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Educating the poor for less than $2.00 a day

Wk 11 Blog Educating the poor for less than $2.00 a day

Educating the poor for less than $2.00 a day

I heard on National Public Radio, (NPR), All thing Considered, about a for profit education company called Bridge. International Academies has set up more than 200 schools in Kenya over the past four years, and plans to open 50 more in January.

Using a school-in-a-box model, Bridge’s founders say it gives primary school kids a quality education for roughly $5 a month.  You can learn more about this on my blog, also here is a link to that radio show http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/11/12/243730652/do-for-profit-schools-give-poor-kenyans-a-real-choice.

How does this form of communications provide both advantages and challenges? I believe this to be the future of education because of the economic. There is no down size to mass affordable education except the rich could buy more or specializes education for their family.  I think this whole concept with grow and improve in time.

 

What I learned this week that the poorest among us can be educated for under $2.00 a day.

How I will use this knowledge in the future…I’m going to embrace and promote it.

What is the relative advantage of using this technology? The fact that we can have mass affordable education available to everyone, as President Kennedy said,” a rising tide lift all boats..

I wonder what would happen if we took the profit out and made this an investment in humanity.

WK 12 blog the 9 theses of Digital CitizenshipsWK 12 blog the 9 theses of Digital Citizenships Brief description of this topic: the 9 themes of Digital Citizenships Digital citizenship can be defined as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use. What I learned this week: Although I could not find a series of Devine Commandments, International treaties or Universals Laws for the internet. These nine Themes of Digital Citizenship,(Mike Ribble,Ed.D,2010) kept popping up in every search I did. I believe these are ideas worth sharing;.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_8dKP3bzUQ. 1. Digital Access: full electronic participation in society. Technology users need to be aware that not everyone has the same opportunities when it comes to technology. Working toward equal digital rights and supporting electronic access is the starting point of Digital Citizenship. Digital exclusion makes it difficult to grow as a society increasingly using these tools. Helping to provide and expand access to technology should be goal of all digital citizens. Users need to keep in mind that there are some that may have limited access, so other resources may need to be provided. To become productive citizens, we need to be committed to make sure that no one is denied digital access. 2. Digital Commerce: electronic buying and selling of goods. Technology users need to understand that a large share of market economy is being done electronically. Legitimate and legal exchanges are occurring, but the buyer or seller needs to be aware of the issues associated with it. The mainstream availability of Internet purchases of toys, clothing, cars, food, etc. has become commonplace to many users. At the same time, an equal amount of goods and services which are in conflict with the laws or morals of some countries are surfacing (which might include activities such as illegal downloading, pornography, and gambling). Users need to learn about how to be effective consumers in a new digital economy. 3. Digital Communication: electronic exchange of information. One of the significant changes within the digital revolution is a person’s ability to communicate with other people. In the 19th century, forms of communication were limited. In the 21st century, communication options have exploded to offer a wide variety of choices (e.g., e-mail, cellular phones, instant messaging). The expanding digital communication options have changed everything because people are able to keep in constant communication with anyone else. Now everyone has the opportunity to communicate and collaborate with anyone from anywhere and anytime. Unfortunately, many users have not been taught how to make appropriate decisions when faced with so many different digital communication options. 4. Digital Literacy: process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology. While schools have made great progress in the area of technology infusion, much remains to be done. A renewed focus must be made on what technologies must be taught as well as how it should be used. New technologies are finding their way into the work place that is not being used in schools (e.g., Videoconferencing, online sharing spaces such as wikis). In addition, workers in many different occupations need immediate information (just-in-time information). This process requires sophisticated searching and processing skills (i.e., information literacy). Learners must be taught how to learn in a digital society. In other words, learners must be taught to learn anything, anytime, anywhere. Business, military, and medicine are excellent examples of how technology is being used differently in the 21st century. As new technologies emerge, learners need to learn how to use that technology quickly and appropriately. Digital Citizenship involves educating people in a new way— these individuals need a high degree of information literacy skills. 5. Digital Etiquette: electronic standards of conduct or procedure. Technology users often see this area as one of the most pressing problems when dealing with Digital Citizenship. We recognize inappropriate behavior when we see it, but before people use technology they do not learn digital etiquette (i.e., appropriate conduct). Many people feel uncomfortable talking to others about their digital etiquette. Often rules and regulations are created or the technology is simply banned to stop inappropriate use. It is not enough to create rules and policy, we must teach everyone to become responsible digital citizens in this new society. 6. Digital Law: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds Digital law deals with the ethics of technology within a society. Unethical use manifests itself in form of theft and/or crime. Ethical use manifests itself in the form of abiding by the laws of society. Users need to understand that stealing or causing damage to other people’s work, identity, or property online is a crime. There are certain rules of society that users need to be aware in an ethical society. These laws apply to anyone who works or plays online. Hacking into others information, downloading illegal music, plagiarizing, creating destructive worms, viruses or creating Trojan Horses, sending spam, or stealing anyone’s identify or property is unethical. 7. Digital Rights & Responsibilities: those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world. Just as in the American Constitution where there is a Bill of Rights, there is a basic set of rights extended to every digital citizen. Digital citizens have the right to privacy, free speech, etc. Basic digital rights must be addressed, discussed, and understood in the digital world. With these rights also come responsibilities as well. Users must help define how the technology is to be used in an appropriate manner. In a digital society these two areas must work together for everyone to be productive. 8. Digital Health & Wellness: physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world. Eye safety, repetitive stress syndrome, and sound ergonomic practices are issues that need to be addressed in a new technological world. Beyond the physical issues are those of the psychological issues that are becoming more prevalent such as Internet addiction. Users need to be taught that there inherent dangers of technology. Digital Citizenship includes a culture where technology users are taught how to protect themselves through education and training. 9. Digital Security (self-protection): electronic precautions to guarantee safety. In any society, there are individuals who steal, deface, or disrupt other people. The same is true for the digital community. It is not enough to trust other members in the community for our own safety. In our own homes, we put locks on our doors and fire alarms in our houses to provide some level of protection. The same must be true for the digital security. We need to have virus protection, backups of data, and surge control of our equipment. As responsible citizens, we must protect our information from outside forces that might cause disruption or harm. How I will use this knowledge in the future I going to accept and promote these doctrines as the law until something better evolves. What is the relative advantage of using Respect, Educate and Protect (REPs) the concept of REPs is a way to explain as well as teach the themes of digital citizenship? Each area encompasses three topics which should be taught beginning at the kindergarten level. When teaching these ideas the top theme from each group would be taught as one REP. For example the first REP would be: Etiquette, Communication and Rights/Responsibilities. This would continue through REPs two and three. By doing this all students will have covered the topics and everyone would understand the basic ideas of digital citizenship. I wonder would happen if these nine themes did not exist. We would have total confusion until someone developed a dogma.

