A Revolutionary Project to Alleviate EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Conceptualized in 1998 by Mr. Imran Aziz, eVillage (
eVillage focuses on creating a myriad of opportunities for residents. A computer lab located in the largest and most centrally located area of Mughalpura,
Furthermore we will be deploying virtual community for our residents, which will connect them nationally and internationally with other communities.
SCOPE OF THE PROJECT
The community is diverse; eVillage does a lot of different things. Indeed, what is special about eVillage is that it has tailored to the immediate social, economic, linguistic, and cultural realities of the communities it serves. It is a community that works hard and depends on educational system to prepare their sons and daughters for the world. The power of eVillage is the chance it offers to improve upon what we are already doing for the students while offering a range of opportunities for parents and the rest of the community.
Need assessment revealed some of the key points given below:
v Technology, including communications and leaning technology is mushrooming all over the world.
v For people in low income communities access is prohibitive because cost of wiring, software, hardware and maintenance is beyond their means
v Knowledge of and familiarity with technology and the culture of computers is becoming increasingly important for living, employment and maximum access to educational resources.
v There are thousands of children, youth and adults in many areas across
The expected support from Mr. Jawad Khaki would allow us a great deal of flexibility in offering programs and services to the community. With the infrastructure already in place, we can use the funds primarily for people and materials. We can subsidize classes, offering them for free or at cost (Appendix A). Funding would allow for distribution of hardware, software, and books to the community through incentive programs contingent upon successful completion of classes and workshops offered through the eVillage (Appendix B). We will also be able to establish stronger ties to the community by publicizing our efforts and soliciting the feedback, involvement, and support of our residents. By making the community stakeholders in the process, we hope to generate a positive climate that encourages participation and learning.
PROJECT GOALS
The mission of eVillage is simple: to provide opportunities for self-improvement to members of the community. The project goals outline the means by which we will provide for such improvement. The means of measuring the extent to which the goals and objectives have been met are also outlined. Our goals, objectives, outcomes, and measurements are as follows:
Goal 1: Increase technology literacy in the community (measured using pre and post-tests)
Objective 1.1: Target audience introduced to basic concepts
Outcome A: Identify computer hardware
Outcome B: Explain functions of each part of the computer
Outcome C: Perform basic computing operations as instructed
Outcome D: Differentiate between various types of software by function
Measurement: Pre and posttests and/or surveys
Measurement: Instructor observation
Objective 1.2: Target audience able to utilize technology to perform simple tasks
Outcome A: Create a document using word processing software
Outcome B: Explore the Internet using a web browser
Outcome C: Set up an e-mail account and learn how to send and receive email
Measurement: Completion of related projects
Measurement: Pre and posttests and surveys
Objective 1.3: Target audience able to utilize technology for self-improvement
Outcome A: Use a word processor to complete specific writing tasks (resume, cover letter, essay, poem, etc.)
Outcome B: Successfully perform research on particular topics using the Internet, i.e., job hunting
Outcome C: Use the Internet to explore ESL / TOEFL sites for assistance in learning the English language
Measurement: Pre and posttests and surveys
Goal 2: Improve student's reading scores
Objective 2.1: Use technology to improve reading ability
Outcome A: Increase word identification skills using software
Outcome B: Increase vocabulary using software
Measurement: Tracking of reading scores throughout the program
Measurement: Comparison against control groups using traditional methods
Measurement: Teacher surveys
Goal 3: Community outreach (linkages with libraries and other institutions)
Objective 3.1: Increase the community’s awareness of the availability of locality programs.
Outcome A: Publicize the acquisition of the grant and the objectives via local newspapers
Outcome B: Periodically contact the newspapers to visit and report on the community technology center
Outcome C: Periodically send press releases to the local newspapers
Outcome D: Profile participants in the program in the quarterly locality newsletter
Outcome E: Produce community mailings through class projects
Measurement: Gauge community awareness through polls, surveys, and monitoring of editorial responses to news releases
Goal 4: Increase employment opportunities and relevant skills
Objective 4.1: Offer opportunities to members of community to increase their employment skills and options via classes and workshops
Outcome A: Attendees of job search workshop are able to create a resume
Outcome B: Attendees of job search workshop are able to create a cover letter
Outcome C: Attendees of job search workshop are able to research job opportunities using on-line sources
Measurement: Completion of tasks
Measurement: Polls and surveys before and after workshop, as well as post-workshop tracking
Goal 5: Increase presence and use of technology in the community through incentive programs
Objective 5.1: Provide hardware and software to residents through an incentive program tied to completion of classes and workshops
Outcome A: Participants can practice and refine their skills at home
Outcome B: Learning occurs on a continual basis
Outcome C: Interest in the community technology center increases as residents seek to increase their knowledge and skills
Measurement: Tracking of attendees at classes and workshops, especially in topics that build off of previous classes
Measurement: Surveys and polling of residents who receive incentives to track how much they use the equipment and software, their overall satisfaction, and what types of classes or workshops they would like to offered in the future
Measurement: Suggestion box in the community technology center
Goal 6: Online Community
Objective 6.1: Building a community portal so that residents can interact with other national and international communities with the help of different collaborative tools like discussion boards, chat, and Audio/Video conferencing. This online community will update its users about latest news, new technologies, National/International job opportunities, scholarships in different universities/colleges, and all those media information services, which are beneficial for our local community. In addition to all these facilities we will provide community residents Virtual homes which will represent them globally and will create an online civilization to share each other’s ideas and making relationships without any restrictions.
