Technology Program Informational Resources

Technology Program Informational 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 (www.ccmag.com) 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 (www.ctcnet.org) 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 (www.ctcnet.org/toc.htm). Membership in CTCNet costs $100.
• International Conference on Computing and Missions (www.gospelcom.net/iccm/) is a conference for Christians interested in applying technology to missions. They have an e-mail list with hundreds of subscribers.
• YouthLearn (www.youthlearn.org) 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 e-mail list (www.youthlearn.org/join/subscribe.html) with hundreds of subscribers and a guide (www.youthlearn.org/guide/) for teaching technology to youth that they sell.
• Digital Divide Network (www.digitaldividenetwork.org) 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 (www.americaconnects.net) 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 (ctcnet.org/americaconnects/) available.
• European Christian Internet Conference Network (www.ecic.info) provides an annual conference on technology and the Internet for Churches and Christian Organizations in Europe.
• Tech Foundation (www.techfoundation.org) provides a monthly, free subscription newsletter (www.imakenews.com/techfoundation/) on grants available to technology programs in non-profit organizations.
• Compumentor (www.compumentor.org) provides information on how non-profit organizations can better use technology to improve their operations. In addition they provide a monthly newsletter called TechSoup (www.techsoup.org) and discounted software (www.discountech.org)
• Neighborhood Networks (www.neighborhoodnetworks.org) 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 (www.ntia.doc.gov) 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 (http://etrainingconsult.com/workbooks.htm)
• 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 (http://www.youthlearn.org/guide/)
• Keystrokes to Literacy: Using the Computer As a Learning Tool for Adult Beginning Readers, Antonia Stone