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Gigabit Cafe Wiki

Bridging the digital divide by bringing gigabit internet connectivity to social services by deploying the first public test of the “Software Lending Library” to demonstrate internet relevancy and transformative powers to Reconciliation Services’ clients and neighbors. This project is the perfect example of using technology and innovation to address societal needs.

Report-Outs

* 4/28/14 to 5/9/14: Excited about the new grant we met a few times with the RS team, Kari Keefe, and KC Library to see what this grant meant and how we need to approach it. What is expected? How do we deliver? Whats the first step?

Problems encountered: We are working with a lot of volunteers to meet this time line. We are having a hard time getting volunteers dedicated to the promised tasks. The volunteers we were working with to get the cafe build out didn't come through so still looking for people with carpentry skills to build out our cafe table and chairs, still looking for TNT's with basic computer knowledge that are willing to dedicate 2 hrs a week. Still working on getting a gig into the building and available for the cafe.

Problems solved: we figured out a way we can serve clients without library cards so they can use the SLL. We brainstormed ideas on how we can link our clients needs with the training's for the SLL library. We discussed and decided on the SW and check-in check-out procedures of the SLL/internet cafe. We decided to do a soft opening with the resources we have and see what it will take to run the cafe (learn by doing and not just talking).

* 5/12-5/23: We opened our doors for the first time on 5/16/14. We set up three computers and opened for 2 hours. We had three clients come through our doors. First one immediately needed help logging into his email but ones we got him in he was able to navigate well. He checked his email, his Facebook, asked about how he can manage his email well and we were able to show him how to create a folder and label it and organize incoming mail along with how to delete his Spam. He was pretty pleased and said he will be back soon.

Second guy came in and knew where to go and what to go... sat there and went to www.pogo.com and played dominoes for an hour. He left when we closed, with a smile on his face and asked when we will be open again. He too said he will be back.

The third guy walked in looking for his friend(the second guy)but unfortunately wasn't able to log in because we were getting ready to close. So he sat next to his friend and cheered him on as he was winning his dominoes game.

Problems encountered: We realized that we need a second server dedicated for the internet cafe for safety reasons. We will need to upgrade the RAM on the computers so it can support a Gig. We will need to install a wifi signal booster as we increase the number of computers in order to get good connection. We will need more TNT when we open full blast to meet the needs of the clients.

Problems Solved: We learned that as long as we open people are going to come (Build it and they will come). Solved part of the library card issue by helping clients apply for a library card, in the meanwhile we have 10 cards that are open that we can use for those that do not have one.

We decided on the training the Library staff will be giving that will tie in with accessing the SLL:

   Resumes w/ Word (templates)
   Financial planning w/ Excel
   Ringtones w/ Audacity
   Google voice (setup) to save on minutes
   Relevancy of Internet w/ Isaac with Free Tower
   Photoshop 

Survey at the end to see if we need to repeat the class and assess how well it was received.

* 6/6-6/27: We set up 6 computers!!!

We have 2 regulat customes that come on the regular. Now they even started coming early to help us set up. There have been some new faces that come in and out. We are working on getting the classes started and advertising more.

Problems Solved: We set up our Signal booster and the connection is much faster than what we started with. We have got a server snd is ready to be installed. We have a group of people willing to come and build a nice table for the cafe repaint and clean the first floor.

Problem encountered: We are working on getting a gig in our building but there is a problem with the provider that may not be resolved before the end of the pilot project but connection we will have after the installation of the signal booster will be enough to do the SLL Training. Still looking for people to give SLL classes, plans to open Wed. from 1 - 5pm starting July 16th inorder to give alternate days for possible volunteers.

More soon...

Gigabit Cafe Partners

• Reconciliation Services
• Kansas City Public Library
• Connecting for Good

Metrics & Outcomes

Tech Outcomes

We will build an Internet Cafe suitable for all digital skill levels equipped with both the technology and resources to provide digital literacy for our clients. We anticipate to serve people from all walks of life who are eager to create efficiency through the use of both computers and internet. We are partners with the Kansas City Public Library to promote their new Software Lending Library (SLL) and introduce it to the public so they can use various software's from any computer. We are planning to tie the SLL training with basic needs in order to both get the attention of end users and also provide a class that is beneficial for our customers.

By the end of the pilot we anticipate our clients will be able to log into the SLL from any computer and work on the various software available online.

Learning Outcomes

By participating in the pilot, X number of people will learn the Y...

We will measure these learning outcomes by X, Y, and Z methods.

Community Outcomes

A couple of weeks ago a woman walked in and asked me if she can use the computer. I took her to one of the computers logged her in and told her to let me know if she needs any help. About 30 min later she called me and asked me if she can print. I asked her what she wanted to print and she told me her story.

Her husband was in prison and fathers day was that weekend so she wanted to see him. She had made him a card but didn't know what the visitation hours and procedures were so when she heard about the internet cafe she came to do some research and print out the information. Truly impressed I went ahead and printed what she needed. She walked out with a smile on her face. She said she will come back and work on other 'projects' that she had been putting off.

Last Friday one of our regulars walked in and said "Tufi today i don't need to be playing games," I was shocked because for the last few weeks all he has been doing was play dominoes on yahoo games. He continued " I have been trying to pass this level on my Play Station 1 so I brought the paper that goes with it to search for cheats and codes." What you don't know is this is the same man I sat next to on our second week opening and showed him how to do a Google search. Before the two hours was up he was able to get the cheat codes he needed. I wonder what he will search for next time!

We will share how our project impacts the KC community. Stay tuned!

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