Many schools and districts are opening their technology centers and computer labs to the community for evening and weekend hours. Often, they offer courses in computer and other technology skills that are increasingly needed by all members of the community.

Jay Franco, Technology Coordinator at the Meany Magnet School in Seattle, WA worked with others to develop an after-school technology program that opened the lab 4 days each week from 3 until 8 p.m. The computer lab was open to students, parents and any adult or child (5 years and older). Participants could access e-mail and the world-wide web as well as all of the lab’s software. The program started in 1993 and still serves students and parents from over 15 schools in the area.

Technology is also facilitating global, collaborative community service through the I*EARN network of schools. This service links schools in projects in such topic areas as Creative Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Environment, and others. Students and teachers from schools around the world work together online to exchange information, identify ways in which they can make a difference in their local communities and develop projects to do so. Read more about I*EARN or link directly to project descriptions.

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