Partnering to Bridge Cleveland’s Digital Divide Earnestine Adeyemon Electronic Resources Librarian University Library Case Western Reserve University

Program Overview Description The Bridging the Digital Divide Program is a collaborative effort between CWRU's University Library (UL) and the Cleveland School of the Arts (CSA). UL sponsors a bi-monthly after-school program for middle schools students and their teachers.

Program Overview Goal The goal of the program is to help promote digital inclusion throughout the Cleveland Municipal School District.

What is the ‘Digital Divide?’ “ Digital divide" refers to the gap between those who can effectively use new information and communication tools, such as the Internet, and those who cannot.” Digital Divide Network

Where is the ‘divide’? Rural populations Low-income central city populations Falling Through the Net: A Survey of the "Have Nots” in Rural and Urban America

UL’s Assumptions for a Program CSA desired a partnership with UL CSA teachers saw the potential benefits of a literacy program Students would voluntarily elect to take on extra academic work after school Students would see themselves as stakeholders in the endeavor Students would become advocates for digital inclusion on the local and global levels Students would develop and/or enhance their Internet and information literacy skills

Procedural Guide CSA Participants 15 seventh grade students The CSA seventh grade teaching team

Procedural Guide Library team Program coordinator and primary instructor CSA liaison Publications coordinator Mentors/lab assistants Hospitality coordinator

Program Spaces and Metaphors According to a recent Pew study, ‘internet savvy’ students employ five metaphors to explain their Internet use : The Internet as a virtual textbook or library The Internet as a tutor and study aid The Internet as a guidance counselor The Internet as a virtual locker, backpack, and notebook The Internet as a study group The Digital Disconnect: The widening gap between Internet-savvy students and their schools

Spaces and Metaphors I. Physical Space for the Program Dedicated Conference/Meeting Room Introduces students to a 21 st century work-team environment

Spaces and Metaphors II. Virtual Space A dedicated virtual space is essential for participants to cultivate 21 st century literacy skills (please see next slide)

Virtual Space

Curriculum planning Our challenge was to develop a curriculum that would both: Engage middle school students Meet objectives of the program

Classes for Students Instruction includes: Introduction to the World Wide Web and Its Language Evaluating Information on the WWW Using Information Responsibly Web Page Design Media Creativity: Animation PowerPoint for the Classroom Finding Useful Web Sites and Tools (homework help, dictionaries, encyclopedias, online books, study guides, etc.)

Classes for Teachers The Digital Divide and Urban School Populations Internet Content for Students Fair Use Issues Web Sites for Middle School Teachers Incorporating Standards into the Web PowerPoint for the Classroom

Timeline How we would like to scale the program 1st yr. 2nd yr. 3rd yr. Students 7th grade teachers All CSA teachers

Program Summary: Lessons Learned Involve school librarian/media specialist whenever possible Have realistic expectations for parental involvement Plan for technical problems with School agency

Program Summary: Successes Assumptions confirmed Students developed skills and increased awareness Students and teachers became advocates for digital inclusion Program received enthusiastic support from all participants and partners