HomeMy WebLinkAboutexhibit-digital divide planeParks
Miami's Digital Divide Plan --
Digital Equality for One Community
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Executive Summary
The term "digital divide" was coined in the mid-1990's to describe the new forms of social inequality
accompanying the technology boom of the time. It is both a skills and opportunity gap enabled by the
new technology. Those with access to these new "knowledge tools" will hae an almost insurmountable
advantage versus those without such access. In an increasingly "information driven economy" persons
lacking computer skills and with limited education will have only marginal job opportunities. In
Miami, this scenario is already reflected in its employment patterns and new job opportunities.
According to the 2000 Census, Miami is the nation's poorest major city with nearly half of Miami's
residents lacking a high school diploma.
The City of Miami, recognizing that many of its residents lack access to information tools, developed
this strategic plan to promote public access to computer tools for residents of Miami in neighborhood
parks by implementing the eParks program. This program provides an opportunity where people of all
ages and abilities can learn about computers, use the Internet, explore new careers, further their
education, participate in community activities or develop technology skills within their neighborhood
parks.
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Chapter 1: The Digital Divide in Miami, Florida
Purpose
The purpose of the eParks program is to provide historically underserved neighborhoods in Miami
with access to computer resources in order to bridge the digital divide and prepare the children and
adults of our community to compete in the global economy.
Background
The persistence of poverty in a nation of affluence poses serious issues of equity and social justice.
With poverty not only persistent but actually increasing in many of America's inner cities, this is a
national problem that demands attention from all sectors.
Anti -poverty programs launched by government and private sector philanthropies have only addressed
`symptoms' of poverty rather than its root causes: limited education and the lack of employable skills.
With the strategies for fighting poverty too numerous to cite, one strategy holds great promise -
technology. Technology has transformed most of our lives, it affects the way that we communicate,
transact business and access information yet it has not transformed the lives of the poor. Those who
lack access to technology experience a whole new type of poverty - a poverty of access. The result is a
widening gulf between the "haves" and the "have-nots"; a gulf which is often referred to as the "digital
divide."
Miami is no exception with a digital divide that is reaching critical proportions. The poverty rate for a
family with children is 32.8%, which is more than 2.4 times that of the nation as a whole.
Unemployment, household and family income, overcrowding, and educational attainment indicate that
at least one third of all Miamians live in poverty or want. Only half of working -age adults in Miami
were employed or looking for work in 2000—the lowest percentage among the 100 largest cities in the
U.S. As a result, more than one in four Miami children lives in a family with no workers. In addition
to poverty, Miami has additional communication challenges which include many diverse cultures
where 65.8% are Hispanic, 22.3% are African American, and 11.8% are non -Hispanic Whites.
According the 2000 Census, median household incomes in Miami remain among the lowest in the
nation; as indicated in the chart(s) below.
Florida
United States
kaal LB-11(1,1 '
$40 260
$45,625
$50 046
Cit of Miami
Miami -Dade Coun
Florida
United States
32.8%
19.3%
14.2%
13.6%
23.5%
14.5%
9.0%
9.2%
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Children and adults who seek solace from poverty, unemployment, and limited education go to
neighborhood parks for natural, quiet and safe environments. Many park activities are geared towards
children and partner with educational objectives set by community. Parks are non -threatening and
located in neighborhoods where there is an established pattern of children going to school. As parks
have expanded and developed, feeder schools and affiliate programs are incorporated into the park's
programs. Activities at the park are conducted to reinforce after school programs and provide positive
reinforcement about homework versus "playing" priorities. The parks have programs which bring
school teachers to conduct reading, science and math programs during the summer. Because of this
demonstrated commitment to higher educational objectives, The City of Miami Parks and Information
Technology departments partnered to bring Technology Learning Centers, or eParks, to selected City
of Miami neighborhood parks.