Outcome A: Collaborative tools will help local communities to exchange their views with national and international communities and to know about their culture.
Outcome B: Media services will help people to know that what is new about their local as well as international communities.
Outcome C: Providing community residents’ virtual homes in cyberspace will be a new metamorphosis to extend the limitations of local social communities.
Measurement: Providing a poll for the evaluation of people’s response in virtual community and homes.
Adequacy of Resources
eVillage is a community initiative and largely supported by RAD Federation. The resources involved in this project are concentrated primarily in three areas: personnel, materials, and equipment.
eVillage is currently available to community that resides within the locality's boundaries. Given the present economy, literacy and technology skills can be of great benefit to those seeking to improve their situation. This applies not just to employment status, but to life in general. Parents want the best for their children; what eVillage offer is an opportunity to improve themselves as well. The economic impact occurred in several stages; the impact on the students over the long term resulted in higher academic achievement, better test scores, and greater educational opportunities over time. The adults in the community found ways to improve their job status and increase their income, in addition to gaining confidence in their abilities and helping them serve as role models for their children. For these reasons, we always believed that the costs associated with this project are nominal given the potential for positive impact.
PROJECT EVALUATION
The means of evaluating the success of each goal varies. We use a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods to track the progress of the project. All classes include pre and post-testing to determine the extent to which skills were learned. Surveys are constructed to determine community awareness and interest in the programs and services being offered, to gather feedback on a variety of topics, and to maintain a dialogue about the goals of the eVillage with the community.
APENDIX A
Following are examples of Certificates/Diplomas being offered to the community. The exact nature of the offerings will be determined through feedback from the community to better assess educational demands.
1. Certificate in Fundamentals of Computer Science
Computer science involves far more than just the writing of computer programs. It is a technical rigorous field that requires a strong background in science subjects like physics, electronics, and mathematics.
The growing industrial and commercial reliance on Information Technology, it is imperative that we attempt to bring our youth with Arts background into the domain of Computer Science.
- Certificate in Journalism and New Media
Journalism is undergoing a fundamental transformation. It is perhaps the most fundamental transformation of journalism since the rise of the penny press of the mid-19th century. In the twilight of the 20th century there is emerging a new form of journalism whose distinguishing qualities include ubiquitous news, global information access, instantaneous reporting, interactivity, and multimedia content and extreme content customization. In many ways it represents a potentially better form of journalism because it can re-engage an increasingly distrusting and alienated audience and citizenry. At the same time, it presents many threats to the most cherished values and standards of journalism. Authenticity of content, source verification, accuracy and truth are all suspect in a medium where anyone with a computer and a modem can become a global publisher.
3. Diploma in E-Commerce
The Programme begins by introducing e-commerce in its diverse aspects – technology, economics and management. Moreover course combines e-business theory with more advanced web development techniques and technologies; giving students the know-how and access to the tools they need to create dynamic and interactive e-commerce web sites It also aims to provide participants with a thorough comprehension of E-Commerce and E-Business in an interdisciplinary business approach to the creation of an E-Commerce system or E-Business. This course is highly recommended particularly for corporate executives and managers involved in the planning, development and implementations of E-Commerce initiatives
- Diploma in New Media Development
The New Media Development Diploma provides a theoretical foundation in visual design and practical experience with industry standard software. New media developer works with today's newest advances in desktop computer technology. A developer draws on the skills of the computer programmer and the visual artist to integrate graphics, text, and digital audio and video with interactivity. This multimedia content can be delivered on CD-ROM, over the World Wide Web, or even on floppy disk. Internet Site Design and Multimedia Development are the two major fields, which are incorporated in this diploma. This program is focused on the design and technology skills required for employment, at an entry level, in the new media industry.
- Certificate in Instructional Design for the New Media
This course will focus on how to efficiently deliver course content over the Internet. Particular care will be given to instructional design for the web, along with suggestions on what are considered to be good and bad practices for web-based instruction. Students will be introduced to notions of pedagogy and andragogy, which will be discussed in a web-based context. The evaluation of teaching and learning outcomes will be discussed extensively. A wide range of educational tools currently available on the Internet will be presented and used, allowing learners to understand their purpose from a learner's point of view.
