Week 4 Report

ICT Access Survey

I have completed 30 out of 31 surveys. I will analyze the results this week, and present them along with a summary next week. I have had to expand my age range for young adults from 12-18 to 11-25 years. I have interviewed young people and adults from communities in Yasica Sur, La Reina, La Pita, and San Ramon. Look for the results and summary of the survey by the end of the first week in June.

CESESMA Technology Center

The proposal for the desktop computers is still under edit. I will be able to assist with this proposal beginning next week.

I will begin researching best practices for the mobile technology center this week. The few examples of these that I have found thus far involve vehicles especially outfitted to serve as a technology center itself. I do not believe CESESMA has the resources for such a project.

Computation Course

I have begun planning the course in basic computation. Last week, I was able to speak with the computation professor in La Corona (Yasica Sur). She showed me her course material, which was extremely basic and flat (no pictures, etc.). I also spoke with two of her current students. They suggested that the most difficult part of the course is overcoming the fear of a new technology. Once the student gets beyond this, they are able to learn relatively quickly. Patience seems to be key - for this reason I am glad that CESESMA staff will be conducting the course.

On Saturday, I introduced an acquaintance to computers and the Internet. She was in search of scholarships in Nicaragua, so we went to a ciber cafe to begin the search. She now knows how to open the Internet and do a basic Google search, as well as navigate a webpage. Through this experience, I have learned that I do not have the appropriate level of patience to be an effective teacher of basic computation. This does not change my plan here - CESESMA only wants me to design the course, which they will then initiate.

UCA-SR

Beginning next week I will be able to help the UCA-SR update their website, training the tech staff on how to do so via DreamWeaver 8 at the same time.

The UCA-SR staff were trained last week on how to use the Internet, email, and Skype. I have made myself available to assist them as they become familiar with the new technology.