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Chapter 2: eParks Mission
The overall mission of eParks is to bridge the "digital divide" by providing "technology learning"
environments to City residents through the implementation of a network of Neighborhood Technology
Learning Centers in 27 City of Miami Parks located in all five City districts.
Objectives of the eParks program:
1. To provide a safe, technology enhanced environment which enables children and youths to
obtain homework assistance, develop creative expression, participate in educational games and
learning opportunities, and develop the appropriate skill sets necessary for academic and career
success.
2. To create a learning environment for adults that provides access to a wide range of resources
which enhance their lives and facilitate job searches, business activities, and career
development.
3. Establish a model at designated parks which will showcase the use of adaptive technology for
individuals with special needs to assist with the enhancement of life and career skills (partner
with non-profit, Shake -a -Leg).
Approach
Now, in the 21 st century, Miami finds that its society and economy are becoming increasingly
information and technology based. This fundamental change provides us with a golden opportunity to
utilize technology to impact the dynamics of poverty. The opportunities are perhaps greater now than
ever before to tackle poverty at its root causes: Limited or no education, lack of employable skills,
limited access to relevant training, etc. eParks will employ the power of information and technology
to level the playing field for all.
The City of Miami, recognizing this lack of access to information tools, has developed this strategic
plan to promote public access to computer tools for residents of Miami in neighborhood Technology
Learning Centers, eParks. In order to reach the maximum number of residents and thereby provide the
greatest possible impact for our community, this project is designed to leverage one of Miami's
greatest neighborhood assets, its Parks. Miami's Parks are special places for its residents -- especially
the poor. The Parks provide green space, recreational opportunities, and programs that directly serve
poor persons and families. Miami's Parks are safe, friendly, non -threatening, learning environments
which can naturally be extended to assist the residents of our communities in becoming comfortable
with the tools of technology at their own pace.
The project's design provides for conquering often -severe educational deficits. A key element in this
design is a mentorship program. The project will contribute to the development of skills, qualities, and
abilities critical for success in the job market and as informed citizens. A key element in this design is
a mentorship program. The eParks' project anticipates providing staffing to support the mentorship
program through volunteers from the following sources:
• Neighborhood Community Service Organizations/Clubs
• Affiliations with Educational Institutions
• Community Service Programs at Neighborhood High Schools
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• Local Colleges — FIU, Miami -Dade, University of Miami, etc,
• Funding made available through grants and gifts
Using the Census 2000 reports, the City of Miami Parks and Information Technology departments
ranked twenty- seven neighborhood parks based on the highest concentration of children. In this
manner, the educational needs of the neighborhood could best be addressed. The first nine parks were
selected to enhance children's educational opportunities by taking advantage of young people's natural
affinity for technology and make learning and self-expression exciting. The remaining parks were
selected to address the needs of adults and individuals with special needs to help those left behind by
the computer revolution to catch up in accessible, low-pressure settings. A model program was
developed for the first six parks to determine the best method for allocating human and technology
resources.
Addressing these diverse audiences will necessitate that the eParks program be tailored to the specific
needs, wants and requirements of the individual neighborhood. While the City will attempt to provide
the same basic "technology toolkits" for each of the eParks locations, the implementation of each
eParks site will be customized by the Parks' Managers and involved community groups to ensure that
the specific needs of each community is addressed. The basic core components of the eParks program
will vary depending on each community's needs but will always include:
• Infrastructure of hardware, software, and network connectivity
• Programs for clients including specialized software as required
• Training for Parks personnel in technical support techniques and management of the project
• Staffing including mentors, volunteers, teachers, technical support, etc.
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Chapter 3: eParks Basic Infrastructure Components
In order to ensure that the City's approach to eParks is successful, the project will begin with the
implementation of an initial phase which addresses six of the twenty-seven targeted parks, as
highlighted in the Miami eParks Installation Priority List outlined in Appendix A. In the initial phase
the City will equip each of six selected parks with "technology toolkits".
