CO NNE C T E D Connect Ohio Quarterly
New State, County Residential Technology Assessment Data Released Results from Connect Ohio Analysis Utilized for Broadband Expansion, Emergency Communication Improvements
FALL 2011
Every Citizen Online training class at Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County
Every Citizen Online Program Update Ohioans have shown great interest in the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program. Connect Ohio is proud to report nearly 11,500 adults have taken advantage of the free computer and Internet training since the program launch and 763 new computers have been distributed to program sub-recipients. As the end of 2011 draws near, the first-year benchmark for the Every Citizen Online program approaches. Connect Ohio’s overall project goal is to train 200,000 Ohio adults on the basics of using a computer and the resources available by being connected online. The program continues to gain steam as additional sub-recipients and training locations sign on to offer ECO training to Ohio adults. The program currently includes training at 247 locations statewide. Awareness of the ECO program is at an all-time high, stimulated by the consistent TV and radio public service announcements airing throughout the state, as well as localized media coverage through community newspapers, bulletins, TV and radio news, and sub-recipient grassroots outreach. Connect Ohio is pleased at the program’s progress thus far and is excited at the continual growth and improvement of this valuable resource to Ohio citizens. We continue to look for additional program sub-recipients and training locations. If your organization is interested, contact us at 866-881-9494.
New Web Address training.connectohio.org Connect Ohio’s Every Citizen Online training is available to anyone online at this new address. The curriculum consists of 4 basic computer and Internet training modules from the Goodwill Foundation. The former web address, http://eco.connectohio. org, now directs Internet users to the Every Citizen Online information page. Questions? Please call 1-866-881-9494 or e-mail Amanda Murphy at amurphy@connectohio.org. For more information on the ECO program, visit connectohio.org/consumer_training/
The Connect Ohio team
Connect Ohio is a nonprofit, technology-neutral, publicprivate partnership that works with telecommunications providers, business and community leaders, information technology companies, researchers, public agencies, libraries and universities in an effort to help extend affordable highspeed Internet service to every Ohio household.
Table of Contents
For more information about what Connect Ohio is doing to accelerate technology in Ohio’s communities, visit: www.connectohio.org.
12 Laptops Awarded to Every Citizen Online Participants ................................................................................... 3 Shopping for Jobs, Groceries and Staying Connected Now Easier for Many in Knox County ..........................................4 New State, County Residential Technology Assessment Data Released ........................................................ 5 Connect Ohio Shares Broadband Insight with Congressman Latta’s Staff ................................................. 6 Results from Connect Ohio Analysis Utilized for Broadband Expansion, Emergency Communications Improvements........ 6 ECO All Star Facility Awardee: Putnam County ESC ................7 Broadband Hero Awardee: Katrina Flory ...................................8
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12 Laptops Awarded to Every Citizen Online Participants Throughout the month of July, Connect Ohio staff was busy coordinating computer distribution events throughout the state following the Every Citizen Online (ECO) computer giveaway. The giveaway entry period was between April 5 and June 20, 2011. ECO participants who completed an online survey following the free basic computer and Internet training were entered into a random drawing for one of 12 new laptop computers.
Below is a full list of computer winners and the location in which training was completed. •
Archer, Brandy - Community Action Council of Portage County
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Beldon, Louise - Northwest State Community College
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Buchanan, Doris - Kate Love SimpsonMorgan County Library
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Griebling, Sharon - Pioneer Career and Technology Center, Bucyrus location
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Hawkins, Elaine - Shaker Heights Public Library
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Kiener, Sharon - Ohio State University South Central Extension, Learning Center East
“I was just ready to buy a new desktop computer because mine is old,” said Louise Beldon, winner and ECO participant at Northwest State Community College. “I like to use the Internet to read e-mail, play computer games, and look up recipes. I want to learn Facebook and other websites.”
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McComis, Cathy - Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library
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O’Connor, Patricia - University of Dayton
“I loved the training,” said Sharon Kiener, winner and ECO participant at OSU South Central Region Extension Office. “I needed the basics of the Internet and I’m looking forward to learning new things, like selling antiques on eBay and editing photos. I didn’t have a computer at a home (before winning the laptop). I would love to get the Internet now.”
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O’Brien, Becky - Kate Love SimpsonMorgan County Library
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Summit, Jerry - Columbus Metropolitan Library
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Wenig, Roseanna - Marion Public Library
A media-friendly event was coordinated for each of the 12 winners at the location the ECO training was completed and included Connect Ohio staff, ECO location staff, and ECO coordinators and instructors. The winners had great stories to share regarding their experience with the free computer training and how the new knowledge and comfort with computers is already helping them. “I loved the (ECO) training and the instructor was one in a million,” said Cathy McComis, winner and ECO participant at Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library. “I don’t have a computer, so now I can go get Internet at home. I’m so excited!” “It will be so nice to have a portable computer,” said Roseanna Wenig, winner and ECO participant at the Marion Public Library.
“It’s not every day things like winning a new laptop happen to me,” said Brandy Archer, winner and ECO participant at Community Action Council of Portage County. “Being without a job since August of 2010, I was given the opportunity to take classes at CTLC for my MOS certifications, as well as the Every Citizen Online (ECO) classes. I am hopeful winning the laptop will get me one step closer to achieving my return to the workforce.” Congratulations to the computer winners! l
www.connectohio.org
CONNECTED
Shopping for Jobs, Groceries and Staying Connected Now Easier for Many in Knox County Every Citizen Online (ECO) instructor Jessica Horlacher has been training Knox County adults on the basics of the computer and using the Internet since the program’s launch at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County. More than 125 firsttime computer users have participated in the training program through the library thus far and Horlacher says although the majority seem to be between the ages of 60 and 90, there is a wide range in overall demographics and reasons for taking the training. Horlacher’s July 26 class had 6 attendees, which included four senior citizens and Teresa and James Shuler, a couple in their 40s. The Shulers are both currently looking for a job and say they need to know more about the Internet in order to apply for positions. They just received a new laptop computer and use it to connect at a family member’s home and the local library. Both have dabbled on Facebook and have set up an e-mail account prior to the Every Citizen Online training.
“‘I’m a little more confident that I won’t mess up,” said Hitchcock. “Before, I was afraid I would freeze my computer during searches when no one was home to help me or that I wouldn’t know how to get out of something. Now, I don’t feel scared about that.” All class participants said they felt they were leaving the class with a lot of useful information and new skills. Though the information can be overwhelming, the ECO classes prove to be a perfect first step toward computer and Internet adoption for many Ohio adults. l
“I read about (the training class) in the newspaper and signed us up,” said Teresa Shuler. “I’ve enjoyed learning how to use toolbars, the browser, and just how to use the computer in general.” The Shulers are also utilizing their new connectivity to help the family save time and money. “Now, we can look up Carnival’s weekly (grocery) ad before driving 30 miles to the Newark store in hopes of sales,” shared Shuler. “That’s a big help.” William Vernon, a senior in the class, wants to catch up to his brother’s online communication knowledge. “I already e-mail and want to learn to cut and paste and to add attachments to my e-mails,” said Vernon. “I’m a retired plant worker and like to e-mail former co-workers, other retirees, and family. My brother in Oklahoma City is an expert at this stuff and I need to catch up with him.” Another senior participant, Melodee Hitchcock, is also seeking Internet knowledge to increase family bonding. “My grandson loves to play RuneScape online and I want to be able to play along with him,” said Hitchcock.
Watch a video interview with ECO instructor Jessica Horlacher and footage from the class training on our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/OhioBroadband.
Hitchcock has a computer and Internet at home and says the ECO training has helped her feel more comfortable using it.
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Fall 2011
CONNECT OHIO QUARTERLY
New State, County Residential Technology Assessment Data Released Connect Ohio has the privilege of providing Ohio with a valuable resource – a statewide consumer and residential technology assessment. This assessment has been completed each year since 2008. Connect Ohio’s consumer technology assessments examine technology trends of state and county residents. Data is collected by telephone through live computer-assisted interviews from a statewide random digit dial sample of more than 1200 Ohio residents.
higher than the state average. Rural residents without a home broadband connection are significantly more likely to report that broadband availability is a barrier to adoption. • When asked to select the one main barrier to broadband adoption, more than one-half (58%) of Ohio residents who choose not to subscribe to home broadband say it is because they do not need broadband service.
