Franklin County Every Citizen Online Participant Wins Laptop Computer

On Wednesday, July 27, Connect Ohio presented Mr. Summit of Columbus with a new laptop computer during a short event at the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Karl Road branch. Summit is the twelfth winner to receive the new computer after being selected in a random drawing following participation in the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program, a free statewide basic computer and Internet training program.

Mr. Summit says he often frequented the library to use their computers and Internet access before taking the ECO training.

“I really liked the training,” said Summit. “We now have a computer and Internet at home.”

“As soon as I heard the winner’s name, I remembered Mr. Summit from class,” said Stephen Kennedy, librarian and ECO instructor. “It’s great to see the knowledge all of the students gain from class one to class three, including Mr. Summit.”

Ohio adults who completed the Every Citizen Online free basic computer-training program between April 5 and June 20, 2011 and completed an online survey following the training were entered into the random drawing giveaway.

“We’ve had over 700 adults take the Every Citizen Online training through the Columbus Metropolitan Library thus far,” said Steve Hipes, Columbus Metropolitan Library team leader and ECO program manager. “The program’s been going really well.”

Connect Ohio has partnered with more than 200 libraries, community colleges, education and career centers across the state to offer the Every Citizen Online training. More than 8,000 adults have already taken advantage of the training since it launched in late December 2010. Connect Ohio plans to train a total of 200,000 Ohioans by program completion in December 2012.

For more information on Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Every Citizen Online training classes, call 614-645-2275. Classes are currently offered at the following branches:

• Main branch

• Gahanna

• Hilltop

• Karl Road

• Linden

• Northern Lights

• Reynoldsburg

Other Franklin County training locations include:
• Columbus State Community College
Center for Workforce Development
Registration: 614-287-5858

• Grandview Heights Public Library
Registration: 614-287-5858

• Ohio State University Learning Center
Godman Guild and Columbus Urban League
Registration: 614-292-7196

Pictured left to right:
Heather Delany, Connect Ohio state operations manager, Tony Howard, Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) service area manager, Mr. Summit, computer winner, Stephen Kennedy, CML librarian and ECO instructor, Steve Hipes, CML team leader and ECO program manager

Additional training locations can be found by calling 1-855-NOW-I-CAN (669-42260) or by visiting http://connectoh.org/consumer_training/training_facilities.php.

Sinclair Workforce Development Expanding Free Computer Training Sites & Sessions

Dayton, Ohio -- Sinclair Workforce Development is adding three new sites to its Summer schedule of free Connect Ohio classes. In addition to its original training site at Miami Valley Research Park (MVRP) in Kettering, sites at Sinclair Learning Centers in Englewood and Huber Heights in Montgomery County and Eaton in Preble County have been added to the lineup.

Connect Ohio offers free computer training sessions at public libraries and community colleges throughout Ohio to introduce new users to a wide range of communication, education, and health care tools available online. Interested adults throughout Ohio are eligible to participate in the program, which is geared toward first-time computer and broadband users.

Sinclair’s Connect Ohio classes consist of two 3-hour sessions total, or one 6-hour session with a 30-60-minute lunch break, depending on the site.

For more information or to immediately register for Connect Ohio classes, go online to www.sinclair.edu/facilities/wfd/seminars/ or call (937) 252-9787.

Englewood Learning Center, 1200 W. National Road, Clayton (45315), Room 104
Classes offered on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00-4:00 pm and Fridays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (includes one-hour lunch break), beginning early August.

Huber Heights Learning Center, 7301 Shull Road, Huber Heights (45424), Room 117
Classes offered on Fridays from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (includes one-hour lunch break) beginning early August.

MVRP, 1900 Founders Drive, Kettering (45420), Room 119
Classes offered on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm (includes 30-minute lunch break) and on Mondays & Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00 pm beginning early August.

Preble County Learning Center, 450 Washington-Jackson Road, Eaton (45320), Room 108
Classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm beginning early August.

# # #

(*A press release from Sinclair Workforce Development)

Ohio School Helps Extend Technology Beyond School Walls

By Amanda Murphy, Public Relations Specialist, Connect Ohio

As part of our back to school series, Connected Nation is showcasing a school in Ohio that is arming its students with the power of technology.

Foxfire Center for Student Success is a public community school within the Maysville School District located in Zanesville, Ohio. The school recently received federal funding from the government’s E-Rate program to extend its classrooms beyond school walls and into the homes of students.

Foxfire will be receiving about 350 netbook computers with Wi-Fi capabilities. According to Lewis Sidwell of the Maysville Local School District, the intermediate school’s 350 fifth through 12th graders will each be equipped with one of the netbook computers.