• Desktop computers
■ Office productivity/antivirus/educational software
■ Broadband internet access
■ Printers
■ Wireless network
• Ongoing hardware/software support
• Customized homepages
Desktop Computers:
Industry standard personal computers and servers will be utilized to support the program. Current
plans call for the desktop hardware which is retired annually during the City of Miami's desktop
technology refresh project to be donated to the Digital Divide initiative. This hardware will consist of
a desktop computer box, keyboard and mouse. (Monitors and speakers for the desktops will be funded
through grants and gifts made to the program.)
Office Productivity/Antivirus/Educational Software:
The program will deploy the following office productivity software which is consistent with the
applications most commonly currently utilized, in todays business environment: Microsoft Operating
System, Microsoft Desktop Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and free Adobe Acrobat
Reader (free version). Currently, Microsoft has committed to providing the appropriate software
licenses for the initial thirty (30) desktop deployments at no charge. Once the "proof of concept"
project has proven successful, Microsoft will assist the City in obtaining by providing the appropriate
software licenses for the remaining desktops must be identified. The City has also received assistance
from is also exploring an opportunity with Symantec Corp. in the licensing of antivirus and imaging
software.to procure antivirus and ghost products at extremely discounted prices. The Parks
Department currently has limited funds available to procure educational software and is currently
evaluating options available in this area.
Broadband Internet Access:
The desktops will be provided with high-speed, broadband internet access, Currently, Comcast
Corporation has committed to providing this access to all 27 Parks at no charge (installation services,
broadband services, and the appropriate communications modems).
Printers:
The program anticipates deploying cost-effective, economical color laser jet printers at each of the
sites. A funding source for this item, and associated expendables, has not been identified.
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Wireless Network:
The desktops in each of the Parks will be networked together and provided printer connectivity
through the use of a wireless network. These desktop computers will be networked through a wireless
network implementation, which will ensure flexibility and adaptability for the changing structures and
needs of the Parks. Currently, the Parks Department has limited funds which it will utilize to provide
the wireless networking equipment for the first six (6) Parks. The program will attempt to locate a
suitable partner to provide additional funding/equipment as the program expands.
Ongoing hardware/software support:
Support for the equipment will be provided by an Information Services Liaison position funded by the
City of Miami's Parks Department. This support will be supplemented by the staff of the City's
Information Technology Department. Basic configurations and desktop images, support procedures,
along with recovery and troubleshooting scripts, will be generated by the City's IT Department.
Customized eParks web homepage:
Each park's home page will be designed to provide that community's residents with links to valuable
tools/websites, which will assist these residents in making the optimal use of digital networks, Web
connectivity and the "technology tookits" provided. Development and maintenance of the eParks web
homepages will be provided by the City's Information Technology Department.
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Chapter 4: Intended Audiences
In the creation of the eParks initiative the City of Miami seeks to address the needs of all of its
residents:
• Disadvantaged youth — school age children that do not have the same level of access to
technology as their counterparts
• Economically disadvantaged -- individuals with no technology access
• Individuals with language and cultural barriers — addressing diverse cultural backgrounds
• Senior Citizens — individuals needing assistance in assimilating new technologies into their
daily lives
• Individuals with disabilities — those that would need additional accommodations in order to
take advantage of technologies (partner: Shake -a -Leg).
Access to these communications tools will empower residents who are searching for homework
assistance, jobs, educational and training opportunities and information on available government
services available to them. It is envisioned that each of these individualized web, homepages will
contain links to the following tools and services:
• Educational programs, such as, homework assistance
• Job Clearing house links — sites which provide for:
o Resume posting by citizens
o Help Wanted Ads by businesses
• Links to free email account creation (hotmail, yahoo mail, etc.)
• Small business information sites (e.g., www.sba.gov, etc.)
