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LVA/Verizon Technology Initiative
Evaluation Summary
In 1999 and 2000, the Pennsylvania State University�s Institute for the Study of Adult Literacy conducted an evaluation of the LVA/Verizon Technology Initiative for 1995 through 2000. The evaluation concluded that Centers increased their capacity to provide services as they gained experience:
- Centers became more knowledgeable and comfortable providing both family literacy and technology-centered services. This is evident in the tendency for a greater number of Centers reporting provision of parent and child activities and technology-focused instruction in both areas.
- Many Centers leveraged their Verizon grants to gain additional local support for their family literacy and/or technology-focused efforts.
- Centers gradually increasing the variety of hardware purchased to meet increased knowledge and experience in using technology.
- Centers were increasingly successful in realizing goals to provide e-mail and Internet access to tutors and learners.
- A greater number of Centers served more families in 2000 than during 1999.
The evaluation was also successful in identifying best practices.
- Topping the lists of best practices was a trained and committed staff. The importance of having staff and volunteers with experience and training in the use of technology was a common theme.
- Access to a �techie� who could solve hardware problems also was seen as essential.
- Local partnerships were seen as critical to the success of any Center.
A more detailed analysis of findings is available in the Affiliates Only section.
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