John, the Beaumont Foundation offers grants to schools and community groups for laptop and wireless computers. They might be a great resource. Check out the link. They funded a program to connect students in South Dakota with the elderly.
An article on the web site of a South Dakota school says Roslyn SD superintendent Allan Crane "while thinking of ways to tie in the community he thought about who may not be acquainted with computers and thought of seniors and others in the community who have computer phobias. He also decided to work with students on the project." He involved students who were required to do projects for Family Career, Community, Leadership of America (FCCLA), and Future Homemakers of America. The students are working with Strand-Kjosvig Rest Home.
"Senior citizens would be given the opportunity to use e-mail to communicate with family members, with FCCLA students providing assistance.
"Within the school, a mobile lab will enable students to do projects with other classrooms anywhere in the world. A pen pal type electronic project with students from another state or country would be a priority. The mobile lab would enable classes to have increased access and expand learning experiences outside the classroom.
“The interaction of students with local senior citizens will be a learning experience for everyone.” Crane said.
Regards,
Jim Buie
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