• Links to City, County and State Services
• Homeowner associations' postings
• Other links as identified
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Chapter 5: eParks Program Management
The eParks program will be sponsored and managed by the Mayor's office, the City Manager,
Department of Parks, and the Department of Information Technology with advice and oversight
provided by the Community Technology Advisory Board (CTAB). As part of the project development
plan, the eParks program will require development of information handling rules which include
policies, restrictions and procedures specific to each site. Examples of policies and restrictions include
electronic mail and down loading policies as well as documented restrictions such as prohibited sites
that are, for example, violent or pornographic in nature. Examples of procedures include logging
in/out of the systems.
Resourcing / Staffing
Resources to sustain the eParks program will be provided through partnerships with community
organizations, local and national businesses, and the City of Miami. Specifically, community
organizations and businesses will become partners in the eParks program through contributions and
grants and the City will contribute management and resources as available to endure the success of the
program. For example, City owned computers that reach the end of their planned four year life will be
recycled to the eParks program.
eParks Implementation Schedule
Before the "technology toolkits" are deployed at the first six sites, a meeting will be held with the
CTAB, the Parks Director, and the individual Parks' Managers to discuss the concept of the program
and its implementation process. During this meeting the eParks philosophy will be discussed and fine
tuned. If consensus is reached that the approach identified is appropriate, then within forty-five (45)
days of formal CTAB approval the City of Miami's Information Technology Department will deploy
the "technology toolkits" at six selected sites. Ninety (90) days after the completion of this initial
deployment, the same group will reconvene to discuss the successes and failures of the program in
order to fine tune the approach and direction of the eParks program. At this point, the expansion
schedule for the additional parks and the number of workstations installed at each site will be
determined and documented. See Appendix A for the Miami parks installation sequence.
Year 2004
Year 2005
Year 2006
March 1 — April 30
6 Parks — 5 computers
each
May 1— July 31
August 1 -- August 31
6 Original Parks — 5
additional computers
each
1 Park a week for 9 sites with 10 computers each
Commencing February 4 (Installation on Fridays) and completion by
September 1— September 30
3 Parks —10 computers
each
April 1, 2004.
1 Park a week for 9 sites with 10 computers each
Commencin ! Februar 3 Installation on Frida s and cam ' letion b
March 31, 2004.
Partners
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Partner Recognition
It is the intent of the eParks program to identify and recognize all of the partners which assist in the
development and implementation of this program. Methods of recognition are currently being
determined and may potentially include:
• Partner only advertising at eParks sites
• Listing in City's Annual Report
• VIP invitation to the State of the City Address
• Receptions at Miami's historic City Hall
• Name technology centers after partners
• Annual media blitz outlining partner's continued commitment to the community
• Recognition at Commission Meetings
• Recognition through Miami TV
Current Partners
As of 2003, the following companies have committed to providing hardware, software and other
resources as required to make this program successful:
• Microsoft Corporation
• Comcast Corporation
• Symantec Corporation
Microsoft has named the City of Miami as a charter partner in its "Unlimited Potential" program and
has committed to providing Microsoft software for use in the technology learning centers. Comcast
has committed to providing high speed internet connections, including associated hardware, for all 27
eParks sites. Symantec is assisting with the provision of antivirus software and imaging software
Ghost.
Potential Future Partners
Negotiations for future partners for the eParks program include
• University of Miami
• Florida International University
• Miami -Dade County
• City High Schools
• Cisco
• Dell
• Hewlett Packard
• Museum of Science
Evaluation & Monitoring
Quarterly meetings will be held between the 'Parks managers to share results on monitored progress
and opinions on evolving the program. The eParks program will be evaluated through
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client/community surveys conducted by the Parks Department at least annually. Results of program
evaluations will be provided to the community, partners, and City administration. Evaluation methods
and details are being defined. The City will enter into agreements with local colleges and research
institutes do develop appropriate performance measures. Further, the City is in the process of
implementing performance and accountability measures for all its service and operating departments.
