CTN Blog
Lorna Walsh, CTN, January 20, 2012 - 4:26pm
Watch Out! There's a scam about...
Everyone has a tale to tell about falling foul to an online scam. Fortunately for me, my tale isn't about my misfortune but about my mother's. One day a few weeks ago I received a call at 5:45am and when I saw it was parents' number my first thought was "have they forgotten the time difference?" (they're in the UK) and my second was "Who's dead?". I was, therefore,...
Watch Out! There's a scam about...
Everyone has a tale to tell about falling foul to an online scam. Fortunately for me, my tale isn't about my misfortune but about my mother's. One day a few weeks ago I received a call at 5:45am and when I saw it was parents' number my first thought was "have they forgotten the time difference?" (they're in the UK) and my second was "Who's dead?". I was, therefore,...
Lorna Walsh, CTN, January 3, 2012 - 12:54pm
Partnerships for Learning: JVS and ECS Unite
CTN is all about partnerships, so we were delighted to learn that JVS has teamed up with Episcopal Community Services (ECS) to provide computer classes for low-income individuals. Classes will take place at JVS (Bush St, San Francisco) throughout January and will cover three introductory topics: Word, Excel and Outlook. The partners are working together under San Francisco's Off...
Partnerships for Learning: JVS and ECS Unite
CTN is all about partnerships, so we were delighted to learn that JVS has teamed up with Episcopal Community Services (ECS) to provide computer classes for low-income individuals. Classes will take place at JVS (Bush St, San Francisco) throughout January and will cover three introductory topics: Word, Excel and Outlook. The partners are working together under San Francisco's Off...
Lorna Walsh, CTN, December 20, 2011 - 12:42pm
Calling all Bay Area Computer Centers!
APPLY NOW! Does your non-profit operate a public access computer center? And does your computer center need help to develop its digital inclusion program? If so, the Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) could be for you! CTEP is seeking partners in the Bay Area for 2012-13. CTEP is an AmeriCorps program of Saint Paul Neighborhood Network which is expanding...
Calling all Bay Area Computer Centers!
APPLY NOW! Does your non-profit operate a public access computer center? And does your computer center need help to develop its digital inclusion program? If so, the Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) could be for you! CTEP is seeking partners in the Bay Area for 2012-13. CTEP is an AmeriCorps program of Saint Paul Neighborhood Network which is expanding...
Lorna Walsh, CTN, December 12, 2011 - 10:57am
Teens DoSomething to Help Grandparents Get Wired
DoSomething.org (one of the largest organizations in the U.S. for teens and social change) has joined forces with Skype and Grandparents.com to ask teens to show off their technology skills this winter by helping seniors get started on Facebook and Skype or helping sign them up for an email account. The "Grandparents Gone Wired" campaign begins December 1 and ends on December 30, with the goal of...
Teens DoSomething to Help Grandparents Get Wired
DoSomething.org (one of the largest organizations in the U.S. for teens and social change) has joined forces with Skype and Grandparents.com to ask teens to show off their technology skills this winter by helping seniors get started on Facebook and Skype or helping sign them up for an email account. The "Grandparents Gone Wired" campaign begins December 1 and ends on December 30, with the goal of...
Zakiya Harris, December 12, 2011 - 10:28am
Ready, Set, Connect with the CTN Youth Crew!
CTN Youth Crew is a partnership with MOUSE Squad (www.mousesquad.org) After a whirlwind two weeks, our Intergenerational Program is picking up speed. We have just launched our outreach efforts to recruit a team of 20 youth ages 16–24 to teach basic computer skills to seniors. Selected participants will work in teams of four within five senior centers in San Francisco. Youth will work 4 hours a wee...
Ready, Set, Connect with the CTN Youth Crew!
CTN Youth Crew is a partnership with MOUSE Squad (www.mousesquad.org) After a whirlwind two weeks, our Intergenerational Program is picking up speed. We have just launched our outreach efforts to recruit a team of 20 youth ages 16–24 to teach basic computer skills to seniors. Selected participants will work in teams of four within five senior centers in San Francisco. Youth will work 4 hours a wee...
Kami Griffiths, November 28, 2011 - 7:11am
Digital inclusion -- by Default or Intervention?
I just watched this presentation by Dr. Ellen Helsper, Lecturer in the Media and Communication Department, London School of Economics and Political Science. She presented at the Internetdagarna Forum (Internet Days) in Stockholm, Sweden. The 27-minute video is worth the watch and will enlighten even long-time digital literacy advocates. Dr. Helsper says that we have more barriers to overcome now...
