Author Archives: Bill Coleman

ICF Conference Notes: Top 7 Intelligent Communities

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Bill_ColemanReporting from the 52nd floor of the Met Life Building in NYC….

Mingling with representatives of the Top Seven Intelligent Communities this morning as well as those working to achieve this status. In less than an hour, I have met representatives from communities in Finland, New Zealand, Canada, France, Estonia and Ohio. I have to say that I could barely understand the guy from Ohio!

The focus of today is innovation and employment – both the positive impacts of innovation: new products and new jobs. And the negative affects – obsolete products, failed companies and layoffs. Clearly, jobs and employment are high on everyone’s priority.

Here are some lessons from the intro session as provided by Robert Bell of ICF… To my delight, Blandin Foundation’s MIRC and BBC Communities have very similar examples in place!

Broadband
PanOULU in Finland – Created a shared wireless open access network with the City of Oulu, the University of Oulu, eight townships and two research institutions.

Toronto – Waterfront Toronto redevelopment project focused on next generation jobs – Goal: 40,0000 new jobs. Beanfield Metro Connect – 100 Mb residential, 10 Gb commercial connections. Open access network owned by Waterfront Toronto, built and operated by Beanfield Metro that are recruiting end-user providers. Public private partnership partially funded by the real estate developers. Part of the condo purchase agreement; also includes digital inclusion component.

Knowledge Workforce
Columbus Ohio
Metro High School on campus of Ohio State University, students are organized by their skill level rather than age. Kids can move through school at their own pace; some complete high school in two years. On campus experience enables college credits and internships.

Central Ohio Compact
Partnership with k12, colleges and local companies to provide students with certifications that prove job readiness. Example: Honda Motor Company

Also allows 4 year college to provide associates degree to those students that complete a two year program within the four year college environment – this rewards partial completion of four year degree program.

Columbus 2020
This is a strategy for developing talent pipeline in key industries, including soft skills. “We hire on hard skills; we fire on soft skills.”

Innovation
Triangle of innovation – business, education and government Taichung, Taiwan – The mechanical kingdom – Integrating digital technology into physical infrastructure – focus on their port operations. Use of RFID identifiers for drivers, trucks and containers.

Focus on “i-parks” focusing on business startups. University, business incubators, alliances on innovation and workforce. Enabling shared services around key industries. 400 manufacturers linked through shared ERP system.

Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn has a strong focus on e-goverment. This shared system includes access to government and banking services, enables e-signing and other applications.

They now have a focus to make Tallinn an internationally competitive economy around IT services.

Digital Inclusion
Taoyuan, Taiwan
Worked with the incumbent telecom provider to create 3500 Wi-Fi in public sector facilities, many of them free, including many in the many, many convenience stores. Applications enabling government services are plentiful. They have extended broadband to every village. They are creating digital opportunity centers with access, devices and training. There is a national computer subsidy and tutoring plan.

Marketing and Advocacy – Building the vision of change for the community!
Stratford, Ontario
Stratford has teams of community members who speak to various community groups, including Rotary and others. They have a shared community marketing effort using strong social media efforts.

Stratford now offers broadband and electric power as business attraction incentives rather than financial tools. They have also positioned themselves as the test bed for technology pilots by companies wanting to roll out applications across Canada.

Broadband Communities Summit in Dallas: Day Two

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Bill_ColemanMore news from the Broadband Communities Summit in Dallas.  Some very interesting stuff from the economic development track.

Michael Renders is the expert on FTTH and broadband survey research .  He had some very interesting findings about the value of broadband and its impact on economic development.  He estimates that a FTTH network brings $1600 per house/business passed per year in increased economic activity to a community.  He also estimates that people will pay up to $5500 more for a house that is connected to a FTTH network than a similar house without such a connection.

Jane Patterson, former leader of broadband development in North Carolina said that 31% of rural North Carolinians made money off their network connection through home businesses and that another 14% are planning to start home businesses.

SNG’s Michael Curri talked about how doing business technology assessments provides great base data as well as a pathway for direct business assistance to increase business vitality.  (Michael Curri did a webinar for Blandin Foundation within the last year.)

Christopher Mitchell provided a great list of success stories of how communities have spurred business growth by meeting local business’ bandwidth needs.  He highlighted the variety of approaches that these communities have used, some community-wide, some business only.

Heather Gold, FTTH Council president, demonstrated their new FTTH Community ToolKit.  It looks like a great tool!  Check it out.

Greg Richardson of Civitium talked about his new concept – Crowdfiber.  Essentially, this is using the Kickstarter model tied to the concept of Google Fiber.  It combines the tools of social networks with the many online payment networks with the goal of raising funds to create fiberhoods, ala Google.  Look at www.crowdfiber.com or follow him at @crowdfiber.

Andrew Cohill of Design Nine helps communities take control of their future.  He believes that money is not the determinant factor. He says that there is plenty of money for broadband – cities and counties spend tons of money on all kinds of things with little thought and that plenty of money is spent on broadband in every community every month – the goal is to capture this money for locally owned and controlled projects.

Cohill believes that communities need to do the hard work of answering this question: What do we want our community to look like in 20 years?  Vision drives the process and the results.  Generally, this vision is similar between communities – new jobs, keep their kids,  new businesses. The problem comes when people want these new results, but don’t want anything else to change!

In response to my question about examples of incumbents willingly partnering with communities, there were no great examples; the only examples were providers late to the initiative as an attempt to save some of their market share.

One interesting concept was the Reverse RFI: in essence, offering public assets like poles, right of way, fiber conduit, etc. available up for use by providers.  The Reverse RFI is an opportunity to make better use of these public assets for better broadband.

This was one session of a very interesting day!