These measures reflect national, state, and regional trends for better informing stakeholders of the
performance of government and allowing for elected and appointed officials to use data -rich measures
in their strategic planning and stewardship over tax -payer funded resources.
Communication Plan
The primary communication media will be the eParks website at www.ci.miami.fl.usleParks. This site
will track events ands, deployment through postings at this location. From the home page the user will
have the ability to branch to specific park pages. Additional varieties of methods to communicate the
value and successes of this program will be employed to reach multiple audiences including City
Commission proclamations, Miami Channel 9 video programs, City press coverage, and an eParks
electronic newsletter.
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Budget Narrative
The expenses involved in operating the eParks program will be provided by through grants and in -kind
support from partners, community organizations, and the City. The following preliminary costs are
provided along with the proposed source of the resources.
Infrastructure Initial Set-up
Source
Estimated Cost
Computers
City
0
Keyboards, mice..
City
0
Printers
TBD (partner needed)
TBD
Network hardware
Comcast, -F
0
Operating system
Microsoft
0
Office Professional software
Microsoft
0
Antivirus software
Symantee
0
Imaging software
Symantec
0
Educational software
TBD
TBD
Speakers (280 pairs)
TBD
$ 3,000
Monitors (280)
TBD ,
$28,000
Wireless access cards (280)
City (Parks) (funds limited --
partner needed)
$19,600
Wireless access points (3)
City (Parks) (funds limited —
partner needed)
$ 6,000
Surge protectors
City (Parks) (funds Iimited —
partner needed)
$ 2,000
Printers (28 color laser printers)
.
City (Parks) (funds limited —
_partner needed)
$15,000
Furniture
City (Parks) (funds limited —
partner needed)
$15,000
• J
Ongoing Operations
Utilities
City (Parks)
0
Consumable supplies
City (Parks) (funds limited -
partner needed)
TBD
Technical on -site support
City (Parks & ITD)
Mentors
Various parks (partner
needed to support each
park)
Staffing
TBD Various parks —
oversight Parks Department
Training
TBD Various parks
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Appendix A: Miami's eParks Installation Sequence
Park Name
Address
Priority Order
A — Year One
B — Year Two
C — Year Three
African Square Park
1Range)
1400 N.W. 62nd St.
A
Clemente
101 NW 34 Avenue
A
DuartelAllapattah)
2800 NW 17th Ave.
A
Esther Mae Armbrister Park
236 Grand Ave.
A
Hadley Park (Meek)
1300 N.W. 50th St.
A
Williams Park
1717 N.W. 5th Ave
A
Shenandoah
1800 SW 21 Avenue
A
Legion Memorial Park
6447 N.E. 7th Ave.
A
Jose Marti Park/Pool
351 S.W. 4th St.
A
Athalie Range Park
525 N.W. 62nd St.
B
Bryant Park
2301 S.W. 13th St.
B
Buena Vista
200 NW 53 Street
B
Curtis Park
1901 N.W. 24th Ave
B
Dorsey Park
1701 N.W. 1st Street
B
Grapeland Heights Park
1550 N.W. 37th Ave.
B
Lummus Park
404 N.W. 3rd St.
B
Reeves Park
600 N.W. 10th St.
B
Simpson Park
55 SW 17th Rd
B
Coral Gate Park
1415 S.W. 32 Ave.
C
Douglas Park
2755 S.W. 37th Ave.
C
Elizabeth Virrick Park
3580 Day Ave.
C
Gibson Park
401 N.W. 12th St.
C
Kinloch Park
455 N.W. 47th Ave.
C
Lemon City Park & Day Care
27 NE 58 Street
C
Morningside Park
750 N.E. 55 Terrace
C
Robert King High
7025 W. Flager St.
C
West End Park & Pool
250 S.W. 60th Ave.
C
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*amiss eParks Coverage
DIGITAL DIVIDE WITH COMMISSION DISTRICTS
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