Organization’s Priorities for Implementation of Technology

Her vision is to be high-tech and to be connected and to use the technology for community outreach. She would like the emphasis to be on the children. Her own background consists of tutelage to children, causing her to believe that foundation is the key. At the Griffin Center she placed emphasis on reading because so many didn’t know how to read. For example, at the center, she encountered a young girl who did not know how to read. The girl failed the first grad twice. Howlett noticed that the young girl would just watch the other children at the center. After special attention from Howlett, the girl could read at the end of the semester. Howlett feels that if there is not help in the schools, then the children will not get better. She also feels that “if a child can read, a child can do math.”

Part of Howlett’s vision is for the computers to enhance what the children receive at school. The computer centers can also offer socialization. The mail focus will be on the first through third grades, or even up to the fifth and sixth grade level. The congregation has many active and retired school teachers who are willing to assist with this project, which is a major asset.

Rev. Howlett guestimates that 95% of the children struggle with reading, social studies, and science because they all involve reading. It takes a lot to teach someone to read, but once they can read, they are open to anything else they need to learn. It provides the resources to understand other subjects.

Mrs. Tolsen mentioned that her sister would also like to learn about computers. This lab may also serve an adult need as well as serving children. Mrs. Tolsen also mentioned (with much pride) her grandchildren who are on the honor roll who need a place to keep up with their school work.

Older users need to be able to apply for jobs and universities. College students need a place to do research. SIU is the university of many local students and it has a drop-out rate of 50%. This lab has hopes of helping these students succeed.

The bi-lingual nation is also a concern for Parks Chapel. Spanish software use in the lab would assist those students taking Spanish courses in school.

Resources Available to Implement Technology at the Organization

Description of the Physical Facility

The computer lab will be set up in the church fellowship hall. The room is approximately 3000 sq ft and has a stage that is used for concerts and various services. The room is aging and shows signs of structural fatigue; especially in the carpeting and ceiling. It would appear that renovations have been made to the original structure, as some outlets are in the walls, while others stem from conduits, which are probably the newer outlets. The conduits appear to be on different circuit breaker than the wall outlets do. A few areas of the fellowship hall are used for storage of chairs, folding tables, and freezers. A kitchen and office space connect to the fellowship hall. Most of the room is carpeted (red), but a small space by the kitchen is tile.

The freezers occupy the in-wall outlets beyond the point that a computer could also be on the same circuit. The computers are probably going to use the conduits.

This is a multi-purpose room, where tables and chairs can be set up for funeral repasses, Bible studies, prayer meetings, weddings, gospel concerts, and a place for children to gather as if it is a community hall.

They use the kitchen for various activities, so the computers should be located on the carpet. Also, the computers should be covered during services to prevent concert goers from leaning on them or diners from setting and spilling food and drink on the computers.

Resources Organization Can Provide for Technology Implementation

Park’s Chapel is able to provide ongoing Internet services for the technology implementation. AT&T is available in the area and possibly may be the service provider. They will also have to provide the router for the network. There are no other funds available to assist in implementation of the lab or upkeep at this point. The chapel is able to utilize materials and furniture that they already have and are willing to make space available for the use of the computer lab in both the large communal space and the office. They also have a computer in the office that we may be able to use and connect to the Internet.Park’s Chapel also has current and retired educators who are willing to teach technology classes and train the rest of the community on the new computers.

Resources GSLIS Will Provide for Technology Implementation

GSLIS is able to provide about six refurbished computers for the Park’s Chapel network. Electrical limitations prevent installing any more. We will provide a switch for the network as well as any Ethernet cables if a wired network is utilized. GSLIS may also be able to purchase software and system upgrades for Park’s Chapel and may be able to provide a refurbished printer as well.