs, and 80% in annual power savings as compared to their previous PC-per-station solutions. To date, Userful has sold more than 750,000 seats.
"Userful MultiSeat software and HP multiseat USB thin client hardware are an ideal solution for regions such as India, where schools need to deploy large numbers of full featured computers for minimal cost, using minimal infrastructure," said Rajat Mehta, Country Manager PSG, HP India. "Userful is a professional and responsive company that enables schools to leverage Linux and open source software for a very professional, and high performance user experience."
"Userful and DisplayLink have worked closely together to build support for DisplayLink USB virtual graphics enabled devices with the market leading Userful Linux solution." said Dennis Crespo, DisplayLink Executive VP, Marketing and Business Development. "The performance and ease of use of the Userful MultiSeat software running on DisplayLink technology enabled devices is outstanding. As the leader in USB virtual graphics, DisplayLink is excited to be a part of the super easy way to set-up and run computer sharing."
It is easy to set up, use and maintain. Unlike traditional approaches to desktop virtualization, Userful require no servers, no server rooms and minimal demands on IT. If you can unbox a computer, you can deploy a computer lab of virtual desktops with Userful. To set up, simply plug USB MultiSeat devices such as the HP t100, Wyse E01, MCT MWS 8820, DisplayLink based docking-stations or USB video devices, into the host PC. Then plug a monitor, keyboard, and mouse into each USB MultiSeat device, install Userful software, and the system is ready to support multiple students using different applications at the same time from one computer, each with their own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. With Userful's performance optimized software, the students feel like they each have their own dedicated PC, but in reality they are all sharing a single host computer.
Userful MultiSeat reduces hardware costs by up to 80%, and reduces required infrastructure (power plugs, cabling, etc.) by a factor of 10 as compared to a traditional PC-per-seat solution. It also reduces energy costs by up to 90%, enabling schools to recover the cost of their computers through electricity cost savings over a few years. The low cost and robustness of Userful MultiSeat makes it an ideal solution for schools in rural and developing regions where infrastructure is minimal, electricity is unreliable, and there is little physical space.
Userful MultiSeat is Linux based, and is available as an all-in-one install DVD, or as a stand-alone package to use on your own Linux installation. The install DVD includes a wide variety of no cost applications such as: Edubuntu operating system, iTALC classroom computer management tool, OpenOffice.org office suite, Firefox web browser, and subject based applications for astronomy, chemistry, languages, mathematics, planning, and more. Hundreds more applications can be installed at no charge with a single click through the Software Center -- a centralized repository of free Linux based applications. Teachers can use additional free open source software to further lower costs, easily tailor curricula to individual students, and monitor and control the classroom computers. Students can develop digital skills that will help them with their school work and prepare them for jobs in the future.
"Digital inclusion is a very important," said Tim Griffin, President of Userful. "Userful MultiSeat bridges the digital divide by enabling governments to deploy hundreds of thousands of school computers for costs so low, they were impossible before this release."
With the included classroom computer management software teachers can centrally manage and monitor the computer stations with ease. For instance teachers can see what each student is doing on their station, send students messages, remotely take control of a student's station, share files with and between students, create or delete student accounts/change passwords, and add a new application to all computer stations by installing it only once on the host computer, among other control features.
Userful offers any Ministry of Education worldwide a 90 day licensing pilot to test drive our solution on 1 system, up to 11 stations. To learn more and to download, visit http://userful.com/products/userful-multiseat-linux, email getstarted@userful.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or phone +1.403.289.2177 ext.795.
About Userful:
Userful Corporation is the world's leading Linux desktop virtualization company with millions of users in over 100 countries. The company's software which turns 1 computer into 11 lowers desktop computing costs, improves manageability, and reduces both electricity consumption and e-waste. Userful's software is sold through a partner network of resellers and OEMs worldwide. Privately held and founded in 1999, Userful launched their flagship product in 2002, and has since sold over 750,000 seats. To learn more about Userful, visit: http://www.userful.com
Trademark notice: Userful MultiSeat Linux 2011™, and Userful MultiSeat™ are trademarks of Userful Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Note to editors: For more information, news, and photos from Userful, please visit the Userful press kit at: http://userful.com/company/news-and-reviews/press-kit
A video to embed is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfu5GSS664Q
Source URL: http://userful.com/press/bridging-digital-divide
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Houston Public Library Awarded $3.7 Million Federal Grant To Increase Public Computer Access, Connectivity Digital Inclusion Initiative to benefit from $5.9 million expansion
October 8, 2010 -- The City of Houston is pleased to announce the receipt of a major federal grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to upgrade and expand computing and Internet capabilities in high-need neighborhoods throughout Houston. The $3.7 million Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant, matched by $2.2 million in funds from respective partnering entities will allow the Houston Public Library (HPL) to provide Houstonians with greater access to broadband internet access and much-needed learning and economic opportunities through the City’s Digital Inclusion Initiative Wireless Empowered Community Access Network (WeCAN), which is managed by HPL.
