ENDS 8

We are committed to solving the issue of low technological literacy in underprivileged communities. We propose to write a computer program that will serve as an instructional tool for computer literacy and use simplified instructions and graphics to teach youth how to use computers and inspire them to want to be more involved in technology. This program will use colors, images, and words to help make computer technology seem much simpler, more fun, and accessible. This solution must be paired with excellent presenters and personable teachers who will go into communities and set up computer literacy workshops. This solution will positively impact many lives by creating opportunities for positive simplistic interactions with technology that will peak interest along with educating youth about the benefits and opportunities associated with technology. 

We will work with small communities in cities in third world countries, and with primary schools to get this program started. Globally, most people from third world countries, not working white collar jobs are going to benefit from this kind of instructional teachings. The problems that contribute to this issue are that most careers in many third world countries are blue collar and do not require technological literacy. 

We will begin by travelling to cities in third world countries and speaking to the technological companies there and asking them what they are looking for in employees and using this to help design our program. For example, if a large financial company in Adis Ababa needs employees who know how to use excel for data collection and storage, we will cater our program to ensure that it covers the basics of how to use that specific program. This will then be taught to a younger generation of future workers who will now have the idea in their minds that they could one day become a banker or an accountant rather than simply weaving cloth like their parents did. 

The product would be a workshop that is funded by investors that would partner with local organizations, schools, or churches to teach young people in these countries about some of the opportunities associated with technology. The program would be different depending on the age of the students involved. Younger children would be simply introduced to the concepts behind computer technology and the focus would be to leave an impression in their minds that computers are fun, easy, accessible, and necessary to learn about. While the lessons designed for older children could include more specific lessons like how to use excel. This would be run through the computer program we want to design that will be an instructional tool for the presenters to use. 

Our solution is innovative because it combines human efforts with technology to create a personal experience with technology that will directly correlate to their professional development and interest in technology. This services the human side of things as well as the technological side. we believe many ideas only help the technological side of things while ignoring the people involved. The key here is to combine both and inspire while teaching. 

Our solution will provide the tools for people in unprivileged communities to learn the basics of computer literacy and have opportunities to work in technology-dependent careers. One of our team members has been to Ethiopa and seen this issue first hand. 

none- still in concept phase

Our goals are to develop the computer program and verify it works. 

We don't currently have the computer program and lesson plan developed. 

Using resources on campus to develop the computer programs and educational techniques developed by our college of education at Texas A&M. 

To find investors to fund our workshops. 

We are a team of college students. 

5 college students. 

Funded by future employers

Funded by future employers.