Broadband Communities Summit in Dallas: Day One

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This week I am at the Broadband Communities Summit in Dallas. (An archive of the conference is/will be available on BroadbandUS.TV.) Yesterday I spoke on a panel about digital inclusion…

Meeting the Special Needs of Elderly, Young, Disabled and Low-Income Americans Senior citizens, young people, disabled individuals, and low-income Americans all have special needs that broadband can help address. In this session, our panel of experts will discuss ways in which broadband can enable members of these groups to maximize their earning power and personal growth and fulfillment.

Moderator:

Speakers:

I wanted to share some of my observations on the conference.

First I was delighted to hear Angela Simpson, Acting Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce, cite the  Blandin MIRC project for its work around Intelligent Community. Successes around social media breakfasts, workforce digital literacy training, business technology training and digital inclusion were highlighted. It was fun to see Minnesota shine.

While we were talking about bridging the digital gap – Heather Gold, chair of the FTTH Council, spoke on the other side of the spectrum – highlighting the top reasons to support gig networks.

  1. No more buffering on video
  2. Increased affordability with Google setting the bar on pricing
  3. Health care applications
  4. Education applications
  5. Serves as a platform for innovation

We heard some sound advice from Ron Holcomb – Vice President, Business Development, Tantalus during a discussion around the difficulties on shared networks between telecom providers and electric utilities.  Key issues include different service areas, unrealistic revenue expectations of telecom providers, contrasting speed of change in the industries (broadband is dynamic, electric is slow), differences in regulatory environments, historic relationships over things like pole attachment disputes.  To encourage partnership, Holcomb’s recommended first step is a cup of coffee!

MIRC Community Update: Benton County

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As the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) initiative winds down, demonstration communities are taking time to reflect on what has happened in their community as a result of added focus on broadband and broadband projects in the area. Each community will go through this process looking at what’s happened, lessons learned and plans for the future. One of the public benefits of federal funding for a project link this is the opportunity each community has to share what they have learned and the opportunity that other communities have to glean from their lessons. And so today I’m pleased to share notes from Benton County. (Actually I have notes to share all week. I’ll add this preamble to each for historical context – but each day will be a new community.)

MIRC Coordinator Angie Boecker welcomed the group and recognized their hard work.  She noted the absence of Nancy Hoffman who has moved on to a new job.tom

Project Updates

Independent Lifestyles, A center of Independent Living

This non-profit organization has had 100 people taking digital literacy classes and over 900 people have used the computer lab.  This newly created computer lab is open to clients and the general public. They have handicapped accessibility computers.

They were surprised at the number people who do not know about computers initially, but not any more!  This area needs attention.

The technology center provides a permanent resource for the organization and the general public.  The computer lab brings people into the facility and increases interaction between the clients and the community.

What’s up in Foley?

The goal was to increase the exposure to the community’s events, information and opportunities.  The community has lots of web sites doing their own thing, but there was no linkage between sites, with many gaps.  This site also provides a web presence for those organizations without a web site.  It serves as the community portal.

They have done lots of work with non-profits – the non-profits use it as a tool for fundraising and a place to find volunteers.  They have volunteer opportunity listings.  A great success story – Foley Fun Days promotion.  5700 page views during the festival – fun run registration, parade information etc.  Accessed from multiple devices.  Challenges – “teaching old dogs new tricks” – but once people see the benefits, they are more enthusiastic.  Sustainability – $50 annual fee for business, no charge for non-profits, moving towards FACEBOOK.

LA HOME CARE – Smart Home Technologies – Grand Care

Tom Ardolf

The project was about Tele-health and tele-wellness.  It required combined health care and technology expertise.  Goal – keep seniors in the homes.  Benefits – the cost savings are significant, plus seniors want to stay in their homes.  How do you assist seniors and care givers?

They monitor daily living and ease access to the Internet.

The technology uses sensors to monitor behavior, prescriptions, movement monitor, etc.  and provide video conferencing.

Success story – During the home to a 90 year old woman with dementia, she received a video call from her granddaughter in Hawaii who just had a baby.  Greatgrandma got to see the baby rather than just a picture.  Though she does not understand the technology, she knows that when the computer beeps, she will soon have a visitor on the screen.  Using Skype for the video conferencing.  Family locally was not real supportive of the use of technology; family farther away love it.    Broadband is so important; crummy broadband does not support the technology.  Three systems provided by funding.  Ten clients assisted.

CITY AND LIBRARY

The goal is to increase knowledge, accessibility and training.

They created a new city web site, purchased computers and IPAD for library and provided training at library.   The web site used for the hiring of new police officer, pool news, Foley Fun Days info.  It provides 7 x 24 availability of information.  The project solved the ongoing shortage of computers in the library.  The library delivers ad hoc training to users.  The availability of wireless within the library allows people to bring their own devices.

Senior training class with 5 participants.  They begin at the beginning with mouse, etc.  Success – one of the five seniors has purchased their own computer and caught fire.  Lesson learned – PEOPLE WANT TO LEARN!  Email, Skype, searching basics.    Only a few people with no interest.  There is a waiting list for classes.  They are hoping to partner with community ed for additional training.

28,000 hits on new web site.  Use quadrupled over old site.  Analytics drive content and seasonal web changes.

FOLEY COMMUNITY EDUCATION

They increased the access to their computer lab, tutoring, and classes.  They are making use of online learning for all kinds of learning – foreign languages, lego robotics, computers, etc.

They have one memorable story of a displaced worker who came to community ed and learned how to use a computer for his job search.

The project has provided lots of good learning for community ed about what people are seeking and their receptiveness to online learning.  They are using the lab for Gifted Students.  With more hours, there is lots of lab use in the morning before school.  The STEM programs benefitted from more access.

