First Two Weeks

So I've been here for a little over two weeks. It's very interesting, I'm working on researching the digital divide. My first project has been to visit different communty computer labs and have them fill out surveys. I'm creating a database of all of the computer labs in tri-county area of Southern Florida. So far I've gotten about three organizations to fill it out and libraries have been taking them (and they have the capacity to get all of their branches, up to 50 in one pop, at a time). I'm still waiting for a lot of these surveys to come back though. I'm learning a lot about computers. I think I'm realistically on the wrong side of the digital divide. I hardly know anything at all but I'm learning. My favorite part of this job has been dealing with people and feeling like I can really help some of these non profits. We're not only creating a databse of computer access but also pinpointing computer lab needs (i.e. funding, grants, volunteers). There is one senior citizen computer lab who really wants a playstation, I think the request is kind of funny and I'm not even sure if it falls in my jurisdiction, but I'll see what I can do about helping them out. I've been working closely with Kevin Bulger, another VISTA at the Collins Center. And he's really helped to integrate me into the workforce. I got to meet with my supervisor for the first time last Thursday night and that helped me a lot with deciding which tasks to utlize my energy and focus towards. Still, there is alot of down time sometimes, and sometimes I wonder how efficent I am being. There is also a lot I still don't know, so I think I've got to be patient. Still all in all I'm really enjoying my first two weeks here.

Comment from Kevin Bulger on July 9, 2007 - 12:23pm

And Victoria is doing a good job. Plus, she is very popular.

Comment from danielle martin on July 11, 2007 - 5:00pm

If you're doing all that in two weeks, then you're being more than efficient!

We're doing almost the same exact project up here in Boston at MassIMPACT, trying to create a working database and map of Neighborhood Network technology centers (in housing developments), complete with a survey. I've actually got a couple interns working on it, one of which is a former CTC VISTA, Shannon McCue, who's also doing a project to create a database of community technology resources for folks with disabilities. We even hired Ben to build the database. We should definitely compare notes.

-Danielle

Comment from Ross Musselman on July 16, 2007 - 11:53am

Victoria,

It sounds like you have had a great start! Enjoy the downtime now, because I would be willing to bet that it will wane as your year progresses. :)

I see why you are amused by the Playstation. Have they explained why they want a Playstation? I think that it could be really cool. I actually know some seniors who play to maintain hand-eye coordination. I also know some seniors who play with their grandchildren as a means to create connection. I'm not saying there aren't other tools, but it demonstrates the practical (and productive) applications that are possible.

Keep up the excellent work!

Ross

Ross Musselman
ross@zanlus.com