Digital inclusion -- by Default or Intervention?
I just watched this presentation by Dr. Ellen Helsper, Lecturer in the Media and Communication Department, London School of Economics and Political Science. She presented at the Internetdagarna Forum (Internet Days) in Stockholm, Sweden. The 27-minute video is worth the watch and will enlighten even long-time digital literacy advocates. Dr. Helsper says that we have more barriers to overcome now...
Lorna Walsh, CTN, October 10, 2011 - 10:18am
Digging Up Facts
From time to time, we put our speed reading skills to good use for this blog. Today we’ve summarised two interesting reports about digital inclusion. First up... The Power of Digital Inclusion: Opportunities for People with Disabilities Author: National Council on Disability. This report advocates for greater digital inclusion for disabled people. It cites the key problem...
Digging Up Facts
From time to time, we put our speed reading skills to good use for this blog. Today we’ve summarised two interesting reports about digital inclusion. First up... The Power of Digital Inclusion: Opportunities for People with Disabilities Author: National Council on Disability. This report advocates for greater digital inclusion for disabled people. It cites the key problem...
Lorna Walsh, CTN, October 7, 2011 - 10:54am
Job Opportunity: Help CTN unite youth and seniors!
Intergenerational Project Manager (full-time temporary) Community Technology Network (CTN) is seeking an energetic, visionary project manager to oversee an exciting new Intergenerational Program. The Program will match tech savvy youth (16+) with seniors (60+) in San Francisco who are learning new computer skills at one of the Senior Centers participating in the Broadband Technology...
Job Opportunity: Help CTN unite youth and seniors!
Intergenerational Project Manager (full-time temporary) Community Technology Network (CTN) is seeking an energetic, visionary project manager to oversee an exciting new Intergenerational Program. The Program will match tech savvy youth (16+) with seniors (60+) in San Francisco who are learning new computer skills at one of the Senior Centers participating in the Broadband Technology...
Kami Griffiths, October 5, 2011 - 6:14am
Accelerating Deployments and Driving Toward Sustainability
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and OneCommunity is hosting a workshop titled “Accelerating Deployments and Driving Toward Sustainability”. Held in Cleveland, Ohio on October 5-7, the conference sessions are designed to help professionals in the community technology field tackle their biggest obstacles and uncover their greatest opportunities. On Friday, I wi...
Accelerating Deployments and Driving Toward Sustainability
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and OneCommunity is hosting a workshop titled “Accelerating Deployments and Driving Toward Sustainability”. Held in Cleveland, Ohio on October 5-7, the conference sessions are designed to help professionals in the community technology field tackle their biggest obstacles and uncover their greatest opportunities. On Friday, I wi...
Alfredo De La Rosa – Digital Artist, September 14, 2011 - 2:16pm
BTOP "I'm Connected"
I’m Connected is a new brand created by Department of Aging and Adult Services for the BTOP seniors’ project. In this new series of spotlights, CTN introduces you to inspirational techie seniors who could teach us a thing or two about computers. I’m Connected…Alfredo De La Rosa – Digital Artist Alfredo is an artist and computer savvy Octogenarian, for whom the internet and the subject of i...
BTOP "I'm Connected"
I’m Connected is a new brand created by Department of Aging and Adult Services for the BTOP seniors’ project. In this new series of spotlights, CTN introduces you to inspirational techie seniors who could teach us a thing or two about computers. I’m Connected…Alfredo De La Rosa – Digital Artist Alfredo is an artist and computer savvy Octogenarian, for whom the internet and the subject of i...
Kami Griffiths, September 7, 2011 - 9:51pm
Announcing the HandsOn Tech VISTA Program
We are very excited to announce a new program in the Bay Area that will bring computer training and support to nonprofit staff and community members. Community Technology Network and Aspiration are representing San Francisco as one of seven cities chosen to pilot a program funded by CNCS and Google and managed by HandsOn Network. Four full-time AmeriCorps VISTA tech support specialists (pictured b...
Announcing the HandsOn Tech VISTA Program
We are very excited to announce a new program in the Bay Area that will bring computer training and support to nonprofit staff and community members. Community Technology Network and Aspiration are representing San Francisco as one of seven cities chosen to pilot a program funded by CNCS and Google and managed by HandsOn Network. Four full-time AmeriCorps VISTA tech support specialists (pictured b...