Community Ed also hosted the U of M business training.

FOLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Foley Schools installed wireless access routers for open access for all those within the schools.  The network is completely wireless and open to all devices.  Football and track fields too!  They are now streaming sports events online.  They believe that their best success story is yet to come.  They are moving to IPADs for lots of kids for mobile learning around the school and campus.

We are opening up the world to our kids.  Kids can use their own devices on the school network.  We expect to see more student achievement as a result.

Sauk Rapids Community Ed.

Their project purpose was to increase use of broadband; they increased   computer lab time for students and community.  They provided skills training, including the U of M business training.  They purchased 12 IPADS to use in classes and training sessions.  MIRC funding made all of the training very affordable for attendees which was great.

They educated parents about the parent portal web site for payments and other information.  The open computer labs for middle school kids was very successful; less success offering open labs to the community.

One of their classes targeted the senior citizens and included information about  “How to buy a wedding gift online”. This was a great success.

They targeted classes at people 50 + who do not use computers; they need to know this stuff to participate in the world.

They shared the purchased IPADS with ABE Students.  Students feel very comfortable with the IPADS.

Offered over 50 classes with 400 + participants.  Participation was higher than we expected – low price spurred interest.  Ongoing, they will have to charge a bit more tuition.

They now plan to create joint events – one activity for youth, one for the parents.  Parent conferences are an opportunity.

The project had a positive impact on community ed by participating on the steering committee and sharing across community organizations.

COUNTRY MANOR

They are now providing Ipads for use by building tenants.  Sartell students are serving as teachers for senior citizens. Tenants and families feel more connected.  Now tenants are purchasing their own computers and/or IPADS.  Learning: patience is critical for trainers.  Open access wireless network has been well received.

FOLEY FFA

They created a FFA web site.    They are using technology to connect the students to the agricultural community, including GPS and mapping software.  They are testing local wells.  This has had a positive impact on student learning – real life learning.  Collecting 64 water samples.  Health Department helped test the water, then the data and GIS data uploaded.   People were very interested in getting the web site data.  3 of 64 wells were discovered to be bad.

Water testing will be ongoing.  The database of information is growing and becoming more valuable.  Google maps are used to plot wells and data.  The teacher learned lots!!

MAYWOOD GROUP AND NEW FRONTIER SERVICES

This is a project to implement the business website assistance program with six Benton Co. Businesses.  It is slow going on this project.

MIRC COMMITTEE PROJECTS

They created a telecom provider brochure.  They are marketing Benton Co. with this new web site.  They have a new logo.  The business posters have been very effective at promoting the 13 new public access hot spots across the county.

They really worked the roadside marketing class.  57 businesses now claim their Google places; the goal is 75

They are embarking on Community Asset mapping.

PROJECTS

  • To continue education efforts around seniors, adults and school age kids.  All groups.
  • Organize user groups around specific topics – cooperative learning and networking.
  • Creation of checklists and help hotline.
  • Encouraging 1:1 initiative with schools so that every kid has access to a device to connect to school.  Side benefit of family access
  • Mapping assets and businesses.
  • Attract Lower cost Internet provider
  • To increase the available places for public access.  Market these locations.
  • Share success stories
  • Help small businesses more ably use the Internet
  • Social media breakfast

MIRC Community Update: Cook County

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As the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) initiative winds down, demonstration communities are taking time to reflect on what has happened in their community as a result of added focus on broadband and broadband projects in the area. Each community will go through this process looking at what’s happened, lessons learned and plans for the future. One of the public benefits of federal funding for a project link this is the opportunity each community has to share what they have learned and the opportunity that other communities have to glean from their lessons. And so today I’m pleased to share notes from Cook County. (Actually I have notes to share all week. I’ll add this preamble to each for historical context – but each day will be a new community.)

MIRC project coordinator Danna MacKenzie welcomed an excellent group to the meeting and gave her thanks to the great work done by the committee and project teams.

PROJECT UPDATES

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic – Rita Plourde, clinic director, provided an overview of the work to date.  Their initial idea was much bigger and different than the project that was funded.  The project morphed from the concept of a big portal to something more manageable.  Rita admitted that she loves the approach NOW, but it required a big mindset change.   Rita loves the inter-generational interaction of their project team.  Video education for patients is the primary activity that is now occurring.  The videos feature local health care professionals dealing with local residents; this brings huge credibility to their video efforts.    Bringing health care professionals into the change of practice has been a challenge – Some are resistant to change.

The project has enabled better patient communication with the clinic; having a small staff makes one-to-one communication difficult.

RN Amy Marie Schmidt picked up the project reporting with the opening phrase –

“Blandin Foundation to the rescue!”  Cook County Challenges – We are in the middle of nowhere, at the end of the road.  Technology helps us solve these problems.

The clinic formed a Community Relations Committee as a first step to plan electronic outreach.  Step one – fix the current web site which was described as a black hole.  So they now have a snazzy new website.  Jack created the web site at Boreal.  They have a new electronic newsletter, the web site has an “ask a nurse” function, making the clinic an accessible home for Cook County residents.

“Move it in May!” is a highly interactive social media campaign around health.  People measure their steps or biking and plot it as a virtual tour around Lake Superior. This tool is hosted on the clinic web site.  The tool provided fun, oriented people to the web site, and helped them learn to use the technology.  People needed help!  About 250 registrants.  Marketing through FACEBOOK, signs up around town and web site.

They have created 12 patient education videos.  They are rotating on web site and archived for anytime viewing.

They also purchased two IPADs as pilot for patients to enter data and patient education videos.  They have three online forms.   There is also the “ask a nurse function” too.  They have committed a lot of effort around HIPPA.

