Internet Access Project

Iowa Legal Aid - 020096

Abstract Number: 020096

October 2002

Iowa Legal Aid created the Internet Access Project to expand technology access and basic technological knowledge to low-income Iowans. This project had two main focuses: an educational emphasis that resulted in the creation of the Low-Income Iowans' Guide to the Internet and an access emphasis that resulted in setting up computers in Senior Centers in rural, minority, and low-income neighborhoods to give community members a point of access to the Internet.

The Low-Income Iowans' Guide to the Internet provides a comprehensive overview for beginners on how to effectively use the Internet. This guide makes a strong effort to define commonly used technology terms to ensure the reader is not overwhelmed by technology jargon. This guide is divided into the following five chapters:

1. Start Here
2. The Internet and the World Wide Web
3. Surfing and Search Engines
4. E-Mail (Electronic Mail)
5. Internet Security, Consumer Awareness, and Viruses

The Internet access component of the project entailed installing 85 computer workstations in senior centers located in rural, minority and low-income communities. A tutorial was developed that is installed on the computers and will guide novices through basic usage. These computer workstations are a new approach to providing legal help to the elderly. Individuals using these workstations will be able to not only learn how to use a computer for searching and communicating on the Internet but also to access the Iowa's state wide website and other pre-selected web sites that provide information on legal assistance and social services information.

To access the "Low-Income Iowans' Guide to the Internet" as a PDF document, click on the text below.

Contact Information:

Patrick McClintock
Deputy Director
Iowa Legal Aid
111 9th Street, Suite 230
Des Moines, IA 50314-2527
Phone: (515) 243-2151
Fax: (515) 246-6075
Email

Additional Information:

Low-Income Iowans' Guide to the Internet

• Chapter 1: Start Here (1.7mb, PDF)

• Chapter 2: The Internet and the World Wide Web (1.3mb, PDF)

• Chapter 3: Surfing and Search Engines (1.8mb, PDF)

• Chapter 4: E-Mail (Electronic Mail) (1.4mb, PDF)

• Chapter 5: Internet Security, Consumer Awareness, and Viruses (2.3mb, PDF)

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