Connected Communities – An Overview Dr. Susan ODonnell Models Research CAIT Conference, Waterford, 18 February 2002

What is a connected community? More a vision than a reality People chose to use ICTs (information and communication technologies) when and how they want More central to our visions of healthy societies

Why are community and voluntary organisations experts? Providing services, support and information to local communities Working to improve the quality of life in communities Drawìng attention to community needs

What are voluntary orgs doing across Europe? Providing training and employment in the information society Mediating government content online Increasing awareness of ICTs by disadvantaged groups

Policy history in Ireland focus on e-commerce 1997 – huge increase in number of community and voluntary orgs online 1999 – the digital divide 2000 – Connected Communities Group

Why are people not using the Internet? Awareness? Develop awareness campaigns Cost concerns? Lower Internet costs Social inclusion issues? Need more innovative ways to address this

ICT users in Ireland (2000)

Connected Communities strategy Need to focus on local initiatives Active participation of community and voluntary organisations Strategy led to the CAIT Initiative

Developing ideas for CAIT II 1.See this as an adventure! 2.Identify a target group. 3.Identify their common wants, needs and interests.

Ideas for CAIT II… 4. List the ICTs you have experience with. 5. Think of innovative ways these ICTs can match the common wants, needs, interests. 6. Only develop the ideas that excite you.

More ideas for CAIT II… 7. Make a project plan by month. 8. Put as much detail as possible in the application. 9. Share tips and information.

Thank you very much! Susan ODonnell Models Research Abbey House Upper Abbey St. Dublin 1