The Digital Harmony initiative (SWF) was spearheaded by Tallahassee City Commissioner Andrew Gillum, who has expressed concerns while in office over digital divide issues in the community and how to make technology resources and education available to our youth to help better prepare them for life in the 21st century.
The project is a collaborative partnership pilot program designed to expand Internet access to underserved parts of our community. It will provide every incoming sixth grader at Nims Middle School with a new three-year warranty desktop computer, free Internet access and online academic curriculum training on core class curriculum. The school will hold orientation and ongoing training courses for parents and students on basic computer skills and school curriculum.
"While more technology is becoming available in schools, a significant gap still exists in what is available to continue learning in the home for lower income families," Gillum said. "This program will provide these students with the same tools and software they are using at school to help extend their learning. Even more exciting are the opportunities this program brings to the entire family."
How the Digital Harmony Program Works
On August 27, parents of sixth-grade students at Nims Middle School will be invited to attend a meeting at the school to learn all the details of the program, how they will receive the computers and initial instructions on setting them up in their homes. Parents will sign an agreement that requires them to set up the computer and enable the student to complete assignments on it.
On September 8-9, parents will pick up the computers at Nims. Volunteer support staff from various partner organizations will be available to help parents with installation of the computers and establishing an Internet connection. A hotline is being established to provide further support during and after the installation process.
A Student Technology Club will launch on September 17 to train students on the equipment and how to use the Pearson Education software that will enable them to complete assignments at home. Teachers will be able to monitor student use of the software and completion of assignments.
Additional training sessions and programs will be introduced throughout the school year to provide the students and other family members training and support.
"We are eager to see how this project engages the family and improves student performance," said Nims Middle School Principal Kay Collins. "We've worked hard to make technology available to all of our students in the classroom through laptops and media centers. We're hoping that starting with this incoming class of sixth graders, we can chart a course for furthered success by taking the learning experience beyond the classroom."
The core Digital Harmony project group, including members from the partner organizations, will meet with teachers, parents, students and school officials throughout the year to assess the program's success and make any needed adjustments to the program throughout the year.
Gillum brought together a variety of partners from the Tallahassee business and technology community with partners from Leon County Schools and local colleges and universities to plan the program, gain funding for equipment and software and develop programs to ensure ongoing training and support for the students and their families.