Lana Litvak, August 22, 2011 - 10:52am
No Computers? No Problem!
Editor's note: Lana Litvak began teaching a computer class to a group of seniors at the Eastern Park Apartments Cyber Café — without having a single computer set up. The Café will be receiving eight brand new computers from BTOP (the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program), but in the meantime, why wait? There are so many ways to teach computer theory, and we asked Lana to explain. Traditional v...
No Computers? No Problem!
Editor's note: Lana Litvak began teaching a computer class to a group of seniors at the Eastern Park Apartments Cyber Café — without having a single computer set up. The Café will be receiving eight brand new computers from BTOP (the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program), but in the meantime, why wait? There are so many ways to teach computer theory, and we asked Lana to explain. Traditional v...
Kami Griffiths, June 21, 2011 - 4:10am
AmeriCorps VISTA Positions Available: Community Tech Support Specialists
Aspiration and Community Technology Network are hiring four AmeriCorps VISTA community tech support specialists to provide strategic technical assistance to Bay Area nonprofit organizations whose missions help to reduce poverty. We are seeking individuals who embrace new challenges, who are passionate about supporting technology innovation for the nonprofit sector, who work hard yet consider fun a...
AmeriCorps VISTA Positions Available: Community Tech Support Specialists
Aspiration and Community Technology Network are hiring four AmeriCorps VISTA community tech support specialists to provide strategic technical assistance to Bay Area nonprofit organizations whose missions help to reduce poverty. We are seeking individuals who embrace new challenges, who are passionate about supporting technology innovation for the nonprofit sector, who work hard yet consider fun a...
Kami Griffiths, May 18, 2011 - 10:11am
Learn About Free and Low-Cost Computer Training Programs!
Programs, programs … who’s got a computer training program? This CTN Connect will focus on how to find and promote low-cost computer training services. There are many opportunities available for beginning and intermediate learners to take a computer class in San Francisco, but information about these programs can be hard to find. Marlene Walker and Marilyn McNeal will talk about what City College...
Learn About Free and Low-Cost Computer Training Programs!
Programs, programs … who’s got a computer training program? This CTN Connect will focus on how to find and promote low-cost computer training services. There are many opportunities available for beginning and intermediate learners to take a computer class in San Francisco, but information about these programs can be hard to find. Marlene Walker and Marilyn McNeal will talk about what City College...
Kami Griffiths, May 2, 2011 - 10:40am
Notes from April CTN Connect
Last week we hosted the April CTN Connect at Goodwill in San Francisco. Paul Fong, a trainer who has worked for Goodwill for over a decade, facilitated a discussion around classroom strategies, keeping learners engaged, and how to shape your curriculum to fit the audience. I'd like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the dialogue by adding their own examples and stories! Here are the...
Notes from April CTN Connect
Last week we hosted the April CTN Connect at Goodwill in San Francisco. Paul Fong, a trainer who has worked for Goodwill for over a decade, facilitated a discussion around classroom strategies, keeping learners engaged, and how to shape your curriculum to fit the audience. I'd like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to the dialogue by adding their own examples and stories! Here are the...
Kami Griffiths, March 14, 2011 - 1:07pm
CTN Highlighted in the Huffington Post
Check out this article about CTN in today's Huffington Post: Giving Back: How You And The Tech Community Can Help Struggling Families. Author, Amy Lee, interviewed me and CTN volunteer Ashley Morrow, who volunteers in the Tenderloin Tech Lab. This article is part of their new section, HuffPost Impact, devoted to service, causes, and volunteering. If you are interested in giving back by sharing you...
CTN Highlighted in the Huffington Post
Check out this article about CTN in today's Huffington Post: Giving Back: How You And The Tech Community Can Help Struggling Families. Author, Amy Lee, interviewed me and CTN volunteer Ashley Morrow, who volunteers in the Tenderloin Tech Lab. This article is part of their new section, HuffPost Impact, devoted to service, causes, and volunteering. If you are interested in giving back by sharing you...
Kami Griffiths, March 9, 2011 - 12:50pm
Community Technology in Texas
I recently returned from the Austin Connects Community Technology Symposium held on March 1. This second annual event was organized by Austin Connects, a partnership between Austin Free-Net, Skillpoint Alliance, and the City of Austin. As the keynote speaker, I spoke about the resource library that has been a collaborative project bringing together groups from across the country, one of which is A...
