This phase involved discussions with over 250 policy makers, program and community leaders, and private sector representatives. Preliminary findings TRPI researchers have identified the issues that must be addressed in order to develop and sustain information technology programs. Particular challenges for programs in low-income and disadvantaged communities were clearly outlined by participants in TRPI forums. Policy makers, program staff, parents, community members, students, library patrons, and the private sector must be committed to making information technologies equally accessible to all. Recognizing IT as a tool.
Information technology is a tool for addressing needs, rather than an end in and of itself.
Programs in the communities under study use information technologies to address various local community needs such as improving student performance, job training, and providing convenient delivery of social services including health and citizenship education. Participants felt that technology should be used for more than just teaching word processing. Schools, libraries, and community centers should integrate technology and education so that technology can be used to enhance critical thinking skills of all learners. Need for user literacy. Merely having computers and other technologies available is not sufficient.