“The Blandin Funds helped us think outside the box, it made us stretch!  This has opened the flood gates of ideas.”

PCs for People.

25 computers were provided to each demo community.  While the target was individual residents, the group decided that it would be better to put these in the community centers due to the lack of broadband in the community.  Higher ed center, Grand Portage received computers.

DIGITAL INCLUSION

They wanted to expand the capacity of the library to support those wanting to go online.  They also wanted to make the library a place where residents could touch and use new devices.  So they purchased e-readers and IPADS available at the Library.  Kick off is set for an August 27 event.  A bit of training will also be available.  The project exposed concerns of library staff – tech issues around filtering, etc.    Locking them down or not – that is the question.

They are considering the possible use of high school students to help train people to use equipment.

The Senior Center now had three computers with small monitors.  They are moving towards a peer training system.    They are investigating the purchase of touch screen technology computers.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

They are moving towards an Online Museum catalog.  They are partnering with MN Historical Society on training.  They have been collecting since 1924 when the Cook Co. Historical Society was formed.  5 years ago, they began to archive using the Past Perfect Archive system.  The goal is to help the researchers help themselves.  Initially this was on the in-house computer only, but turned out that the tool was too complex for amateur users.  So they moved to different system.

They have 3200 objects, 450 library items, 3500 photos, all of which are moving online.    They already have 8000 archived items now online.  One key is using good search terms and categories.

You can digitize anything!! Photos, videos, audio clips.  It all takes time, they have a long way to go.  Time to ready the data, digitize and enter.

Higher Ed Center

The Higher Ed Center is an excellent training facility and training location.   The PCs for People computers stretched their budget nicely.  There is tremendous collaboration around training with many engaged parties.  Knowledge workers, Digital Literacy and business training was completed.  21 training events with 185 different individuals attended.  Google Map classes was a success; they went from 5 places to 25 places overnight.  Bad broadband is still a barrier.  Now businesses don’t have it, but the visitors do at home.  We need to know our customers’ expectations.

Collaboration around accessibility – tech squad made up of youth had mix of issues, but still was productive.

Explored using the tech center as a telework center – both residents and visitors.  Discovered system constraints.  With the new network, there is a question as to whether such a telework center will still be an asset.

They are now offering certificate and degree opportunities.  GPS for loggers was a very interesting mix of people with widely varying computer skills.

They were able to leverage other foundation funding opportunities to support goals.

They provide public access on evenings, with an overlay of training aspects.  They are finding that there are still folks learning to use the mouse!

Digital Literacy – ABE – Issues.  The requirement that ABE class takers be job seekers is a real barrier.

COOK CO CVB

The goal was to convert existing five visitors sites to mobile compatibility.

Tourism is 70% of local economy with over 1,000,000 visitors.  Mobility is critical.

In 2009 – 9%  used mobile phones for tourism web serving, in 2011, this grew to 27% .

Converting to mobile required lots of learning.  WordPress sites are great for conversion; others not so great.  Tourists want to avoid talking on the phone; they want to investigate and book online.

People are staying online longer on the web sites.

IPADS and IPHONES are the top mobile devices.  700 IPAD hits in one weekend.

The conversion requires the right back end.  There are cross platform challenges of content, pictures, databases.  Photos need to be selected carefully for the small screen.

The project opened our minds to the possibilities that we can do!  It is now impacting the viewpoints and practices of the entire tourism industry and Cook County.  Extreme use of google analytics!

VIDEO

The school district started doing web streaming sporting events………Lessons learned… do a good job in researching the right equipment.  Be creative – had to wire the gym for computer for electric and Ethernet.  Collaboration was huge – so Boreal, WTIP and the county have been an effective partnership.  Boreal.tv is the result . We now stream graduation, band concerts, sports, .  We share a videographer, tech support through Boreal.   Now we have a non-profit to continue these activities.

WTIP Video – shooting and streaming video that supports the aura of Cook County.

Boreal supports the growth of video production through training and promotion.  Boreal also works on the back end – all of the equipment, servers, streaming software.  Great team.  Do all the county government web sites.  55 videos archived.

The group then brainstormed ideas for future priority…

  • Grow Boreal TV
  • ISD 156 YOUtube channel
  • More IPADS in schools
  • Snazzy e-government use
  • Mapping historic sites
  • Health education and intergenerational activities
  • Creating a culture of use promoting use by users
  • Workforce readiness w. volunteers
  • 3D mapping
  • Telework initiative

MIRC Community Update: Worthington

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As the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) initiative winds down, demonstration communities are taking time to reflect on what has happened in their community as a result of added focus on broadband and broadband projects in the area. Each community will go through this process looking at what’s happened, lessons learned and plans for the future. One of the public benefits of federal funding for a project link this is the opportunity each community has to share what they have learned and the opportunity that other communities have to glean from their lessons. And so today I’m pleased to share notes from Worthington (Actually I have notes to share all week. I’ll add this preamble to each for historical context – but each day will be a new community.)

Here are the notes from Worthington (The Worthington Globe also covered the meeting!) …

Worthington had an excellent meeting with representatives of the schools, the city government, economic development, the chamber of commerce, the college and the newspaper.

Here are their project results.

Worthington Schools Project

The schools acquired wireless access and 40 IPADS.  IPADs are distributed across the various school buildings.  The Alternative Learning Center is the leading user.  There are not enough to go around!  In addition to using them for learning, they are also finding applied learning opportunities, such as the student group using them for manage their concessions sales and inventory.  There are now several hundred applications on the elementary school IPADs.