Community Technology in Texas
I recently returned from the Austin Connects Community Technology Symposium held on March 1. This second annual event was organized by Austin Connects, a partnership between Austin Free-Net, Skillpoint Alliance, and the City of Austin. As the keynote speaker, I spoke about the resource library that has been a collaborative project bringing together groups from across the country, one of which is A...
Chris Peters, March 1, 2011 - 12:42pm
Why Community Technology Centers Are So Important
A colleague pointed me to this short video about computer basics classes at a tech center in England. It does a good job of demonstrating the psychological obstacles that technical novices still face and the crucial importance of community technology centers in providing dignity and empowerment for all citizens.
Why Community Technology Centers Are So Important
A colleague pointed me to this short video about computer basics classes at a tech center in England. It does a good job of demonstrating the psychological obstacles that technical novices still face and the crucial importance of community technology centers in providing dignity and empowerment for all citizens.
Kami Griffiths, January 17, 2011 - 12:41pm
KQED Highlights CTN Volunteer
Community Technology Network was recently featured on The California Report, produced by KQED. The Giving State, a series about Californians who find time to give back, highlighted the work of CTN volunteer Kyle Warneck. He was interviewed by Katherine Tolentino to explore the work CTN has been doing at San Francisco’s Tenderloin Tech Lab. This is another great step in the right direction to incre...
KQED Highlights CTN Volunteer
Community Technology Network was recently featured on The California Report, produced by KQED. The Giving State, a series about Californians who find time to give back, highlighted the work of CTN volunteer Kyle Warneck. He was interviewed by Katherine Tolentino to explore the work CTN has been doing at San Francisco’s Tenderloin Tech Lab. This is another great step in the right direction to incre...
Kami Griffiths, January 17, 2011 - 12:37pm
Great event with Craig Newmark
Last month CTN held its first large event, titled Digital Opportunities: Is Access a Game Changer? We were fortunate to have the following speakers engage in an interesting dialogue about access to technology and how it affects people and communities: Craig Newmark (Founder and Customer Service Rep, Craigslist) Pankaj Kedia (Director of Global Ecosystem Programs for Mobile Internet, Intel) Laura...
Great event with Craig Newmark
Last month CTN held its first large event, titled Digital Opportunities: Is Access a Game Changer? We were fortunate to have the following speakers engage in an interesting dialogue about access to technology and how it affects people and communities: Craig Newmark (Founder and Customer Service Rep, Craigslist) Pankaj Kedia (Director of Global Ecosystem Programs for Mobile Internet, Intel) Laura...
Lorna Walsh, CTN, November 28, 2010 - 11:00pm
Creating Successful Technology Programs for Seniors
Hello, CTN blog readers! On Monday November 22, CTN held a special event for people interested in running programs for seniors. This blog entry summarizes the event for your reading pleasure. The panelists were: (Chair) Kami Griffiths — CTN; Beth Berenson — Lighthouse; Ella Lee — Self Help for the Elderly; Marie Jobling — Community Living Campaign They explored the followin...
Creating Successful Technology Programs for Seniors
Hello, CTN blog readers! On Monday November 22, CTN held a special event for people interested in running programs for seniors. This blog entry summarizes the event for your reading pleasure. The panelists were: (Chair) Kami Griffiths — CTN; Beth Berenson — Lighthouse; Ella Lee — Self Help for the Elderly; Marie Jobling — Community Living Campaign They explored the followin...
Kami Griffiths, November 5, 2010 - 11:40am
Attend the Next CTN Connect
If you live in the Bay Area, work with seniors, and care about access to technology, this event is for you! On November 22, CTN is hosting an event that will focus on Successful Senior Technology Programs. Hear from several area leaders, network with other people who work with seniors, and learn more about what the City of San Francisco is doing to help seniors get online. This event is free; spac...
Attend the Next CTN Connect
If you live in the Bay Area, work with seniors, and care about access to technology, this event is for you! On November 22, CTN is hosting an event that will focus on Successful Senior Technology Programs. Hear from several area leaders, network with other people who work with seniors, and learn more about what the City of San Francisco is doing to help seniors get online. This event is free; spac...
