Get Connected Day Resources

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Improving computer access is a core goal of the Neighborhood Networks Initiative. This Special Event Day allows centers to highlight the many ways they deliver technology access and enhance residents' technological skills, as well as showcase the critical role technology plays in today's society. Centers may choose to host tours of their computer labs, offer a basic Internet workshop, or have residents, young and old, lead basic computer skills training workshops. The following are additional suggestions for events that centers could host in support of Get Connected Day.

Technology Events

To showcase how Neighborhood Networks centers deliver technology access, centers may wish to:

	Invite local college students majoring in computer science to visit the center and explain the importance of technology in the digital age. Ask the students to help guide residents through a technology training session. You may use the Get Connected Day educational resources for technology classes teaching tools and sample lesson plans.
	Hold a Technology Expo, inviting local technology organizations, stores, and businesses to showcase and discuss current and upcoming technologies.
	Involve residents in planning and creating a center Web site from scratch. A simple five-page site can be set up in a day with help from a Web expert. For assistance in creating a Web site for your Neighborhood Networks center, use the instructions for the Web site creation tool in the Strategic Tracking and Reporting Tool (START) on the Neighborhood Networks Web site or visit Grassroots.org, one of Neighborhood Networks' national partners.
	Hold a Senior Surfer session. Search for healthcare information or ask seniors to conduct searches about topics of interest. Comprehensive lists of senior-focused Web sites can be found at on the USA.gov site and the Senior Journal site. The session can also demonstrate how e-mail can help seniors stay in touch with extended family members.
	Host an online scavenger hunt that enables youth to become better acquainted with the Internet and practice their online research skills.

The Neighborhood Networks Week Event Planning Guide features numerous resources for Get Connected Day, including the links listed under the "Related Information" on this page.