WK 12 blog the 9 theses of Digital Citizenships

Bridge a Do For-Profit Schools Give Poor Kenyans A Real Choice

Brief description of the weekly topic Bridge a Do For-Profit Schools Give Poor Kenyans A Real Choice

What I learned this week…A for profit company   has set up more than 200 schools in Kenya over the past four years, and plans to open 50 more in January.

 

How I will use this knowledge in the future Using a school-in-a-box model, Bridge’s founders say it gives primary schoolkids a quality education for roughly $5 a month.

 

“We believe that we can be educating at least 10 million pupils around the world that come from families who live on less than $2 a day,” says Bridge co-founder Jay Kimmelman. “We believe that we can give them an education … that’s truly globally competitive.”

What I learned this week… How I will use this knowledge in the future…To accomplish this, Bridge has set up a highly structured, technology-driven model that relies on teachers reading standardized lessons from hand-held tablet computers.

What is the relative advantage of using this technology? affordable education

I wonder would happen if we remove the profits and the project was sponsored by Gates Foundation…

Columbus Ohio Goodwill Industry

Goodwill Columbus Industries

1331 Edgehill Road

Columbus, OH 43212-3163

Phone: 614.294.5181

 

 

Goodwill Columbus has been serving the central Ohio community since 1939, building independence, quality of life and work opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers. Goodwill Columbus is the seventh largest nonprofit organization in central Ohio and is among the top 100 employers.

 

Each year Goodwill Columbus provides 1.2 million hours of service to its participants with disabilities and other barriers through training, job placement programs and work programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

 

Goodwill Columbus offers diverse programming that recognizes and upholds its mission. Programs range from specialized rehabilitation programs to career services and commercial operations. Specialized habilitation programs reinforce the organization’s commitment to ensuring all individuals with disabilities and other barriers are embraced as valued and dignified members of our community.

 

Goodwill Columbus is a member of Goodwill Industries International, an association of 181 independent member organizations located throughout the United States and Canada.

 

According to the latest online 2009 FINANCIAL STATEMENT, Goodwill’s Statement of Activity Support & Revenue 2009:

Program Services/Operations/Retail: $30,558,868

United Way: $360,077

Public Support: $ 491,903

Total Support & Revenue: $31,410,848Funding Source(s) or Authorizing Legislation Source of Support & Revenue – 2009

This breaks down to;

  • Program Services/Operations/Retail: 97.3 percent
  • United Way :1.1 percent
  • Public Support: 1.6 percent

With over 15 different mission-related services operating at Goodwill benefits employment of the general community of central Ohio, disadvantaged youth/adults, employers and their employees, etc.    Workforce development is the topic of this class and Columbus’ Goodwill is shining example of what works.