“We’re hoping the netbooks will allow for online learning, research, homework, and a chance to enhance the students’ learning experience,” said Sidwell. “Many of these students do not have Internet access at home.”

According to Connect Ohio’s 2011 report detailing broadband adoption and technology habits for Muskingum County, which includes the Zanesville area, 62% of residents subscribe to home broadband service. This leaves 38% of residents in the county without access to Internet in their home. Those surveyed indicate the top reasons for not having Internet at home is they do not own a computer (59%), they do not see a need for the Internet (38%), and Internet service is too expensive (27%).

The school has partnered with Sprint to allow for home wireless Internet access for the students through Sprint’s 3G mobile coverage. The devices will also be secured with proper Web filtering functions to block any inappropriate searches or sites.

Having the netbooks and Internet access within the students’ homes allows for greater learning opportunities for not only the students, but their parents and others living in the home.

“I think it will open up a lot of possibilities,” said Sidwell. “We’re hoping this program will allow us to connect with the students, as well as their families.”

Foxfire’s school year begins in early September. Sidwell says he is looking forward to the rollout of this new program and anticipates it will be successful.

Hardin County and Montgomery County ECO Participants Receive New Laptop Computers

On Tuesday, July 26, Connect Ohio presented Thelma Young of Kenton and Patricia O’Connor of Centerville with new laptop computers during a short event at Forest-Jackson Public Library and the University of Dayton. Young and O'Connor were selected as winners in a random drawing following their participation in the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program, a free statewide basic computer and Internet training program.

Karen Moore, Thelma Young, and Heather Delany

“The training helped me out a lot,” said Young. “I have a desktop computer at home, but I didn’t really know what all could be done on the computer and the Internet.”

“We’re very excited to have one of our students win a computer,” said Karen Moore, library director. “The ECO program has been very well received within our community. We are continuing to schedule free computer classes and have openings in our next class scheduled for Monday, August 8 and Wednesday, August 10.”

The next Every Citizen Online training class at Forest-Jackson Public Library, located at 102 W. Lima Street, Forest, is scheduled for August 8 and 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information and to register for classes, call the library at 419-273-2400.

“The (training) program was great,” said O’Connor. “I didn’t get online much before the training. I learned some things I had never known. My husband also took the training and is online a lot since. We even told our friends about it, who also took the training and loved it too!”

Don Shirley, Patricia O'Connor, MaryJo Borrows, and David Wright

"The University of Dayton is proud to be one of the sites for the free computer training as part of the Every Citizen Online program," said David Wright, University of Dayton director of curriculum innovation and e-learning. "Awarding a free laptop to one of the participants in the Every Citizen Online program is a great way to showcase how important it is that everyone in the State develop familiarity with modern computers and the Internet. This will help drive greater citizen participation online and the growth of our economy."

For more information on Every Citizen Online training classes at the University of Dayton or to register, call 937-229-2347.

Additional training locations can be found by calling 1-855-NOW-I-CAN (669-42260) or by visiting http://connectoh.org/consumer_training/training_facilities.php.

Connect Ohio Awards Computer to Fulton County Participant of Free Statewide Internet Training Program

Pictured left to right: Ben Armstrong, NWSCC library supervisor, Louise Beldon, computer winner, and Heather Delany, Connect Ohio state operations manager

On Thursday, July 21, Connect Ohio presented Louise Beldon of Archbold with a new laptop computer at Northwest State Community College (NWSCC). Beldon was the ninth of twelve winners to receive a new computer after being chosen in a random drawing following her participation in the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program.

“I was just ready to buy a new desktop computer because mine is old,” said Beldon, when notified that she had won a new computer. “I enjoyed the (training) class. I like to use the Internet to read e-mail, play computer games, and look up recipes. I want to learn Facebook and other websites.”

"Louise was a very good student,” said Clint Parry, community computer skills instructor with NWSCC. “She had used computers a little before taking the class. Now, she’ll be able to keep practicing at home with a brand new one!"


“It’s great to see how taking an ECO class can make a big difference for a student like Louise, and seeing her win a computer has made us even more exited about the classes that we continue to offer,” said Ben Armstrong, NWSCC library supervisor.


