Technology
Computer Lab
The lab will have scheduled classes and be available for open use at other times. Ideally, the lab will:
- be a space for intergenerational learning
- improve the reading comprehension and fluency of children and young adults
- improve math skills
- support entrepreneurial goals for adults and teens by providing basic business & accounting software
- improve basic computer skills
- include educational software that provides a solid skill set and engages higher level thinking skills
- allow volunteers to create mailers and participate in other church activities
Software to investigate includes:
- high level Bible
- DIBELS assessment
- SRI
- Read 180
- Nova Net
- software to help prep for the ISAT or for the Missouri equivalent
- open source accounting and business software
- project planner software
Other skills and needs present in the community that could be supported by the lab include:
- local entrepreneurs looking to better their skills and/or business and possibly to teach others (examples include a fashion designer, construction worker, electrician)
- social skill development for teens, such as public speaking
- office skills
Organization’s Priorities for Implementation of Technology
Community Mission Church would like the LIS451 team to accomplish the following as possible. Although #4 is clearly a high priority, accomplishing this goal requires the re-establishment of an Internet connection at the church, and will be done on site when the computers are delivered (which will be in an Internet-ready condition).
- Setup computers
- Install computers with Microsoft Windows Vista
- Install some software that may assist education for all age groups in the community
- Connect computers to each other and the Internet
- Search for grant funding opportunities
- Upgrade 5 old computers currently used by young children (in the main room’s corner)
Resources Organization Can Provide for Technology Implementation
Community Mission Church provided 7 new Dell Dimension computers with flat-panel monitors and valid Windows Vista licenses. The church will also be responsible for providing an Internet connection.
The printer located in the church’s lab doesn’t work. The rollers didn’t grab a test sheet of paper, and fixing it may cost over $100. In addition, it does not have the right kind of port to be easily connected to the new computers. If possible, Community Mission Church will need to purchase a new printer for the lab.
Resources GSLIS Will Need to Provide
GSLIS has already provided a 24-port switch and Ethernet cables that run between the current computers and the switch and from the switch to the gateway router and the internet connection. Additional cable runs upstairs to administrative computers.
GSLIS will provide human resources to research software options and set up the computers. GSLIS will also install Open Office and the appropriate free educational software we will find to help meet the church’s goals. Team members will communicate information about any additional software our research uncovers that might be appropriate but isn’t free. Martin will also provide information about “Train the Trainer” to help Community Mission use its resources to their fullest potential.