Education

  

EIII Inc partnered with a local ISP, Chase 3000, in order to bring in a high-speed network (wireless Internet) to a three county area, thanks to a grant from the Rural Utilities Service.  Through this system, several people got the benefit of one-on-one tutoring on computers.

We estimate at least 2000 educational activities have been completed using the wireless equipment.  This is a list of courses taken that grant recipients have reported they have taken.  There have been many more.  It is used extensively for professional certification.  Previously, residents had to travel a minimum of 100 miles to go to the nearest school. Much of this is now done from home.  Several have earned degrees and now teach.

We have found that teaching adults in a group setting is not very productive.  Because the wireless is in over 400 residential homes in the region, we have found the majority of people needing basic computer education.  This includes how to move a mouse, how to send email, and how to open attachments.  While many learn very quickly, it is new to most.  The simple basic needs must be mastered before the computer can be used for education on other subjects.  It is like learning how to read before studying literature.  

  

We, as adults, need to pay more attention to techniques that work in teaching adults and realize that the same techniques are probably required for teaching young people in school.  Have small class sizes, master the basics before going on to the next thing, study something that is of interest to you, and have a teacher that knows what they are talking about and can explain it to others.  

It takes most people about 6 weeks, from the time they first start using their computer, to get to the point where they are comfortable with it.  We have found that the local people who have already taken some classes are the best ones to teach others on how to find a class, sign up for that class and to participate.  Outside organizations often have structures or curriculum that do not meet local needs or interests.  Having said that, the most popular subjects are: