closing the gap: national partnership on remote indigenous public internet access northern territory...
TRANSCRIPT
CLOSING THE GAP: NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP ON
REMOTE INDIGENOUS PUBLIC INTERNET ACCESS
Northern Territory Library
DEPARTMENT OFNATURAL RESOURCES, ENVIRONMENT, THE ARTS AND
SPORT
RIPIA The program is part of the Australian Government's response
package to the Regional Telecommunications Review.
The response provides essential telephone
services, basic public internet access facilities
and computer training for many remote Indigenous
communities.
RIPIA “The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the
Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today welcomed the signing of a new agreement that will bring improved internet access and basic computer training to remote Indigenous communities.”
RIPIA Commonwealth Minister for Broadband, Communications and
the Digital Economy. Northern Territory Minister for Information, Communications
and Technology. The project steering committee:
Department of Education and Training.
Department of Business and Employment
Department of Housing, Local Government and Regional ServicesProject Managers:
Northern Territory Library
RIPIA Runs for four years
Each year is approved on history and plan
Year 1 – only 19 locations
Years 2,3,4 – all 40 locations covered
In each yearNew Infrastructure
(first two years only)
Maintain Infrastructure
› Training
RIPIA
Current Status› Report for 2010-2011 finished – 9 sites failed.
› Plan for 2011-2012 with the Department of Broadband Communications & the Digital Economy awaiting approval.
› 2011 – 2012 Strategic thinking underway
› 40 sites to do
› Sustainability – pay for use internet will prop up the free internet?
› Community Stories
› Virtual library
› Expert Broadcasts
RIPIA – Sites
https://ntlwiki.nt.gov.au/display/RIPIA/Sites
So many gadgets
The ideal IT support is standard devices, software and infrastructure
RIPIA is government, non government, windows, apple, linux (android, sugar …)
The project relies on the goodwill of many people and organisations
Community consultation, RIPIA needs to reach outward almost semi continuously
How do we fix things? Return to base, email support only, Wiki of FAQ
e-connectE-connect is an exciting project enabling Indigenous
Communities access to the internet and communications services. In part, the program aims to provide valuable access to a wide range of activities and programs through online conferencing software.
The current Interactive Distance Learning structure is limited by geography
e-connect
HOW CAN YOU BE INVOLVED? The training for Connectors is being provided
by NTL in an easy-to-follow, online program (ie two 1 ½ hour sessions),
Then the E-Connect program begins. This will involve Connectors participating in a series of Webex conferences with nominated community members, thus building confidence with the technology and providing mentorship.
The Communities will be able to access a variety of activities and programs over the weekly sessions.
RIPIA - infrastructure› Computers which are setup for use in a 'library' location. Both the iMacs and the
PC's are Community Stories ready and installed with current Microsoft software as well as web links to relevant sites
The wireless hotspot comes with the Family Friendly filter,
Web conferencing will open up communication between community members and the wider NT,
One Laptop per Child XO's are a link between education and the wider community,
Documenting, Multi Media, Internet and other technologies.
RIPIA - Training
› There is a significant training budget which begins with basic computer skills
› Email, internet sites, banks, library resources› But can grow to becoming a ‘local star’’, helping
your peers to use the internet
› Then we have mobile sound equipment and mobile image capture and training in those technologies