The new wireless access provides great flexibility for students and teachers. It expands the opportunity for online learning.  As classroom space gets tighter, online learning will become even more important.  They are moving towards the adoption of Moodle or other online learning framework.  They are working collaboratively with the regional education district.  They are creating and supporting professional learning networks across districts and doing more video conferencing.  They know that leadership is critical to maintain and increase tech support.

PCs for People

Community Education and the Chamber of Commerce collected two trailer loads of computers.  40 have been distributed and there is a waiting list of people needing computers.  Businesses are interested in donating computers; community education wants to distribute them.  A team is in place to work on this.

WGTN public access TV channel.

Budgets are limited due to community size, etc. so they wanted to extend their reach to the rural portions of the community.  They are now using streaming video to broadcast over the Internet.  They have also archived all city council meetings, etc.  Lessons learned include that this is more complex than they expected.  There was a learning curve for local vendor as this was a first time technology for them as well in terms of web hosting challenges.    The organization will be able to maintain this system through the general budget.  They are using Vimeo as a product.  They are using the system to broadcast many school events.  This is very popular with grandparents and others outside of the community.

Community Education – Nobles County Integrative Collaborative

Using MIRC funds, they were able to create a small computer lab which is open to the public and for classes.  They also created a portable laptop lab which expands their training capacity.  They have offered classes in digital literacy.  Seven classes were held with a focus on non-English speakers. 11 Karen, 60 Spanish, 2 Tigrinya and 1 English – 74 total participants.  The lab is open during the workday and evenings and weekends.  They have Rosetta Stone for ESL.    Students use the lab for homework;  career exploration, FAFSA, college applications, citizenship study and practice tests, Homebuyer and rental education.  Students used the lab computers to create community presentations for MLK day and teenage anti-violence.  79 ESL users, 204 other users.

Digital technology for cultural integration

This project focused on the use of video camera to record cultural events, teach video skills, and sharing video content via web site and social networking site.  They are making progress, but have a ways to go to be where we want.  They are also trying to capture info and stories for the historical society.

They also supported the knowledge worker classes, including classes in Spanish with 19 participants in two sessions.  Also offered twice in English.

Saint Mary’s School received a grant to purchase a smart board.

Internal to the school, there was early resistance to the concept.  Grant funds were used to purchase one system; now indicators of technology and broadband acceptance confirmed with a purchase of three more.

WREDC received a couple different grants – a mobile computer lab – 20 laptops on a cart within the training center.  This makes the building more attractive for training and events.  The first company, Bioverse Inc. is now moving into the incubator building and the education lab is now a priority.  Worthington kept them from moving to South Dakota from Luverne.  Access to the training center will be part of the incentive.  Remotely located owners can video conference in for corporate meetings.

The LightSpeed grant was to install videoconference equipment in two rooms.  Their application for NSF was not funded, but the application process tied local partners together around the project.  They are re-figuring grant for re-submission.  The U of M Extension has been a terrific partner with their strong ties to the ag producer community.

Interpreter training has been a strong focus, including onsite and online learning components – top of the certification is court approved interpreter certification.

Through MES, WREDC hired an intern to work on the WREDC web site.   Modeled after the Redwood County site.  It is designed to be business friendly – business plans info, loan applications, etc.  Links to community assets – city, school district, college, etc.  Links are the key function as community connector.

There is an emerging partnership of Redwood County, MVTV Wireless, Agstar, southern MN Chamber, others to continue social media training.  They want to make this an important thing for local businesses to do.  Drives people to the workshop.  Good success so far with their first two workshops.

MIRC Community Update: Windom

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As the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) initiative winds down, demonstration communities are taking time to reflect on what has happened in their community as a result of added focus on broadband and broadband projects in the area. Each community will go through this process looking at what’s happened, lessons learned and plans for the future. One of the public benefits of federal funding for a project link this is the opportunity each community has to share what they have learned and the opportunity that other communities have to glean from their lessons. And so today I’m pleased to share notes from Windom (Actually I have notes to share all week. I’ll add this preamble to each for historical context – but each day will be a new community.)

Here are the note on Windom…

Windom had a great turnout of community leaders and MIRC champions for their closeout meeting – plus three folks from the nearby Southwest Fiber Project.

Windom implemented eight projects through MIRC. Here are the highlights:

Wireless and new devices in the schools – The school put a new focus on the use of wireless and mobile devices in both high school and middle school buildings. Over 100 students used their own devices on the school network. They created more access wireless points to improve coverage and bandwidth. The need for a more robust wireless network at the high school led them to start new at the high school with the old network being moved to the middle school.

They were able to purchase a total of 44 Ipads using MIRC and Remick Foundation funding. They also purchased a projector, Apple TV and a macbook pro. There was a focus on using these IPADs in STEM courses thanks to the commitment of a team of teachers who were creating content and learning tools on the fly.

Pre-algebra seemed to work best. The instructor created lessons, videos, and tests. To grade the tests took 30 seconds rather than an hour. Lesson plans were altered in light of the test results and individual and/or group assistance could be provided. Videos used for instruction, then students do the work and get the help. The videos were an excellent use for any substitute teachers. They used the videos to drive learning and to create a flipped classroom. They also used Khan Academy video to support locally created content. For the testing, they used Google Form Assessment.

They found that IPADS increase in student engagement. Windom is committed to the use of technology including training for teachers. Students can use the ipads as their own, including itunes, etc. The Windom Tech budget rose from 60k to 150k. Hopefully heading to 1:1 devices to students. They found that school provided IPADS drive community broadband use. Web enables video on demand for science learning; they could watch a series of short video highlights rather than a one-hour documentary. They also found that the use of student owned devices eases school owned device shortage. They recognize that the 1st year of use is tough on teachers in learning the tools and creating the content.

