Information Resources

There are a large number of organizations and information resources available to those who would like to learn more about community computer centers. These include:

• Christian Computing Magazine is a great resource for finding information on how computers and technology can be used to improve operations of a church.
• Community Technology Centers Network is the oldest and largest network of community technology centers (both Christian and others). They have an e-mail list for their members and extensive resources to assist CTCs including their Center Start Up Manual. Membership in CTCNet costs $100.
• International Conference on Computing and Missions is a conference for Christians interested in applying technology to missions. They have an e-mail list with hundreds of subscribers.
• YouthLearn is a network of youth development and educators (both Christians and others), and have many resources for technology education for youth. Their resources include an email list with hundreds of subscribers and a guide for teaching technology to youth that they sell.
• Digital Divide Network is a group focused on researching the digital divide and sharing resources among community technology centers (both Christian and others) and is funded by the Benton Foundation. They have an e-mail list with thousands of people with an interest in the digital divide.
• America Connects Consortium is a consortium of groups addressing the digital divide and works closely with CTCNet. They provide a range of resources and e-mail lists and make their list archives available.
• European Christian Internet Conference Network provides an annual conference on technology and the Internet for Churches and Christian Organizations in Europe.
• Tech Foundation provides a monthly, free subscription newsletter on grants available to technology programs in non-profit organizations.
• Compumentor provides information on how non-profit organizations can better use technology to improve their operations. In addition they provide a monthly newsletter called TechSoup and discounted software.
• Neighborhood Networks is an initiative of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that supports technology centers in HUD programs. This program should be of interest to faith-based organizations wishing to partner with HUD programs.
• National Telecommunications and Information Administration conducts extensive studies of the digital divide. Their latest report “Falling through the Net” is available at: www.digitaldivide.gov/reports.htm

Books

• Using Theology to Teach Technology, Clemmie Perry, 2002
• Technology and Social Inclusion: Rethinking the Digital Divide , Mark Warschauer, 2003
• Digital Divide: Civic Engagement, Information Poverty, and the Internet Worldwide , Pippa Norris, 2001
• The YouthLearn Guide: A Creative Approach to Working With Youth and Technology , 2002
• Keystrokes to Literacy: Using the Computer As a Learning Tool for Adult Beginning Readers, Antonia Stone