Building the Knowledge-Based Economy via

Extension Technology Learning Centers:A Faith-Based Community Model

Project E-TLC

Presented by

Dr. Jessyna M. McDonaldAssociate Dean, Economic and Community DevelopmentProject Director, Bridging the Digital Divide via Extension

Technology Learning Centers, Project E-TLC

Dr. Della Baker, Clemson UniversityRev. Franklin James,

Pastor, St Paul United Methodist ChurchDr. Kenneth Gardner,

Superintendent , Williamsburg County Schools

We want, first, to reaffirm the covenant, a partnership between the American people and public higher education. Our side of the pact

includes providing access to as much education as possible, for as many students as possible,

regardless of their ethnicity, economic background, age, occupation, or station in life. It includes applying research, our discovery function, to community, state, national, and international

problems.

Kellogg Commission on the Future of Land Grant Universities (2000:21). RENEWING THE COVENANT: Learning, Discovery, and Engagement in a New Age and Different World

Horry

Aiken

York

Berkeley

Colleton

Lee

Jasper

Orangeburg

Sum ter

Florence

Laurens

KershawFairfield

Richland

OconeeUnion

Greenville

Anderson

Lexington

Chester

Dillon

Marion

Wil liam sburg

Spartanburg

Georgetown

Chester field

Newberry

Clarendon

Saluda

Barnwel l

Pickens

Hampton

Marlboro

Abbevil le

Char leston

Darlington

Lancaster

Dorchester

Edgefie ld

Calhoun

Allendale

Beaufort

Bam berg

Cherokee

Greenwood

McC ormick

Upstate

Piedmont

Savannah Valley

Coastal

Pee Dee

Statewide Model for Virtual Communities of Practice (CoP) in Statewide Model for Virtual Communities of Practice (CoP) in Closing the Achievement GAP Closing the Achievement GAP

Purpose

to present the preliminary findings from Clemson University’s congressionally awarded project to bridge the digital divide by placing extension technology learning centers in underserved and nontraditional sites, such as churches, recreation centers and mobile classrooms.

The Approach

During the summer and fall of 2003, Clemson University pilot tested an SAT preparation achievement coaching model in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. Using the Cooperative Extension Service county network infrastructure, community-based computer laboratories were placed in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Williamsburg and at the Marion County Technical Center. Clemson University also partnered with the Williamsburg County School District in retrofitting a mobile RV with computers.

Vision

To bridge the digital divide between underdeveloped counties in South Carolina by increasing access to information technology via churches and mobile extension technology learning centers in order to build a knowledge-based economy.

Mission

The purpose of the PACERS Academy is to help students in South Carolina develop strategies and skills to achieve higher scores on the SAT and qualify for a Life/Hope Scholarship for college.

Williamsburg

Marion

Regional Mobile RV SAT Digital Lab

Florence

Polycom Sites

E-Corridor (Underdeveloped Counties)

Barnwell

Richland

Charleston

Clemson University

SC Advanced Internet Satellite Extension Project

Lee

Kershaw Darlington

Chesterfield

Marlboro

Dillon

Allendale

Bamberg

Orangeburg

Clarendon

Regional Mobile RV Business Digital Lab

10 Critical Success Factors in Building Communities of Practice

By Richard McDermott, Ph.D.

Higher Education’s Role in Developing Communities of Practice1 for Addressing Achievement Gap Issues in South Carolina

Stage 1: Potential A network of Public Service Activity faculty and staff<

Educational Technology Staff, local community leaders identify the need for Communities of Practice.

Stage 2: Coalescing The “A-COP receive training with IT and form PSA Community

Assets Network (PSA CAN). Stage 3: Maturing

The community takes charge of its practice by setting standards, defining a learning agenda and nurturing relationships.

Stage 4: Active The community is established and goes through cycles of

activities. Stage 5: Dispersing

The community has outlived its usefulness and individuals move on.

1Wenger, E. Communities of Practice, Cambridge University Press, 1998

Objectives & Goals

The U.S. Department of Education awarded Clemson University’s Division of Public Service Activities a Congressionally-directed Grant to create university-community partnerships for academic outreach throughout the state in order to bridge the digital divide and increase access to information technology via:

County Extension Offices, Mobile Information Technology Networks, and Local community and faith-based organizations.

Clemson University’s PACERS Model will be implemented in South Carolina counties during Phase I of the project.

•Personal•Achievement•Coaching•Extension via•Resources &•Supports

Program

- Computer Skills Clinics

Program

- Overnight Camping Trip to Clemson University's Outdoor Lab: Group Adventure Course

COLLABORATION MODEL

The Collaboration

• Clemson University, • Williamsburg School District, • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

Sustaining PartnershipsKNOWLEDGE ACCESS1. Local community and church sponsors SAT Saturday academies for

students

2. Local teachers in Math, Science, and English volunteer to coach students on Saturdays

3. University provides SAT software and computers

4. Church and local businesses provide lunch and refreshments

5. Community groups raise funds to purchase laptop computers for students completing the PACERS program and who are eligible for LIFE scholarships

6. PACERS Academy graduates serve as mentors to middle school students

7. University conducts research on the impacts of programs and services on student outcomes and local economic development and continues to build the capacity of local communities to solicit external funding

Profile of Changes in Math SAT Scores for Williamsburg PACERS Academy I (2003)

0.00

100.00

200.00

300.00

400.00

500.00

Tests

Series1 371.25 420.63 431.88 49.38 60.63

Diagnostic Practice Post Change Prac-DigChange pst-Dig

Math

0.00

50.00

100.00

150.00

200.00

250.00

300.00

350.00

400.00

450.00

500.00

Series1 400.63 488.13 426.25 87.50 25.63

Diagnostic Practice Post Change Prac-DigChange pst-Dig

Verbal

Profile of Changes in Verbal SAT Scores for Williamsburg PACERS Academy I (2003)

Sustaining the E-TLC Partnership1. Local community and church sponsors SAT Saturday academies

for students2. Local teachers in Math, Science, and English volunteer to coach

students on Saturdays 3. University provides SAT software and computers4. Church and local businesses provide lunch and refreshments5. Community groups raise funds to purchase laptop computers for

students completing the PACERS program and who are eligible for LIFE scholarships

6. PACERS Academy graduates serve as mentors to middle school students

7. University conducts research on the impacts of programs and services on student outcomes and local economic development and continues to build the capacity of local communities to solicit external funding

Accountability

The Key is to provide the

right accountability

information to the right

people at the right time in

the right format.(J. Richardson, NC State University)

Why is Impact Reporting Important?

It shows accountability Improves visibility of programs Helps build greater understanding of your

programs by the public Generates support

Reporting Impact

What resulted? What did people learn? What skills have they developed or new practices

adopted? How have they changed? What difference did the new knowledge or practice

make? Include any changes in economic value or efficiency,

environmental quality, societal or individual well-being.

Who are the Customers of Program Impact Information? Decision Makers (formal and informal) Local Government (County and Municipal) State Legislators Extension Clientele News Media Extension Advisory Committee Legislative and Congressional Staffs Federal Legislators Commodity Groups Extension Organization (internal) Program partners Private Funding Agencies Federal Extension State and Federal Agencies Donors Human Services Agencies Competitors Potential Partners