Towards an Evaluative Framework for Community Learning Networks Leslie Regan Shade Dept. of Communication University of Ottawa Videoconference to the World Bank Gender and the Digital Divide Seminar Series, November 5, 2002

Talk Outline  Project Description, background, goals  Theoretical perspectives, methodology  Gender Analysis  Applicability to developing country projects

Project Description  Project with Information Policy Research Project University of Toronto  Research development grant funded by SSHRC Initiative on the New Economy  Part of wider project, Connecting Canadians Through Community Networking?

Focus  Begin conceptual & empirical groundwork towards evaluating Community Learning Networks (CLNs) across Canada  What are some of the key methods that can constitute an effective evaluation framework, meeting needs of all stakeholders?

Background  1998: Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) launches Community Learning Networks Initiative  CLNS = physical, social, and electronic public spaces that foster community values & technological literacy in a supportive learning environment

Canadian Digital Divide Programs  Federal ‘Connecting Canadians’ agenda  Industry Canada led: SchoolNet, CAP, VolNet, LibraryNet, NetCorps….  Aim: promote economic development while nurturing social cohesion

Whither the Evaluation?  Although several hundred million $$ have been spent in these programs in support of some 10,000 community ICT initiatives….  There has been remarkably little evaluation: what has been achieved? difficulties? effects on community networking practices?

Research Questions  Using St. Christopher’s House (Toronto) as a study…  Do members of the CLN engage in, or plan to engage, in lifelong learning programs?  What impact has the ‘new economy’ had on communities using CLNs?  Components of digital literacy?

More Questions  Can communities engage meaningfully with the ‘new economy’: find work, utilize tech skills, access government services?  Have CLNs ‘wired’ Canadians for the ‘Information Age’?  How has voluntary/nonprofit sector aided communities?

In summary…  Has access to ICTs affected the lives of members of the general public accessing technology through a CLN?

Theoretical Approaches  Recognition of socio-technical nature of ICT development & use  Social construction of knowledge  Communities of practice

Methodology  Program Logic Model  Participatory approaches  Lit review  Fieldwork: participatory design, action research, community interviews & surveys  Community & govt. policy design seminars

5 Broad Areas of Assessment (Dara O’Neil)  Strong Democracy  Social Capital  Individual Empowerment  Sense of Community  Economic Development

Gender Analysis  Poses questions related to design, development, & management of CLCs  Creates gender indicators  Qualitative & quantitative  Can have an impact on policy (ideally)

Policy and Programs  Were women & women’s groups consulted - in the beginning - about the program development and policy goals?  How were they consulted?  What projects were not funded?

Management of CLC  Are women(s)groups seeking out funds for CLCs?  Are community groups including women(s)groups?  Are women involved in the daily management of the CLC? How? In what function?

CLC Mission/Goals Are services meeting women(s)groups concerns and needs?Are services meeting women(s)groups concerns and needs? Gendered uses of CLCs?Gendered uses of CLCs?

Training  Gender composition of CLC ‘clients’ trained  Who provides training?  ‘Gender-sensitive’ training?  Targets social and economic needs?

Content Issues  Who’s driving the content?  Local content facilitation?  Are women information producers?  Local/indigenous knowledge  Literacy & language issues  Universal usability

Women and ‘New Economy’  Opportunity to train as technologists?  Networking & advocacy?  Extend public sphere & contribute to civic discourse?, e.g., >interaction with government/policy officials  Creation of virtual public spaces?

Relevance of Canadian Study>Developing Countries  Telecentre evaluation  ‘Best’ or ‘worst’ practices can illuminate  Extend global network

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