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HomeMy WebLinkAboutexhibit-digital divide planeParks Miami's Digital Divide Plan -- Digital Equality for One Community 1 of 15 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. 2 of 15 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% 3 of 15 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. 4 of 15 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 5 of 15 • 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. 6 of 15 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. 7 of 15 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. 8 of 15 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 9 of 15 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 10 of 15 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 11 of 15 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. 12 of 15 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 13 of 15 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 14 of 15 *amiss eParks Coverage DIGITAL DIVIDE WITH COMMISSION DISTRICTS PRIORITY YEARS $m First Year O Sacond Year • TMrdYoar Mayor Manuel A. Diu !jAnphI 6on7el.T '.IJohnny L. VAntin '"Joe Senchli FTM1ae Repaints Li'u1 Arthur E. Teals, jr a%Wr. IR8311,6 ar�ir NW awl IRTERNATICW1L iwirawr NW SRN ST. Iw ENS IT. {CORAL WAY1 SW 40TH IT. Ilunlava a MraeyM Cep. ProduCW By Intamle eon Technology Dept. May 6, ]004 NWT' IT ST. HYENA ST MW MTN ST. '1NRpCRTIMW. Na GWaIwAY MY 111MONISIMP r maw EEEENsinsainsmsz1i1RM■ I4Y\..MMN.*e EKE MN ST. MUMMY !MAYNE PAY CAUSEWAY fe O. W E 15 of 15