LIFELONG LEARNING VIDEO CENTER at BARC/WECC
They now have 5 video units at BARC and a portable video lab at middle school. These units have high bandwidth for quality video. They are finding that connectivity replaces travel costs and time for meetings and learning opportunities for the schools and for local businesses.

Currently, they have two post-secondary options arranged – the U of M and Ridgewater College. There is no reason that many other sources of content cannot be arranged. They have done business meetings and trainings and completed a needs assessment for local businesses.

They are very interested in creating and promoting centers of local expertise to sell locally created content. They have tied this tech asset to a community need for intercultural communities. They received a BCBS grant to be more welcoming, focus on interpretation training – 44 attendees on introduction. They had 13 attendees from Windom for more advanced U of M interpreter training program. There was collaboration with Ridgewater on a leadership series with 65 attendees. Also health care CEUs and realtor training.

They also purchased four laptops, web cams, headphones, and printer/scanner equipment to improve public access and use. With this range of devices, it provides multiple broadband opportunities in one location. The laptops used for many community purposes including community theatre, senior citizen training and access. The seniors are using skype to connect to family in other places. The also opened up their computer lab, which was pre-existing, but underutilized. Marketing efforts of WECC/BARC have increased through MIRC. Now they have a job club meeting here using the computer lab rather than in prior location where they had to share one computer. There is also a senior computer club.

The first tenant in the incubator office in WECC/BARC has been approved.

WEBSITE AND PORTAL DEVELOPMENT
There was an identified need to improve local website.

Finding Windom was developed to connect the community and market the community to the outside world. It is a community portal with strong use of google maps and places. There is a growing list of organizations and businesses on the site. The city website now links to Finding Windom on the front page of its site.

The City of Windom site has been greatly improved with lots of information, forms, etc. They have included Intelligent Community messaging on the site.

WINDOM PUBLIC SAFETY PROJECTS
They were able to purchase and install 13 laptops with aircards across multiple agencies across the county. More info is now available in the squad car, ties to multiple databases. All forms are now in the squad car so that officers can create the report from the road so their presence is maintained out in the community, not sitting in the office. Fire department has two laptops in two trucks, leveraged two more laptops from state patrol. They have access to MNDOT emergency response guide in the vehicle and hybrid vehicle emergency response information. They have downloaded maps of towns and townships, lakes area as well as maps and building drawings of larger company facilities, schools, hospital, nursing homes etc. They also have aerial photos by address, access to weather spotting and weather radar online. More record keeping is online.

IPADS for Patients, Windom Area Hospital
The hospital was able to purchase 5 IPAD 3 to provide access for patients and visitors to online devices and connectivity. Now they can update patient’s caring bridge site, check email, and use patient education tools around their condition. The hospital is still working out the conditions of use – safety, cleanliness, etc. With some brainstorming by hospital staff, they have identified the IPAD as a tool for speech therapy as a new application; this is sparking ideas for other ideas.

A cool collaboration is that Windom School tech experts are going to train hospital staff based on their own learning experience, easing the learning curve for the hospital!!

They hospital administrator expects higher patient experience ratings. Now, hospital staff wants IPADS. Creating a culture of use!!

Windom is also doing Windom Business Caffeine Meetings, similar to the Social Media Breakfasts.

Here are some of the ideas that the group came up with for continued efforts. Most of these have a team that committed to move these ideas forward.

1. Finding Windom calendar improvement, SEO.
2. Market area (regional) better online, especially Google
3. Chamber CVB site with links to other public entities and businesses
4. Strategy to recruit knowledge workers, tourists and related businesses
5. Unifying counties use each others’ resources including private. Showcase best broadband practices
6. How to get people/tourists to stop in Windom?
7. Sharing lessons learned within the region to solve problems
8. Workshops for businesses in shorter time blocks, over lunch or breakfast
9. How to engage youth in the community and feel welcome to stay or come back?
10. Capture historical sites, unique people and businesses
11. Ag related businesses – renewable energy businesses,

MIRC Community Update: Leech Lake

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As the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) initiative winds down, demonstration communities are taking time to reflect on what has happened in their community as a result of added focus on broadband and broadband projects in the area. Each community will go through this process looking at what’s happened, lessons learned and plans for the future. One of the public benefits of federal funding for a project link this is the opportunity each community has to share what they have learned and the opportunity that other communities have to glean from their lessons. And so today I’m pleased to share notes from Windom (Actually I have notes to share all week. I’ll add this preamble to each for historical context – but each day will be a new community.)

Here is the update from Leech Lake

Bernadine provided a nice meeting introduction.

Cass Lake Chamber has been awarded the MES $1500 community grant.  Sue Schafroth of the Cass Lake Chamber will take the lead on helping area small businesses get online.  The Chamber and band are both interested in the asset mapping idea.

Asset mapping starting in the natural resource division.  They are now mapping tribal trust housing sites.  Matching up the livable lots with quality septic systems is the first priority.  Also mapping wild rice assets now.  Wanting to move to mapping of businesses and other recreational community mapping.  Some of the assets are to highlighted through Google maps – parks, business, etc.  Others are more for tribal policy and management, like the housing sites.  This ties to state tax revenue – tribal revenue logistics.  This is a long term project, and will be ongoing.

The TEP Project – Computer Digital Literacy training.  Incorporating the value of the skills into the pay rate of TEP.  They are now collecting data from participants to better target future training.   Now making referrals to ABE and other agencies for continued training.

The oldest trainee was 72 years old.  We also have youth WIA workers for up to 7 weeks and MFIB 12 weeks of work.

TEP jobs can turn into full time positions.  The TEP is also active placing workers in the Twin Cities.  Janice will provide some stories. Moving people towards their GED.  One young woman learned some computer skills and is now pursing GED using computer labs.  The high tech – high touch support is paying off!