For more information on Northwest State Community College’s Every Citizen Online training classes, call 419-267-1274. Classes are currently offered at the following locations:

• Northwest State Community College
22600 State Route 34, Archbold

• Fulton County OneStop
604 South Shoop Avenue, Suite 110, Wauseon

• Evergreen Community Library
253 Maple Street, Metamora

• Swanton Local School District Public Library
305 Chestnut Street, Swanton

USDA Administrator Jonathan Adelstein Visits Central Ohio, Discusses Broadband Programs in Rural Communities

On Tuesday, July 19, United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Administrator Jonathan Adelstein visited central Ohio to give an update on broadband expansion projects in rural communities nationally, as well as to discuss Consolidated Electric Cooperative’s progress on local fiber installation and broadband expansion in Delaware, Morrow, and parts of other surrounding counties. Consolidated Electric was awarded a Rural Utilities Service grant of more than $1 million and a Rural Utilities Service loan of about $1.4 million to aid their expansion project, which is about 60% completed, thus far, and expected to be 100% complete by the end of the year. The USDA’s support for telecommunications projects improving broadband service to rural residents and businesses is vital to economic development in these areas.

“Broadband was the first pillar of (Secretary of Agriculture) Tom Vilsack’s agenda,” said Adelstein during today's presentation. “Like the rural electrification program of the 1930’s, this broadband project will result in economic development for many years to come.”

Connect Ohio recognizes broadband as a key component of rural development. The recent release of Connect Ohio’s 2011 Residential Technology Assessment and 2010 Business Technology Assessment illustrates the challenges and opportunities that exist in Ohio’s rural community development. Below are some key technology benchmarks from Connect Ohio’s recent assessment.

	Broadband Adoption			Internet Use			Own Computer
	2008	2011		2008	2011		2008	2011
Delaware County	73%	87%		90%	95%		90%	92%
Franklin County	67%	72%		85%	93%		82%	81%
Knox County	42%	71%		72%	84%		72%	81%
Morrow County	41%	73%		82%	88%		75%	86%
State Average	55%	66%		79%	82%		76%	80%

• More than 88,000 businesses in Ohio do not use broadband.
• Businesses without broadband have annual revenue of $200,000 less than businesses with broadband.
• Manufacturing and Professional and Financial Services sectors lead in broadband adoption in Ohio.
• Only 53% of businesses in the Healthcare sector use broadband (about 13,000 healthcare-related businesses).

Also in attendance at today’s event with Administrator Adelstein at Consolidated Electric’s Delaware office were USDA Rural Development Ohio office staff, including J. Anthony Logan, director, David Douglas, community program director, Mark Elam, RUS field accountant, Consolidated Electric Cooperative staff, including Jerry Lauer, President/CEO, and Doug Payauys, CIO, Bart Winegar, Connect Ohio technical outreach manager, and area county officials.

Additional Broadband and business data from Connect Ohio’s 2010 Business Technology Assessment can be viewed at http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/.


The complete 2011 Residential Technology Assessment can be viewed at http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/residential_and_business_technology_assessments.php.


Specific county-level research can be viewed by visiting http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/county_profiles/. Click on the county of interest’s profile page, and then click on the county’s technology profile.


Learn more about Consolidated’s expansion project by visiting http://www.consolidatedelectric.coop/aboutus/news_pages/grant.asp.


Learn more about the USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/Utilities_LP.html.

Congratulations Sharon Griebling of Bucyrus, Laptop Computer Winner

Pictured left to right: Bob Hartwell, Pioneer CTC Director, Jeff Beebe, Connect Ohio state operations manager, Sharon Griebling, computer winner, and Kathy Eaken, training instructor. Photo by Laurie Kirk, Pioneer CTC

On Tuesday, July 19, Connect Ohio presented Sharon Griebling of Bucyrus with a new laptop computer during at Pioneer Career and Technology Center’s Bucyrus location. Griebling was selected as a winner in a random drawing following her participation in the Every Citizen Online program, a free statewide basic computer and Internet training program, and is the eighth of twelve winners to receive a new computer.

“I really enjoyed the training,” said Griebling. “The Internet was totally Greek to me. Kathy, the instructor, explained things on a level that was easy to understand. I didn’t know how to e-mail before (the training) and have been practicing. I have the Internet at home and an old computer. I’m excited to have a brand new one.”

Sharon Griebling with new computer. Photo by Laurie Kirk, Pioneer CTC

“Pioneer has been offering career training to our community for the past 43 years,” said Bob Hartwell, Pioneer CTC technology coordinator. “Our cooperation with Connect Ohio to offer these classes fits into what we do every day for our students – at our main campus in Shelby, as well as branches like the Crawford County Job and Family Services Center in Bucyrus. Pioneer congratulates Sharon as one of the citizens who took advantage of these free classes, as well as being the lucky winner of a new computer.“

Congratulations Sharon Griebling!