"We are especially thrilled to receive this grant award because of the positive impact it will have on people’s lives," says Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, director of the Houston Public Library. "This grant will allow us to reach many more Houstonians who need reliable computer and broadband Internet access for homework assignments, job searches, online learning and other means of growth and self-improvement. By expanding the access to community based technology, more people throughout our city can now have access to online opportunities that could mean the difference between struggle and success."
The outreach for the WeCAN program includes numerous community partners from the education, non-profit, social-service, and private sectors. This proposal’s key partners include the Houston Area Library Automated Network, which includes libraries in six surrounding communities, Houston Community College System, the Houston Department of Health & Human Services Department, and the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. Each partner is allocated a portion of the $3.7 million BTOP grant and will provide their portion of the $2.2 million in matching grants."
Houston Department of Health & Human Services Director Stephen Williams remarked, “This is an important opportunity to bring new computer access to many residents in our city. These computers will help those who do not have a computer at home to search for jobs, find resources, and even do their homework.”
“The Houston Public Library is a great partner and the digital inclusion initiative is a project that we are especially fond of,” said Houston Parks and Recreation Department Director Joe Turner. “Burnett Bayland Park was one of the original pilot sites when the WeCan program began a couple of years ago. That site has been very successful and well received by the community. We are excited that the BTOP grant will allow us to offer the WeCan program at 15 of our H.P.A.R.D. community centers in the near future.”
Houston Community College Chancellor Dr. Mary Spangler said, “HCC is innovatively finding ways to serve all students across our communities. Through programs such as the Digital Inclusion Initiative, HCC is realizing its vision to become the most relevant community college in the nation. We are fulfilling our mission comprehensively and are extending resources out into the community collaboratively and efficiently as we bring access to learning to greater numbers. Meeting the needs of our students and the community serves to improve the quality of our human resources and, ultimately, our opportunities for economic development and enrichment.”
Houston Community College Trustee Dr. Michael P. Williams said, “The HCC Board of Trustees is proud of this initiative and the partnership of the City of Houston’s Health and Human Services and Parks and Recreation Departments and the Houston Public Library. Through our cooperative efforts we will be able to provide access to materials and resources that many Houston-area residents would not have. The Board supports this program that will bridge the gap between those who have access to technology and those who cannot afford it, making higher education more available to all.”
Houston Community College Trustee Neeta Sane said, “The primary beneficiaries of this program are low-income students who do not have the funds to pay for such high-tech instruments such as a laptop or iPod Touch. These new technologies are revolutionizing our learning processes, allowing access to materials from anywhere to anywhere. The electronic availability of books and materials is reducing the costs associated with higher education. This program will help make higher education more affordable to Houston-area residents.”
About the Grant
The combined $5.9 million in funding will significantly expand the reach of WeCAN in several ways:- Improve broadband Internet and computer access at 60 existing computer centers across 17 high-need neighborhoods.
- Create 23 new public computer centers.
- Equip the 83 new & existing computer centers with core offerings including: high-capacity wireless broadband connectivity and equipment; free network customer support; free “train the trainer” digital literacy training and workforce readiness job-skills training; and, up to ten new computer workstations per site and/or other broadband devices (i.e. Kindles, iPod Touches, web cams, etc.).
- Obtain more than 1,800 devices and/or computer workstations for the new and expanded computer centers, including more than 400 Netbooks, 200 Kindles, 400 iPod Touches, 750 Macbooks, and ten computer workstations.
- Extend first-time broadband access to 26 existing centers.
- Expand access to technology at 60 conveniently-located public computer centers including Houston Public Library locations, Houston Department of Health & Human Services health centers, Houston Parks and Recreation Department community centers, and Houston Community College library branches.
These improvements of the WeCAN program are expected to increase the number of constituents using public computers and/or receiving other WeCAN program benefits by more than 23 percent. This increase translates into an additional 296,000 Houstonians using WeCAN public computers and training programs.
The impact of the new funding includes the expected creation of more than 55 full- and part-time jobs by staffing the public computer centers with trained “Civic Connectors” who will provide workforce and digital literacy training and help customers access online resources.
The funds are part of a larger grant awarded to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for the statewide Technology Expertise, Access and Learning for All Texans (TEAL) project. The City of Houston’s portion will go toward expansion of the Digital Inclusion Initiative and training, programming or services for the community.
The overall TEAL project provides new or upgraded computer centers at more than 150 locations including 38 public libraries, community colleges, recreation centers and health facilities, as well as three mobile learning labs that will be used to provide computer training wherever it’s needed. The goal is to expand technology expertise and access so all Texans can learn, work and prosper.
For a complete list of project participants, go to http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/news/docs/2010releases/TEALgrants.pdf.