This year’s assessment includes county-specific data for each of the state’s 88 counties. Though Connect Ohio conducts a The latest consumer survey was released in July 2011. Connect statewide assessment annually, such a detailed analysis has Ohio’s 2011 Residential Technology Assessment reveals not been completed since 2008. A sampling of at least 100 that household broadband adoption growth has leveled in people in each county is compiled for the data collection, Ohio, which is in line with the national which reflects the broadband landscape for all trend. Though home broadband adoption 88 counties in Ohio and examines technology Where Ohio increased 11 percentage points from 2008 trends as they compare to the statewide residents access to 2011, it plateaued from 2010 to 2011 at average. For instance, the assessment for the Internet 66%. However, the use of mobile devices Gallia County found the average monthly price Home....................74% as a primary broadband access is growing paid for home broadband service is $50.83, significantly. Since 2008, mobile broadband which is above the state average of $43.41. Work......................27% subscriptions in the state have increased Also, 42% of Gallia County residents subscribe Library.....................7% from 13% to 31% - a growth rate of 138%. to home broadband service, well below the Cell or tablet...........6% state average of 66%. Though 75% in the More than three-fourths of Ohioans are using county access the Internet from home or School.....................6% the Internet regularly. Eighty-two percent of No access.............18% some other place regularly. Ohioans said they either subscribe to home Internet service (dial-up or broadband) or they access the Connect Ohio’s Residential Technology Assessment Internet from someplace other than home. for each county can be viewed on the county profile pages on Connect Ohio’s website. Visit http:// Other highlights from the state report: connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/ county_profiles/. To view the statewide • Statewide, 80% of all residents own a home computer. This Residential Technology Assessment, visit translates into over 1.8 million adults without a home computer. http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_ More than one-quarter (26%) of those without a computer say research/residential_and_business_ that a computer is too expensive. technology_assessments.php l • While residents age 65 or older are still significantly less likely than the state average to own a computer or subscribe to home broadband service, computer ownership in this age group increased 26% between 2008 and 2011, while broadband adoption increased 42% in the same time period. • Broadband adoption among rural residents (58%) is significantly lower than the state average. More than onefifth (22%) of rural residents do not access the Internet at all (either at home or someplace else), which is also significantly
www.connectohio.org
Meigs, Monroe, and Noble
These counties saw a household broadband adoption growth rate of more than 150% between 2008 and 2011. Four Ohio counties had overall Internet use growth rates higher than 25% from 2008 to 2011:
Henry, Logan, Monroe, and Crawford
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Connect Ohio Shares Broadband Insight with Congressman Latta’s Staff In early August, Connect Ohio staff had the opportunity to discuss broadband in Ohio with Bethany Peck, senior legislative assistant for Congressman Robert Latta (5th District, Ohio). Congressman Latta is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Peck handles telecommunication policy for Congressman Latta and came to Connect Ohio exploring firsthand perspectives on broadband availability throughout the state, existing barriers to expansion, and what the National Broadband Plan can mean for Ohio and beyond. Connect Ohio Technical Outreach Manager Bart Winegar gave Peck an overview of Connect Ohio’s interactive resource BroadbandStat, which shows by address what households have broadband access and those that are still unserved (according to data gathered from more than 100 broadband providers throughout Ohio). Existing barriers to broadband service in rural areas and approaches to overcoming those barriers were discussed, as well as Connect Ohio’s customized
propagation studies and business case analyses available to Ohio communities engaged in finding last-mile broadband connectivity. “I’m extremely impressed to find Connect Ohio going to every effort to help ensure broadband expansion throughout the state,” said Peck.“ The organization’s reporting, county profiles, and online resources are very helpful to us.” High-speed Internet availability’s affect on economic development was also a key topic of the meeting. Peck was happy to hear of the Every Citizen Online free basic computer and Internet training for Ohio adults and how the program is complementing broadband expansion efforts. “I really enjoyed meeting with Bethany (Peck) and am happy she found Connect Ohio’s programs beneficial to not only Ohioans, but to Congressman Latta’s staff and possibly the communications and technology subcommittee,” said Winegar. l
Partner Spotlight: Ohio Educational Television Stations, Inc. The Ohio Educational Television Stations, Inc. (OETS) provides an important service to the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program. Working with Ohio Public Radio, OETS is distributing Connect Ohio’s ECO television and radio public service announcements to the state’s 44 public stations for broadcasting of the 15-, 30-, and 60-second messages across their coverage areas. Connect Ohio’s partnership with OETS is significant towards raising awareness of the ECO program to all Ohioans. According to David Carwile, OETS administrator, the organizations work to uphold a public trust in providing factbased journalism, educational opportunities, access to the arts, and public service at no cost to all 11.5 million citizens of Ohio. Local OETS stations are licensed to state universities and community organizations, employing 12 digital television signals and four repeaters to provide non-commercial, public television service. OETS is also the backbone of Ohio’s emergency communication networks that distribute weather warnings, safety information, and Amber Alert messages, working with local, state, and federal partners to protect all Ohioans. “We operate as private entities to serve the public good, and are proud to use our unique capacity to connect Ohio’s communities to join Connect Ohio in spreading the word about broadband,” said Carwile.