They are using some tribal staff to teach specific Office applications.  TEP student workers help learners in the computer labs, which is a great benefit to both trainers and learners.

LLBO (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) is strengthening ties with DEED in efforts to bring a satellite workforce center; MIRC has facilitated this emerging partnership.

Tribal college is considering adding some marketing online training emphasis.

PC’s for People have distributed the first 25 computers.  Now they have received the additional 25.  It’s too late in the year to give computers through the Head Start program as they are not in session.  Alternative approach is to work through TEP and distribute them through TEP.

They have had local PC’s for People with the Boys and Girls Clubs, TEP, Bemidji State, 3 day event.

They are thinking about a Local YouTube festival. It’s nice to see the innovation with you programming.

Boys and Girls Club has a new computer lab with eight computers. Lab is open; it’s a nice lab.

And the bottom line results:

  • Broadband adoption up to 52.9% from 48.8%.
  • Broadband access up to 97.4% from  83.6%

Some comments from attendees:

Mike Jones: “I want to thank you for the opportunity to be part of this program.  This has helped us demonstrate to our  community members that our temporary employment program is not just about day laborers but that we are working to prepare our people for better employment opportunities. We’ll be training doctors and nurses here pretty soon.”

Janice Gale: “I never thought it would turn out to be this big for us when we got started.”

MIRC Community Update: Itasca

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As the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) initiative winds down, demonstration communities are taking time to reflect on what has happened in their community as a result of added focus on broadband and broadband projects in the area. Each community will go through this process looking at what’s happened, lessons learned and plans for the future. One of the public benefits of federal funding for a project link this is the opportunity each community has to share what they have learned and the opportunity that other communities have to glean from their lessons. And so today I’m pleased to share notes from Windom (Actually I have notes to share all week. I’ll add this preamble to each for historical context – but each day will be a new community.)

Here is the update from Itasca…

Projects

Jim Woehrle of Kootasca described their PC’s for People projects. Starting with the original MIRC project funding, they distributed 51 computers, provided 56 broadband connections. KOOTASCA was able to work with providers to get some discounted broadband connections. Working out the process details with providers can be frustrating, but they are productive in the end. With additional funding through the DICP grants, KOOTASCA has procured around 120 computers for low-income people in Itasca and Koochiching Counties, including first time college students at Rainy River Community College.

PBT did provide some discounts in 2nd round. Mid Continent provided 19 dollar 1 Mb service

KOOTASCA is now a local PCs for People affiliate working through the Northern Lights alternative school where the refurbishment is done. The City IT director made a commitment to donate 20 more computers at the meeting. Jim indicated that computer storage can be difficult! We discussed the challenges of scaling up the efforts; distribution to the client families can be a challenge in high numbers. We discussed whether an existing retailer or thrift store take care of this?

Marcia reported on the Library project – They offer basic computer classes – a six part computer course. The course was offered in Grand Rapids twice, to a total of 75 people. They advertised through Community Ed and the library . Mostly seniors and near seniors in attendance. They will continue to offer the training this fall. They are creating another set of courses to be offered with a higher level of sophistication. The library purchased laptops to be used in the community room which necessitated an upgrade of the wireless network due to demand. The same classes are also offered through community ed, also in Eagle VIEW, Deer River, Marcell and other community ed labs. Turnout was strong and there was waiting lists. Small group classes make for effective learning, but limit the number of attendees.

They had an affiliated effort with the YMCA, library and the Elder Circle collaboration. The Y purchased wireless laptops to be used at the Y providing computer access for kids and everyone.

The bank marketed the digital literacy classes that focused on financial literacy and online banking. The banks did their own direct marketing to older people who were not using online banking. Around 100 bank customers attended online banking classes out of 1,000 customers in the targeted population. Very targeted marketing directly through the banks. They attendees had lots of security concerns. Used the mobile lab and some from the bank. Cheryl Botnick was the trainer.

ICTV used MIRC funds to improve their streaming. Now they are increasing capacity again. Their web site and streaming efforts have won awards.

Expanding to stream multiple meetings.

Community ed has taken the lead on MN Extension business training sessions. They had kind of a slow start but the attendance grew over time. Average 8 – 10 people per workshop with an average of 15 at the end of the project; They had lots more registered, but some no-shows. Registration fee could be charged, then refunded when businesses attended. Classes were offered in the mornings, maybe that is not the right time. Plans for continued classes through community education. Web update, google maps, etc… Going to try to offer in the afternoon. Extension is being collaborative and helpful. Karen is mapping Grand Rapids area assets using the Extension Service technical assistance grant. They are using two students – recent high school graduates – to do this mapping.

How to better work with Google? to do mapping and Google place stuff. Some frustration with how Google approves and posts the submitted information.

According to the research done by UM Extension, there has been great progress on business web sites, use of Facebook, Google places, etc…

Bernadine presented the BF Plan to BCBP

IEDC – needs to work hand in hand with MIRC partners. Strong emphasis on helping build the business tech vitality of the community. IEDC tech advisory council is in place – strong compatibility with the MIRC activities and findings.. Strong emphasis on using the broadband infrastructure and the need for quality technology workforce.

  1. Supporting existing local business tech training efforts –community ed and others.
  2. Build a technology talent pool.
  3. Create a data base of technologists within the region
  4. Social media breakfasts
  5. romote e-commerce classes
  6. Website design contest
  7. Tech fair.

Kootasca will take the lead on continued PC’s for People activity.

Todd County Plans for Broadband

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Todd County has been investigating fiber options. Last fall they received support from the Blandin Foundation to do a broadband feasibility study. Last night there was a big meeting in Todd County to discuss findings and progress. Below are notes from that meeting.

