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Community Wireless Technology Lounge
eCommUnity and a non­profit partner, Next High School, are seeking funding to create
“Technology Lounges” in pre­existing community centers in and around the Upstate SC area
where residents can use wireless laptops and tablets for online learning and exploration.
eCommUnity will provide consulting and technology assistance to install wireless Internet
hotspot connectivity at each location as well as to establish a basic training curriculum for
residents.
Five low­cost Android tablets (approx. $120/ea.) will be provided for a device loan program
with the goal of promoting the purchase and use of Internet devices amongst all community
residents. Residents who do not own a tablet or laptop can borrow one from the community
center with a $15 refundable deposit and picture ID. An “Earn While You Learn” ​Device
Purchase Program will be established with the community center to allow residents to pay for
their device over a period of 6­12 months in bi­weekly installments. Money obtained from
residents for tablet purchases will be used to continually fund the program to help ensure that
all residents will have affordable access to the Internet.
A 32” HDTV ($200­300) with a Google Chromecast dongle ($35) will provide “video casting”
from multiple devices (e.g., tablets, laptops, etc.). Residents will be able to create interactive
video playlists and play games using apps such as YouTube, PBS KIDS Video, TED, Sesame
Street Go and many more. The Chromecast may also be used to “screencast” from any
Windows, Mac, or Chromebook laptop during training and tutoring sessions in an after­school
learning program, for example.
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An open mesh OM2P­LC WiFi Access Point (AP) will be installed in the ceiling to provide 24/7
hotspot connectivity for residents in and around the technology lounge area. All Internet
access will be provided via a private SSID with strong encryption (WPA2) and a passphrase
which can be changed as needed by the community center staff/volunteers. The passphrase
will be given to community residents and changed occasionally to minimize “drive­by” WiFi
access.
Community center staff/volunteers will be provided with access credentials to the open mesh
Cloudtrax controller site to to update the logon splash page with relevant information
regarding community events, helpful tips and information, and more. Community center
staff/volunteers will be trained to use the following free online services to manage the
residents Internet access:
● Cloudtrax.com ­ Bandwidth usage/Splash page/Wireless security
● OpenDNS.com ­ Content filtering
● Android Device Manager ­ Loaner device tracking and remote wipe
A device training curriculum will be provided to the community center staff/volunteers and
community volunteers, who will be taken through a 2­hour training session on the proper
setup, use, and maintenance of the tablets, printer, and HDTV. The staff and volunteers will
be responsible for securing and monitoring the lounge; as well as for providing basic training
and instruction to residents for common tasks, such as: connecting to the WiFi network,
creating an account, installing applications, video casting, printing, and basic tablet usage.
Cost Estimate:
Furniture ­ $500 (or free, if in­kind donation available)
32” HDTV​ and ​Chromecast​ dongle ­ $300
OM2P­LC AP​ + Installation (does not include cost of monthly Internet service) ­ $100
Five (5) ​Google Nexus 7​ Android Tablets ­ $600
Wireless Cloud Printer​ ­ $125
Five (5) hours of staff/volunteer training ­ $150 (or free, if in­kind donation available)
Equipment installation and setup ­ $200
Total Cost Per Community ­ $2,000
Contact Kevin Jones (freelinuxpc@gmail.com) for more information.
All donations are tax­deductible. Checks should be made payable to Next High School.
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www.e-comm-unity.org