About the Partners – Roles & Information
Houston Public Library (HPL) & Houston Area Library Automated Network (HALAN) – HALAN is a consortium that provides library catalog, public access computing, and other technology services to six public libraries in the greater Houston, Texas area. Member Libraries include Bellaire City Library, Effie and Wilton Hebert Public Library (Port Neches), Houston Public Library, Marion and Ed Hughes Public Library (Nederland), Pasadena Public Library, and Port Arthur Public Library.HPL will create new and expanded computer and broadband capacity at 47 libraries, including a consortium of libraries in surrounding HALAN partner communities. The primary core of instructors will consist of 14 Houston Public Library training staff that will be responsible for conducting train-the-trainer sessions to public computer center staff. HPL will work in partnership with other key city departments including the Information Technology Department and Department of Public Works and Engineering, as part of the Municipal Broadband Network to provide the broadband connectivity and network support.
Houston Community College System (HCC) – HCC is one of the country’s largest singularly-accredited, open-admission, community colleges offering associate degrees, certificates, career and technology training and lifelong learning opportunities for 70,000 students each semester. HCC is composed of six colleges that serve the Greater Houston Area’s diverse communities by preparing individuals to live and work in today’s increasingly international and technological society. HCC has 14 well-established, fully staffed, and fully functioning libraries and electronic resource centers.
HCC’S Digital Inclusion Initiative partnership with the City of Houston will greatly enhance the accessibility of educational materials via broadband, providing digital resources, including Netbooks, iPod Touches, and Kindles, that will enable students to access e-books, e-audio-books, Open CourseWare, and streaming video. This service will bridge the digital divide and provide resources to all HCC students, especially in underserved neighborhoods. HCC has identified a total of 10 campus locations where broadband digital resources will be made accessible via campus libraries and computer centers.
Houston Department of Health & Human Services (HDHHS) – HDHHS will install new computers with broad band service at their 11 multi-service centers. In addition, HDHHS will provide one PC mentor for each site who will be trained to assist clientele with computer use and online services. The multi-service centers house many neighborhood services and agencies including WIC (Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program), Head Start, day care, after school programs and senior programs.
HDHHS provides core public health services such as air and water quality monitoring; restaurant inspections; lead paint safety; cancer screening and family planning for the uninsured; communicable disease prevention and control; disease surveillance; birth and death certificates; leadership in emergencies such as hurricanes; services to seniors; WIC programs; immunizations; and others. HDHHS operates 11 multi-service centers, eight health centers, 16 WIC sites, the Harris County Area Agency on Aging, a regional reference laboratory, and multiple health and human service programs.
Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) – The Houston Parks and Recreation Department stewards and manages over 38,992 acres of parkland and greenspace for the City of Houston. It operates 59 community centers across Houston and develops and implements a variety of leisure and recreational programming for citizens of all abilities. A total of 15 new broadband computer and Internet public computer centers will be established in HPARD community centers across targeted neighborhoods.
About the Digital Inclusion Initiative
The Digital Inclusion Initiative began as a part of the City of Houston’s citywide wireless project and is now being implemented by the Houston Public Library. The network build-out includes deployment of 10 neighborhood networks which include broadband connectivity, education, training, equipment, and content development in high-need neighborhoods. The current WeCAN network extends through seven super neighborhoods, with the remaining three expected to be online by December 2010. The network provides Internet access through 16 community access locations in Gulfton, Third Ward and Fifth Ward Super Neighborhoods and includes the establishment of more than 65 WiFi Zones throughout these neighborhoods and also Sunnyside, Second Ward, Magnolia Park, and OST/South Union. WeCAN serves as the public access component of the City’s shared Municipal Broadband Wireless Network which also supports public safety and public services.Through WeCAN, the Digital Inclusion Initiative provides high-need neighborhoods with free Internet access, local content and opportunities to receive training and equipment to ensure that Houstonians can benefit from the use of technology. These offerings are available in designated community access locations (CALs) including city facilities such as multi-service centers and park community centers, as well as schools and community-based organizations. CALs are identified based on location, accessibility, and services.
WeCAN community access locations receive community broadband access, including high-capacity wireless broadband connection equipment, free network customer support from the City of Houston, and free filtered high-speed Internet service. Technology training is provided, including “train the trainer” sessions, free online digital literacy and educational software from Houston Public Library and Microsoft, and free Houston Public Library services and resources. In addition, future participating locations will have the opportunity to qualify for equipment grants and discounted equipment through established partnerships.
The WeCAN neighborhoods have been selected and prioritized working in conjunction with the Council Committee on Technology Initiatives and Human Services. The current build out for WeCAN includes funding for 10 super neighborhood networks, including up to 150 CALs and 250 WiFi zones, to be established through June 2011.
About the Houston Public Library
The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 35 neighborhood libraries, three HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston. Serving more than 4 million customers per year, HPL is committed to excellent customer service and equitable access to information and programs by providing library customers with free use of a diverse collection of printed materials and electronic resources, Internet, laptop and computer use, and a variety of database and reference resources with live assistance online 24/7.For further information, visit the Houston Public Library at www.houstonlibrary.org or call 832.393.1313.
Source: http://www.houstontx.gov/mayor/press/20101008.html
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