Community Technology
Using Technology to Promote Learning for
All in our Community
Seattle Public Schools are opening their doors—literally and virtually. On the virtual side, Community Technology Initiatives help provide technology tools that students can access at home or as they travel. Students who need extra help aren’t limited by the hours their teachers are on the job. And families can get guidance about which projects will help most as their students work to meet a particular learning standard.
Parents and community members naturally want to assure
a wide range of life choices and economic self-sufficiency
for the community's young people.
 -Hodgkinson, 1991

Some schools also are keeping their building doors open longer by allowing other organizations to operate community learning centers in schools during evenings and vacations. Students, families and neighbors can use computers and other learning tools there. This access is especially important for families who are without a computer at home.

WHY FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES?
 Television, phones, and now computers and the Internet have changed the way we live, work, learn, participate and play. Seventy-six percent of Seattleites have access to a computer at home while 72 percent can access the Internet. Almost half (46 percent) have a wireless phone. Three out of five subscribe to cable TV. Ensuring technology access to all children is one way to help every child succeed in Seattle Public Schools.

HOW DO COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES WORK?
The Seattle Schools Community Technology Initiatives work with other community organizations to create technology-related projects that are:
  • Focused on the district’s mission of academic achievement for every child in every
    school.
  • Mutually beneficial.
  • Sustainable both in terms of ongoing community interest and ongoing resources to meet the demand.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS?
  • Community Technology Centers. Funded through Federal Community Technology Center and other grants, the school district operates technology laboratories in school buildings and in community facilities. Classes are offered for adults as well as for students. Student programs feature curriculum designed to help students meet school district learning standards. Open lab times allow students and community members to work independently with computers, scanners, projectors, digital video and still cameras, along with a variety of software.

WHO ARE THE COMMUNITY PARTNERS?

Among our many partners are the U.S. Department of Education, Seattle Housing Authority/Hope VI, Seattle Community College District and South Seattle Community College, City of Seattle, Atlantic Street Center, Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation, Seattle Public Library, NPower and Giant Campus.

WHO - WHAT - WHERE - WHEN - WHY - How?

Take a look at the attached presentation to see why and how Seattle Public Schools is working to systemically approach CTC issues across the District.

Community Technology Initiatives • 206-252-0799 • mdonlin@seattleschools.org