- Internet Technology Webmaster Certificate
The Internet Technology Webmaster Certificate program will equip you with the essential skills, knowledge and experience necessary to be a Web Developer or Webmaster, or to serve as a springboard into the growing world of electronic commerce. Course is incorporated with state-of-the-art LAB training, four MODULE projects and one Final project.
- Diploma in Web-Engineering
Web Engineering, an emerging new discipline, advocates a process and a systematic approach to development of high quality Web-based systems. It promotes the establishment and use of sound scientific, engineering and management principles, and disciplined and systematic approaches to development, deployment and maintenance of Web-based systems. The growth of the Internet, Intranets, Extranets, and the World Wide Web has already had a significant impact on business, commerce, industry, banking and finance, education, government and entertainment sectors, and our personal and working life. Many legacy information and database systems are being migrated to the Internet and the Web environments. Electronic commerce through the Internet is rapidly growing, cutting across national boundaries. A wide range of new, complex distributed applications is emerging in the Web environment.
APENDIX B
In order to reinforce the concept of continuing education, various incentives will be utilized in conjunction with the Diploma/Certificate to be offered. These incentives should be viewed not merely as a reward, but as a means of supporting the goals of the project by extending the educational environment into the home.
Incentives are determined based on the content of the Diploma/Certificate. Receipt of any material or hardware is contingent upon successful completion of the relevant class or workshop and permission to gather data on the use and impact of the award.
TYPES OF INCENTIVES
§ Software
§ Books
§ Used computers
§ Digital cameras
§ Specific examples
§ Internet Intro class: participants would get a CD-ROM with Internet utilities and a related book.
§ Job Skills: class participants would get a package of quality stationary and envelopes to use for employment applications/resumes, and possibly related software.
§ PC Maintenance class: participants would get to take the PC they repair for their class project home.
§ Digital camera workshop: participants would be eligible for a camera
§ Monitoring Internet Access: participants would receive Internet filtering software.
§ Selecting software to increase English fluency: participants would receive software.
eVillage SPENDINGS SINCE 1999
Personnel Stipends | Pak Rupees | USD @ 60 PKR / USD |
| Director, Director Instructional Programs, Liaison Manager, Director Media, Technology Assistant, Three Instructors | 6132000/- | 102200/- |
Sub Total | 6132000/- | 102200/- |
Supplies | | |
| | Costs | |
| Phone and Internet | 504000/- | 8400/- |
| Electricity | 840000/- | 14000/- |
| Books | 500000/- | 8333/- |
| Stationary | 100000/- | 1666/- |
Sub Total | 1944000/- | 32400/- |
| Equipment | | |
| | Costs | |
| | 839000/- | 13983/- |
Sub Total | 839000/- | 13983/- |
Land/Furniture | | |
| | Costs | |
| Land Rent | 588000/- | 9800/- |
| Renovation | 250000/- | 4166/- |
| Furniture | 300000/- | 5000/- |
| Sub Total | 1138000/- | 18966/- |
Grand Total | 10053000/- | 167550/- |
eVillage BROCHURE
eVillage (
eVillage exploits technology to build cultures of peace and economic equality to an extent that an increased cross-cultural exchange and volunteer community service for an underprivileged young generation is achieved. It is aimed to empower young people and enable them to develop their potentials and improve their own lives, fundamental elements for a more harmonic, solidarity and just collective social reality. eVillage also promote empowerment through challenging community development projects in humanitarian, educational and environmental fields and contribute to the psychological, emotional, physical, cultural, social and vocational development of children.
Building Capacity through education and technology to reduce poverty and increase living standard.
eVillage is focusing on creating a myriad of opportunities for residents and to build on past and present efforts to educate and inform, with particular attention paid to the parents of the students. Approach is further defined as teaching people how to help them both personally and professionally, reach out to the community through improved networked educational and technological services, and strengthen bonds with institutions such as the colleges, libraries, and schools. Who are isolated and don’t have access to Education and Technology and for citizens of all ages acquire the technology and technology skills they need to succeed in the future by providing equitable access to technology resources in homes, schools, universities and communities.
Educators: The eVillage Educators network strives to connect educators across the region by providing the open communication necessary to foster growth, professionalism, and pride among educators. The Network bridges the gap among educators by facilitating the sharing of ideas and classroom practice, providing support, and encouraging the lifelong learning essential to advancing the field of education. Moreover educator network is established to provide educational facilities to students without the barriers of time, space, disabilities and restrictions and promises education in every home by top teachers of region.