Workforce development at the Battelle Career Education Center, under the advice and direction

of a Business Advisory Council, offers a wide array of services that help individuals with physical,

developmental and mental health disabilities, and other barriers to overcome obstacles and obtain

and retain competitive employment. Other barriers may include such circumstances as low

socio-economic level, criminal justice history, homelessness and lack of education or work

experience.  Services include a variety of assessments, case management, job readiness and soft

skills training, transitional employment, occupational skills training courses in high demand fields,

job development and placement, retention services and job coaching. Each service offered is

flexible enough to meet the physical and intellectual needs of every customer.

Goodwill as defined in the dictionary is benevolent, characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings: a benevolent attitude; 2.desiring to help others; charitable: gifts from several benevolent alumni; 3.Intended for benefits rather than profit: a benevolent institution

Goodwill Industry of Columbus transcends this noble definition. I’m a traveler and a shopaholic.  When I’m in different American cities, I enjoy shopping at the different Goodwill stores for the treasures and values.  I thought Goodwill was just a retail operation.  I was awe to discover that they are so much more.   Since our field trip I have personally sent over a half dozen people to Columbus Goodwill Industries.  Goodwill is a safety net for many of our downtrodden citizens; Goodwill is breaking barriers and building futures

The only thing that eclipsed the magnitude was the pride and compassion of Director of Rehabilitation and Workforce Development, Debra Shinoskie.  If there was no Goodwill Industries, she probably would have invented it.

 

Economic & Community Development Institute

 

Economic & Community Development Institute

1655 Old Leonard Avenue

Columbus, OH 43219

Phone: 614-550-0115

ecdi.org

 

The Economic and Community Development Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit economic development organization located in Columbus, Ohio. Its mission is to invest in people to create measurable and enduring social and economic change. Since its inception in 2004, the Institute’s programs and services have grown into a comprehensive suite of programming designed to lead low-income Ohioans out of poverty. Program participants are given the training, tools, and assistance they need to earn living wage incomes in the short term and purchase and maintain assets for the future.

The Institute provides foundational financial literacy training, innovative microenterprise development training and capitalization programsbusiness incubation services that provide clients access markets, educational access grantsdown payment assistance to first time homebuyers and home repair programs for senior citizens and disabled individuals. These programs and services have been proven to create jobs, increase access to assets, and spur local economic development

 

As the only U.S. Small Business Administration intermediary micro lender serving all counties in Ohio and U.S. Treasury designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) micro lending organization in Central Ohio, as well as the micro lender for Franklin County and the City of Columbus, the Economic and Community Development Institute addresses the needs of very small business owners in the creation and expansion of microenterprises[1]. The Institute fills a gap in the credit industry by offering loans ranging from $500 to $150,000 to underserved entrepreneurs through its revolving microloan fund program. Its programs provide valuable services to micro entrepreneurs, including culturally and linguistically appropriate financial literacy and microenterprise training, one-on-one technical assistance, and industry specific training and access to markets through its new Growing Entrepreneurs Initiative business incubation program. Eligible, low-income working entrepreneurs may also receive grants for business capitalization through the Microenterprise Development Individual Development Account (MED IDA) program. The Institute’s services are targeted toward unbanked or under banked populations, including low-income individuals, those with little or no credit, those precluded from paying interest because of religious beliefs, and those who are unable to receive a loan from a traditional financial institution

 

 

The Institute’s Small Business Loans may be used for business expenses, including:

  • • Access to Laptops and PC’s  • Wireless Internet Available  • Free Core Business Classes  • Notary Services    • Industry Round Tables  • Printing Services  • Biz to Biz Profile Page  • One on One Counseling  • Light Refreshments
  • Purchase of equipment, machinery, supplies, inventory
  • Start-up operating expenses
  • Working capital
  • Other uses may be considered, but may be limited by program policies

Loans may not be used for real estate acquisition or construction.
The Economic and Community Development Institute administers loans from 18 different sources, each with particular objectives and eligibility criteria. The annual fixed rate is determined by the source of funds used to capitalize the loan, but ranges from 5.75% to 11.5%.  Loan terms range from 6-60 months.  In addition to traditional loan products, interest-free, fee-based loans are available for borrowers whose religious beliefs preclude them from paying interest. The Institute can provide services in English, Somali, Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, and Russian.  Fees for training and loan origination apply.

The service fee from the above mention loans, United Way Grant and contract and varies SBA programs is the funding source of ECDI

My response to two to the questions about what evidence for the need for ECDI and how does ECDI fit into the overall workforce development in Central Ohio?

