Group work

Initially, the 4 of us was merged from two different groups. One group was from Youth and Technology and the other group is Social Networking Tools. We were informed that the two actually had similar goals. We operated well within the group. Each of us contributed here and there. However, the work was not distributed efficiently. This is mainly due to each of us having different schedules and pieces of work due at different times. We used a wiki to keep each of our ideas and used e-mail and phone calls to keep each other updated and informed. At times, it was hard to keep in touch. However, we all participated and attempted to put effort into helping LEF solve their connection problems.

First LEF meeting

The digital divide was evident the first step into the building dedicated for youth. LEF not only had a lack of furniture, they also had a lack of computers. At first glance, the room seemed unoccupied from the outside. However, a handful of people were inside the room and among them were three ladies waiting for us. The most noticeable problem that hinders this organization from reducing the gap is the lack of resources and the lack of know how. The room was furnished to accommodate no more than 20 people even though there was enough room to fit over fifty. The youth center have several computers. Those that were using it seem uninterested in the conversations held by other members in the room. From just observing the scene inside, several conclusions can already be made. The organization lacks funding toward the youth center such that it is more welcoming and more resourceful to the youths. The lack of resources stops them from getting external help from technologically knowledgeable people to aid them in their problems. Even if they did get funding, their priority for the money will probably be used to enhance the place and get more equipment. Those that do use the computers are those that take what LEF has to offer for granted. Of course, not all people are like that. However, since computer access is free for any "youths" from the age of 13-25. Any young adult with the lack of computer access will come in to use the computers for free and leave when they are finished. Hence, the connection between people does not grow. Those that were in conversation can be assumed to be volunteers or staff that try to help a few youths present at the time. The digital gap is apparent since no one is available to close the gap nor is there resources nor the know how to help do that.