Helping MIT neighbors cross the 'digital divide'

Robyn Fizz, Information Services and Technology
Karla Mansur, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
June 4, 2008

Even though close to half of all Americans have broadband access in their home, the digital divide--the gap between those who have access to information technologies and those who do not--continues to grow both at home and abroad.

A group of MIT volunteers hopes to close that gap through CommuniTech, a program that started in 2000 by focusing on refurbishing older donated computers and giving them to economically disadvantaged people in the area. Since its inception, however, it has broadened its goals to teach the recipients of its computers how to use the technology comfortably.

Today, CommuniTech has two branches: The MIT Used Computer Factory (UCF), coordinated by electrical engineering and computer science senior Henry Wu, which refurbishes donated computers; and Families Accessing Computer Technology (FACT), coordinated by management sophomore Randall Shults, which handles the software-training side.

Each year since 2000, More than 20 MIT community members have donated their time to the program.

The UCF is also always looking for computer donations--PCs only, with Pentium IV processors or better. Flat-screen LCD monitors in full-working order are also welcome. Those interested in donating a computer can do so by filling out a form available at http://imara.csail.mit.edu/.

MIT departments can also donate used computers. Contact MIT Property Manager Michael McCarthy--so that he can deactivate the computers and keep a record of the donation--at mmccarth@mit.edu or 617-253-2779.

UCF has placed more than 200 computers in local homes since 2000. About half of the recipients sign up for Internet service (56K dialup). The connections are provided at the significantly discounted price of $5 per month by Elirion.

The FACT course portion of CommuniTech covers hardware basics and word processing, spreadsheet, web-browser and e-mail applications. Each volunteer is matched with a client and works with him or her for two hours on Saturday mornings over six weeks.

Shults, the FACT program coordinator, relishes making a difference in the local community: "I was given an amazing opportunity when MIT accepted me. This is my way of giving back and using the skills I've acquired to help others improve their lives."

For more information on how to get involved with the CommuniTech program, contact CSAIL staff members Karla Mansur and Jason Dorfman at communitech-staff@mit.edu, call 617-324-8364 or stop by Room 32-268 in the Stata Center.

IMARA, the organization in CSAIL that sponsors CommuniTech, strives to empower underserved communities through sustainable technology and education.

--Robyn Fizz and Karla Mansur

A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on June 4, 2008 (download PDF).

Photo / Jason Dorfman

MIT undergraduate Randy Shults, top left, a coordinator for the volunteer organization Families Accessing Computer Technology, works with one of the program's clients, Nicole Doctor, bottom. Enlarge image