Although, according to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services figures, the unemployment rate of 6 percent in August 2013 for the Central Ohio area and that was very good. The overall US unemployment rate was at 7.3 percent during the same time period.  The primary reason for Central Ohio low unemployment rate is our diversity economy.  It’s programs like ECDI that help keep our economy diversity.

 

It has been said the true job growth is in small business. According to Ms. Inna Kinny, the CEO and President of ECDI, the one of primary reason for ECDI is wealth creation through business ownership.

The innovate I observe at ECDI was twofold;

First, the food incubation program includes designing and developing a facility that houses a food cart commissary; storage space for mobile food carts, vans and trucks; a commercial bakery; and a product storage facility. In 2009, ECDI launched the Growing Entrepreneurs Initiative (GEI) food business incubation program. In addition to access to ECDI’s capitalization programs including loans and individual development accounts, GEI programming includes:

  •  Workshops and seminars for food entrepreneurs, including an introduction to business models for food manufacturers, restaurants, caterers, and mobile cart vendors
  •  Networking events with other food vendors, and special programs with area food business resources
  •  Access to area food kitchen facilities Access to area experts in marketing, packaging, food safety, and social media.

 

Second innovation which I have heard about in other Countries and believed we should be doing here was the Microloans Program.

I touched earlier in this reaction paper about ECDI Microloan Program, but listed below are posted Financial Details of ECD’s Microloans

  • All ECDI microloans have fixed rates and terms.
  • Personal credit is reviewed for qualification purposes.
  • The maximum loan term for an ECDI microloan is 60 months.
  • There are no pre-payment penalties for early payoff of an ECDI microloan.
  • ECDI often leverages multiple loan funds to capitalize a business. At loan closing, a borrower may sign multiple participation notes representing individual loans   which, when combined, create a loan package.       Interest rates may vary among participation notes. A single monthly payment amount, based on the consolidated loan package, will be disclosed in a master agreement and communicated to the borrower.
    • Loans must be secured with collateral.
    • Eligible uses of loans funds include the purchase of equipment, supplies, or inventory, or other qualified business start-up or expansion costs.  Working capital funds may be eligible and are calculated based on     business needs.
    • All loan funds are disbursed in the form of a check or checks on the day of loan closing. Checks are written directly to the business’s vendor. Working capital checks are written directly to the business.
    • The first loan payment is due approximately 30 days from the date of loan closing, on the 6th or 21st of the following month. Subsequent payments are due on the 6th or the 21st of each month thereafter.
    • Borrowers are required to have an active business checking account and to make their loan payments through automated monthly debits (ACH) from their accounts. ACH debits transactions are set up at loan closing.
    • Each participation note has an associated origination fee, which will not exceed 5% of loan amount. This fee is paid OUT OF POCKET and is due at loan closing. It is not disbursed from proceeds of the loan. Actual origination fees will be communicated to borrower prior to closing.
      • Origination fees may be paid by personal check, business check, certified check, or money order.
      • SBA microloans have a yearly servicing fee of up to $100.00.

The Economic and Community Development Institute administers loans from 18 different sources, each with particular objectives and eligibility criteria. The annual fixed rate is determined by the source of funds used to capitalize the loan, but ranges from 5.75% to 11.5%.  Loan terms range from 6-60 months.  In addition to traditional loan products, interest-free, fee-based loans are available for borrowers whose religious beliefs preclude them from paying interest.

Finally, I was so impressed with ECDI, that I called 6 business people within 24 hours about the ECDI.  Three of the 6 was aware of ECDI but never followed up.  The other said they were going to attend ECDI open house.  I still plan to upload this on my blog.  I believe ECDI is worth sharing!

Strong need for Professional Development in CTE. “

“Last week we discussed that there is a strong need for Professional Development in CTE. “

As professionals, we as teachers have a standard we should strive for. We as teachers are part of a team and we earn our pay by doing our part. The issue in the 10/7/13 Small Group #2 Activity as I see it is that my school has invested in some equipment but my school isn’t getting everything we invested in; TRAINING. The technical person was called out for an emergency. This is regretful, but just a delay.
As a licensed professional teacher, I am aware that in order to adopt this tool, teachers need to understand the tool, need training, the benefits, the implications for the adoption, and the benefits for the students of the tool. If program is user friendly and if I can pull it off I would, if not.
My task is to educate my school administrator that we are not getting all they we paying for and we should delay implementing our investment until it is ready. I would agree with my administrator that I invested my resources at the Ohio State University for some technology classes, but my training was not on this. I would remind my school administrator that my fellow teachers and I have an approved lesson plan to implement until we were proper train on our new investment.
Kenny White