HUD - NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING FOR SENIORS IN MEMPHIS TENNESSEE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Community Learning Center Plan (CLC) proposes to enhance and expand the existing single computer Learning Center models which have been established by the Memphis Educational Computer Connectivity Alliance (MECCA) in conjunction with project funding from the "Networking Infrastructure for Education Program" sponsored by The National Science Foundation.

The current networked computer resource and training centers at each of the Senior Citizen locations are synergistic with objectives as outlined in the HUD Housing Notice H95-81. Each existing CLC will add computers networked to the Internet via an ISDN to ethernet (Integrated Signal Digital Network) connection maintained by MECCA. Existing senior computer resources provided by MECCA are connected to the Internet via 14.4 Kbaud asynchronous modems which dial into the MECCA asynconous to ethernet router located at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. The router is connected to the Internet via the MECCA domain name server through a T1 link to SuraNet (BBN). The existing computer resources will be merged with the added hardware as per this proposal on an ethernet LAN (Local Area Network). A variety of services centered around the CLC will be provided by combined efforts between MECCA's existing model program, trained residents, housing complex contributions, and other community resources currently being solicited.

All services and activities associated with added CLC networking and hardware will be directed by existing on-site computer resource committees whose composition and directives are as outlined in the attached document, "Utilization of Computer Resources". Outside consultants to the CLC committees will include the Co-Director of MECCA (responsible for establishing the current computer resource models), a housing complex representative, the On-line Service Coordinator (to be hired if this plan is approved), and appropriate programmatic community resources such as the Delta Area Agency on Aging, and teachers from local schools.

The On-line Service Coordinator, MECCA, the On-site Social Service Coordinator, and all other interested parties will work to provide future funding for these CLCs.

These Community Learning Center Plans (CLC), when implemented, can provide our seniors with

  1. a new environment to help fulfill lifelong learning needs and new ways of communitcating with citizens of this community and the world in a modern context.
  2. mental and physical training in a computer aided environment which could improve the individual's outlook on life and their self-esteem.
  3. an opportunity to master computer network tools for interacting with students of all ages who have an interest in the senior's wealth of experience and knowledge. This will include K-12 students in project oriented endeavors, young adults who are located in our HUD assisted multi-family apartment sites interested in career opportunities, and other seniors in our community.
  4. the ability to establish a computer oriented micro-enterprise for performing part-time work on-line.