Kami Griffiths, October 25, 2010 - 11:48am
CTN Executive Director Wins Award
Last Thursday, I attended YNPN’s Annual Party and accepted the award of Young Executive Director of the Year. I was joined by Galina Angarova (pictured below) from Pacific Environment, who was named the Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year, and Jessamine Chin, who was selected as Young Nonprofit Board Member of the Year for her service on the YNPN Advisory Board. I am very thankful for YNPN in...
CTN Executive Director Wins Award
Last Thursday, I attended YNPN’s Annual Party and accepted the award of Young Executive Director of the Year. I was joined by Galina Angarova (pictured below) from Pacific Environment, who was named the Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year, and Jessamine Chin, who was selected as Young Nonprofit Board Member of the Year for her service on the YNPN Advisory Board. I am very thankful for YNPN in...
Kami Griffiths, October 1, 2010 - 1:44pm
CTN Wins Grant to Help 3,000 Seniors in San Francisco
Last Tuesday, Mayor Newsom announced that the City and County of San Francisco received a $7.9 million grant from the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP), a part of the federal economic recovery effort (ARRA). This grant will increase access to broadband and provide digital literacy classes in San Francisco’s most underserved communities. Community Technology Network is one of many com...
CTN Wins Grant to Help 3,000 Seniors in San Francisco
Last Tuesday, Mayor Newsom announced that the City and County of San Francisco received a $7.9 million grant from the Broadband Technology Opportunity Program (BTOP), a part of the federal economic recovery effort (ARRA). This grant will increase access to broadband and provide digital literacy classes in San Francisco’s most underserved communities. Community Technology Network is one of many com...
Winifred Olliff, July 27, 2010 - 11:15am
BAVC Fights to Keep Free Speech and Public Access Alive in California
At yesterday's CTN Connect event, leaders in the field of community technology met to discuss SF Commons, San Francisco's new public access television station. One of the many challenges San Francisco's public access station has faced since changing hands and experiencing extreme budget cuts — along with fighting to keep programs running with less staff, equipment, and studio space —...
BAVC Fights to Keep Free Speech and Public Access Alive in California
At yesterday's CTN Connect event, leaders in the field of community technology met to discuss SF Commons, San Francisco's new public access television station. One of the many challenges San Francisco's public access station has faced since changing hands and experiencing extreme budget cuts — along with fighting to keep programs running with less staff, equipment, and studio space —...
Kami Griffiths, June 6, 2010 - 8:04am
Notice Something Different?
Welcome to the new and improved CTN website! This site is currently in beta and we encourage you to share your feedback with us by using the Feedback tab on the right side of the screen. We are really excited about the changes, here are a couple highlights: Our Network Directory includes computer centers in San Francisco and Treasure Island. GET LISTED! If your organization has a computer center...
Notice Something Different?
Welcome to the new and improved CTN website! This site is currently in beta and we encourage you to share your feedback with us by using the Feedback tab on the right side of the screen. We are really excited about the changes, here are a couple highlights: Our Network Directory includes computer centers in San Francisco and Treasure Island. GET LISTED! If your organization has a computer center...
Chris Peters, May 26, 2010 - 4:26pm
The FCC's Broadband Plan
The hot news in broadband policy circles so far this year has undoubtedly been the March release of the FCC's broadband plan, which Congress and President Obama required of the FCC when they passed the 2009 stimulus bill. I'm not going to bore the readers of this blog with a summary of a summary of the FCC's recently released broadband plan, and I don't have the time or concentration to read throu...
The FCC's Broadband Plan
The hot news in broadband policy circles so far this year has undoubtedly been the March release of the FCC's broadband plan, which Congress and President Obama required of the FCC when they passed the 2009 stimulus bill. I'm not going to bore the readers of this blog with a summary of a summary of the FCC's recently released broadband plan, and I don't have the time or concentration to read throu...
Chris Peters, December 15, 2009 - 6:28pm
Bad News and Good News
The digital divide is never quiet. Broadband policy has been a topic of frequent discussion since the Obama administration made it a high priority. The stimulus package earlier this year included substantial funding for building out the broadband infrastructure in underserved areas. However, little if any of that money has been distributed, and a new report argues that the stimulus funds will do...
Bad News and Good News
The digital divide is never quiet. Broadband policy has been a topic of frequent discussion since the Obama administration made it a high priority. The stimulus package earlier this year included substantial funding for building out the broadband infrastructure in underserved areas. However, little if any of that money has been distributed, and a new report argues that the stimulus funds will do...