Todd County FIBERBAND 40 people in attendance Nate Burkett, county coordinator goal of meeting –
Inform, gather information from users, find partners, not make decisions

Timeline on project:

  • April 2011 – County board approves resolution seeking broadband
  • May 2011 – Countywide meeting
  • August Blandin grant
  • January 2012 – feasibility study completed and presented to county board.
  • March 2012 – interest survey through tax statements – 400 responses.
  • April – meeting with Arvig to discuss partnership possibilities

What’s next?
Community decision making.

Mark Birkholz – ACS

No current business model works for FTTP now PP partnership might work – evaluate… Breakeven – 25, 36 to 43 years Be ready if BB stimulus funds become available.
Be positioned for USF changes – proposed changes will not help project.
Fiber is the end all – be all for broadband deployment.

John Schultz U-reka Broadband Ventures

Cites the county for moving relatively quickly. John recognizes Blandin, Toni Merdan and Alex Weego.

Starting does lead to action.. Todd County has started!
Marketing study, Build options, Capital requirements, Business modeling, possible next steps.

Residential
96 % of people still have a land line telephone.
53% Internet penetration

  • Rural customers less satisfied
  • Customers want faster speeds, more bandwidth 74% cable and satellite penetration
  • Charter in town
  • Dish in rural areas
  • Where ACS has capacity, they also offer video

65% “likely” to change providers
same percentage in rural and urban

Expected bundle pricing
39% – $85-100 per month
20% – $101 – 110
18% – more than 110 dollars

Business survey

  • 86% of businesses use a broadband connection Only 37% have a web site those not using cannot get broadband 62% would like higher speeds at work
  • 100 % want faster service at home

A few Todd County customers have FTTH through ACS or Consolidated Telephone or WCTA.

Rural outside ACS
Town/city outside ACS
ACS Service Areas

Total build cost with 100% penetration – $65 million 65% penetration used. ACS competitive pricing model – Staples and Wadena
30 year model – $42 million capital cost and operational costs based on 65% penetration. Includes electronics refresh.

Cash flow positive in year 3.

Intangible benefits

  • Savings due to competitive environment – 30%?
  • Economic development surrounding the network development
  • Significant jobs impact
  • Improved governmental and educational services

Jobs – construction and operations and permanent new business and jobs and telework.

Now

  • further discussions with ACS
  • Sales/education and marketing program to demonstrate 65% penetration Discussions with funding sources – bonding, etc.
  • Meet with RUS
  • Follow USF discussion and exploit opportunities

Questions –

Recruiting market/education team.

Issues around multiple devices and the use of bandwidth.
Cannot take online classes due to poor broadband.
K12 districts need students with broadband; new online training enabling college courses. Schools need the bandwidth too!
Bundling would be a big saver for residential and business.
Rural people may be/would be willing to pay more.
Move forward as a county .
Wireless did not work when it rains, snows, etc.
Timelines on decision-making.
County goal 20/10 Mb by 2014 in towns, in rural areas by 2016.
Hoping for federal action.
3 year build out to spend $65 million.

Wireless as the solution. Many limitations to wireless; it is significantly cheaper. Fiber is future proof. Copper is definitely limited.

Need to work to get the discussion going across the county, with lots of people participating. Make it easy for the county board to say yes.

So many people want and need broadband. We need a local partner, one with local customer service. People in rural MN understand the needs and value of both rural and city livers.

Discussion about enhanced competition. and the effect on pricing and take rates. Schultz indicated that they need 65% take rate and around $100 ARPU.

Community questions about making things happen. How do we get the word out? How does this work get done?

geography differences – what are they?

New worker in Todd County – tech consultant. Able to get high speed in town. This is critical for business and education. Colleges and high schools are becoming increasingly intertwined. Bandwidth is the link to connect students and educational institutional . Lives in Clarissa. Ready to help get things going using social media and local contacts!

More from NATOA – Digital Inclusion

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As a reminder – this week I am at the NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors) Conference in San Francisco.

Bret Perkins of Comcast talks about their Digital Essentials program.  $10 Internet connections for families with children who qualify for free lunch programs. These families can also buy a computer for $150.  They also have online, print and in-person training available.

 

Open Internet discussion at NATOA

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As a reminder – this week I am at the NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors) Conference in San Francisco.

Interesting panel at NATOA discussion the open internet and net neutrality.  Google thinks that Net Neutrality is essential because it means that the user is in control.  Richard Bennett of ITIF says that this is easy to say, hard to regulate.  The discussion is now moving towards the new FCC rules announced yesterday.

Archive.org at NATOA

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As a reminder – this week I am at the NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors) Conference in San Francisco.

I heard a very interesting presentation at NATOA about archive.org.  They are digitizing books, music and television and web pages.  A quick look at the web site reveals a treasure of information.

They also talked about how they provide free High speed Internet in San francisco through a combination of fiber and wireless.  They are seeking other community partners.  Their primary criteria is to have “light in your eyes”!  If you are interested, email ralph@archive.org.

FCC Commissioner Clyburn speaks at NATOA

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As a reminder – this week I am at the NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors) Conference in San Francisco.

FCC Commissioner Clyburn speaks at NATOA about the important rights of communities to ensure their broadband future.

Craig of Craigslist stresses speed and usability

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As a reminder – this week I am at the NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors) Conference in San Francisco.

This afternoon we heard from Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, talks about doing well by doing good.  He claims that he a customer service rep at the company because he has better managers and better programmers on staff.  He talks about listening, thinking and responding to customer suggestions. Emphasis is on speed and usability.

He talked about www.Craigconnects.org , his site for doing more good. Looks very interesting. Very interesting guy!