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Fall 2011
CONNECT OHIO QUARTERLY
Results from Connect Ohio Analysis Utilized for Broadband Expansion, Emergency Communication Improvements Connect Ohio technical outreach staff have been hard at work conducting business case analysis and propagation studies for counties engaged in finding opportunities to expand broadband access to unserved and underserved residents. Recently, Bart Winegar, technical outreach manager, presented analysis results to community leaders in Perry and Gallia counties. Perry County officials plan to combine the results of the customized broadband expansion study with a local initiative to improve county Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and 911 communication systems. “At the meeting, state and federal representatives were able to experience presentations that demonstrated the needs of Perry County citizens and an excellent plan to address those needs,” said Winegar. The next step is to complete funding efforts that are already underway for this Perry County project. According to Connect Ohio’s 2011 Consumer Technology Assessment for Perry County, 64% of households receive broadband service to the home, less than the state average of 66%. In Gallia County, a local wireless Internet service provider is already interested in providing expansion throughout the county, but didn’t have the resources to compile its own analysis. Connect Ohio’s results were just what they were looking for. “We have been waiting for information like this to put together an accurate business plan,” said Stephen Kline of JB Nets.
percent of residents report accessing the Internet from home or some other location. For more information on JB Nets, visit http://jbnets.net. l
ECO All-Star Facility Award Presented to Putnam County ESC Connect Ohio awarded the first Every Citizen Online (ECO) All-Star Facility Award to Putnam County Educational Service Center (ESC). The award was presented to Putnam County ESC employee and ECO instructor Gary Herman during Connect Ohio’s quarterly Technology Association Meeting ECO breakout lunch session held in Columbus June 24, 2011. Connect Ohio ECO staff, including state operations managers and the executive director, choose the ECO All-Star Facility awardee based on meeting various program “hallmarks of excellence”. These include, but are not limited to, the number of adults taking ECO training at the facility’s locations, ECO program survey completion rate, creative promotional and community partnerships assisting in awareness and local success of the program, and the level of engagement of facility coordinators in the ECO program. View photos from an ECO training class at Putnam County ESC on our Facebook page, facebook.com/ConnectOhio
JB Nets plans to utilize Connect Ohio’s model to create a viable business plan for expanding. The next step toward making the plan a reality will be forming agreements with controlling authorities of area towers and infrastructure to enable the placement of broadband connections. Gallia County officials have voiced their commitment toward creating a favorable environment for broadband expansion to occur, which will include such agreements. Connect Ohio’s 2011 Consumer Technology Assessment reveals 42% of households in Gallia County receive broadband service to the home, which is significantly less than the state average of 66%. Seventy-five
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Gary Herman, Putnam County ESC Don Shirley, Connect Ohio 7 Heather Delany, Connect Ohio
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Broadband Hero Awardee: Katrina Flory Katrina Flory, of Columbus, was presented with a Broadband Hero Award June 24 at Connect Ohio’s quarterly Technology Association Meeting. Connect Ohio acknowledged Flory for her diligence and direction in helping the organization’s efforts of leading broadband and technology expansion throughout the state. Flory serves as chief administrator within the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Office of Information Technology (OIT). The OIT delivers statewide information technology and telecommunication services to state government agencies, boards, and commissions, as well as policy and standards development, lifecycle investment planning, and privacy and security management. The OIT has six specialized sections, which include: Investment and Governance, Infrastructure Services (MARCS and other state communications and hardware systems), Digital Government, the Ohio Administrative Knowledge System (OAKS), the Office of Information Security & Privacy Management, and DAS Information Technology Services (ITS). Flory began her career in state government in 1995 with the Ohio Department of Taxation. In 2000, she was appointed to the Ohio Department of Administrative Services and served as executive assistant to the state Chief Information Officer and assistant director. She joined the Office of Information Technology in 2004. In her current role, she has led efforts to establish and communicate the strategic direction for OIT and acts as a dynamic change agent for various technology initiatives. For more information on the Department of Administrative Services Office of Information Technology, visit http://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/InformationTechnology/ tabid/79/Default.aspx.
Broadband Hero Awardee June 2011 Katrina Flory