Students: We believe at eVillage that student supporting students makes a knowledgeable and problem solving community. They learn to help each other and try to set milestones to follow them at the level of success. Good students make good communities and communities are dependant on viability and vitality of their young ones. eVillage mention way for students to prepare for a career in an applied setting is to network with colleagues and practitioners in the field. Networking is defined as building relationships with people established in a specific area to obtain information about a field of interest, find out about possible job opportunities, or to help establish oneself in an area of practice.
Parents: eVillage provides a friendly, supportive environment led by parents and other caregivers. It's a place where anyone in a parenting role can openly discuss the successes and challenges of raising children. Where they can find and share support. How? By sitting down in front of computer and really talking. Network support groups are free of charge, and foster an open exchange of ideas, support, information and resources.
- Gallery: eVillagers can share and display any of their images that they upload. Each image that is added can also be commented on by other eVillagers. Each user can select a specific group when they upload their images if they for example only want their friends to view their images or maybe not allow anyone else to see their images.
- Browse: Powerful search tool for eVillagers to find other eVillagers. One of the most used tools for eVillagers to meet other eVillagers.
- Blogs: Everybody has got to have a blog today and with eVillage framework it gives eVillagers the option to add blogs to their own personal profile, which also will be listed in the main "blog" section. This will allow other eVillagers to search other blogs and read up on what their friends are writing about.
- Forum: It’s a place where eVillagers can get together and discuss certain topics that have been created by users or admins.
- Rate: Images that are uploaded to the "gallery" section will also be added to the "rate" system. This system simply randomizes images when a user visits the section and allows them to rate on any image that comes up from a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest.
- Groups: This allows eVillagers to create a community within a large community. They will have their own forum, shoutbox, gallery, eVillagers page and main page.
- Classifieds: If eVillagers are looking for a job or want to sell or want to give gifts, books or their services this is a great place for them to start.
- Events: If eVillagers have an event like a party or birthday they can add it here so other eVillagers can reserve a spot to their party.
- Live Chat: Best way for eVillagers to get in touch with each other is using the live chat.
- Instant Messenger: If eVillagers would like to chat 1 on 1 with another member they can get on the IM to do so.
- Account & Profile Settings: Personal information eVillagers have such as their email or details about themselves they can edit at anytime using the easy to use account/profile system.
- Profile Picture: eVillagers can at anytime add or change their profile image which is displayed on their profile and on any item they add to the site such as blogs, comments etc...
- Design My Profile: This advanced easy to use tool gives eVillagers the ease to modify their profiles. They can change the entire color layout by simply selecting colors from a pallet and even upload a background image for their profile without any knowledge of CSS or HTML. Plus users can also add CSS code if they really want to pimp their profiles.
- Mail System: The mail system is a great way for users to keep in touch with each other and for them to constantly come back to your site.
- Submit Items: Any items a member can add to the site is listed in this section. It includes the upload image for the gallery, creation of blogs and creation of articles.
- My Items: All items added by eVillagers they will be able to edit/delete from this section.
- Friends & Favorites: Having friends and favorites in a community is very important and with this feature it will be a great way for eVillagers to create a friends network.
- Bulletin: Similar to a forum the bulletin allows eVillagers to post threads that only their friends can see and no one else.
- Invite: One of the key tools of community is the invite tool. eVillagers will be able to invite any of their friends to site simply by adding their email(s) in the form.
- Guestbook: From what we have seen in the past this might be the most used feature. eVillagers seem to enjoy leaving a public message on other profiles.
- Friends & Favorites: Any friends or favorites a user has they will be displayed on their profile. This system is used to create a network so other eVillagers start to connect with one another.
- Personal Details block: The details listed in this block are personal details which is used to give the user viewing another users profile an idea about the eVillagers personality.
- Recent Visitors: Handy tool for those who want to see which member has visited their page last.
- Blogs: Each member has their own blog section on their profile page which will list all the blogs they have created. Other eVillagers can view the blogs and comment on them as well.
- Gallery: The gallery section that is part of a users profile works much like the main gallery section but instead it will list all the images for that specific user. Other eVillagers can view the images and comment on them as well. eVillagers also have an option on who they want to allow to view their gallery. So they may want to only allow their friends or maybe not to allow anyone else but themselves to view their gallery.
- Groups list: On each eVillagers profile it will also list all the groups they belong to.
- Contact Panel: If a member needs to get in contact with another member they can do this all in the contact panel. It will allow them to send a mail box message, crush alert or instant message. It will also give users the chance to add another user as a friend, add them to their favorites list, rate them, invite them to a group or even block/unblock that user.
- Report User: If at anytime a user finds content on another users profile they might find offensive or if they feel it breaks site terms & conditions they can report that user to you and your staff with a simple "report this user" link.
- Member Details: The member details will cover the important areas of a users profile page. Each user will be able to fill in large blocks with information about themselves or what sort of books they like for example.
No comments:
Post a Comment