Connect Ohio Awards Computer to Ross County Every Citizen Online Participant

On Monday, July 18, Connect Ohio presented Cathy McComis of Chillicothe with a new laptop computer at Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library. McComis was selected as a winner in a random drawing following her participation in the Every Citizen Online program, a free statewide basic computer and Internet training program.

“I loved the training and the instructor is one in a million,” said McComis. “I don’t have a computer, so now I can go get Internet at home. I’m so excited.”

“We at the library congratulate Cathy McComis for completing the Connect Ohio online course at the library,” said Jennifer McKell, library director. “The library’s goal is to get everyone in Ross County online, who wants to be online, in order to connect to the broader world of information. We will be continuing the free Connect Ohio computer classes through 2011 and 2012. Cathy’s win through the one-time Connect Ohio drawing is great. The real winners are she and everyone else who becomes comfortable in the online world by taking the course.“

Congratulations Cathy McComis!

Connect Ohio Executive Director Don Shirley with computer winner Cathy McComis of Chillicothe

Cuyahoga County Every Citizen Online Participant Receives Computer

Elaine Hawkins of Cleveland was the sixth of twelve Every Citizen Online participants to receive a new laptop computer after being selected from a random drawing in June. Hawkins received her award at a short presentation event Thursday at the Shaker Heights Public Library, where she completed the free basic computer and Internet training course.

“The training was great,” said Hawkins. “I was trying to use the computer and Internet before and (the class) was a great help.”

“We are very pleased to be a partner in the ECO venture,” said Luren Dickinson, library director. “The Internet is actually a vast library – open 24 hours a day where people can find up-to-date information on almost any topic. It is critically important for libraries not only to provide access to the Internet through the use of its computers, but also to provide training. We are thrilled that someone who connected at Shaker Library will receive a free laptop. Libraries really do connect people to the world.”

Congratulations Elaine Hawkins!

Pictured left to right: Jeff Beebe, Connect Ohio state operations manager, Elaine Hawkins, computer winner, Shaker Library staff members MaryAnn Friedlander, training instructor, Walter Lesch, training instructor, and Luren Dickinson, director. Photo by Margaret Simon, Shaker Library

Noble County and Marion County Every Citizen Online Participants Receive Computers

On Wednesday, July 13, Connect Ohio presented Roseanna Wenig of Marion and Sharon Kiener of Belle Valley with new laptop computers. Wenig and Kiener were selected as winners in a random drawing following their participation in the Every Citizen Online program.


Wenig already has a home desktop computer, but is excited for the new laptop.

“It will be so nice to have a portable computer,” said Wenig.

Marion Public Library staff members were just as excited as Wenig when they heard the news that one of their ECO participants was a winner.

“Marion Public Library is excited to offer the Every Citizen Online basic computer training to the community,” said Kim Hunsicker, library associate. “Some participants are first time users, while others are interested in learning new ways to improve their lives with the Internet. And it is wonderful that a participant from Marion is a winner in the computer drawing."


Kiener says she really enjoyed the Every Citizen Online training that she completed at Ohio State University South Central Region Extension Office, Learning Center East.

“I needed the basics of the Internet and I’m looking forward to learning new things on the computer, like selling antiques on eBay, editing photos, and searching Google," said Kiener. "I didn’t have a computer at a home (before winning the laptop). I would love to get the Internet now.”

Vicki Snyder of Ohio State University South Central Region Extension Office, Learning Center East feels Kiener is a very deserving candidate of the prize.

"There were several people taking the classes at South Central Region Learning Center East with hopes of winning a new laptop and we are so pleased that one of our participants is that lucky person,” said Snyder. “What a great incentive. I know our winner will use this computer often, as she is very intent on learning."

Pictured left to right: Ralph Wenig, Roseana Wenig, winner, Kim Hunsicker, library staff and ECO instructor, Gary Branson, library director, and Heather Delany, Connect Ohio state operations manager.

Pictured left to right: Jeff Beebe, Connect Ohio state operations manager, Ted Wiseman, South Central Learning Center East co-director, Bev Kelbaugh, South Central Learning Center East co-director, Sharon Kiener, winner, Vikie Snyder, ECO program coordinator, and Tracy Blackstone, ECO instructor.

New Laptop Awarded to Portage County Every Citizen Online Participant

On Tuesday, July 12, Connect Ohio presented Brandy Archer of Kent City with a new laptop computer during a short media event at the Community Action Council of Portage County. Archer was selected as a winner in a random drawing following her participation in the Every Citizen Online program, a free statewide basic computer and Internet training program.

“It’s not everyday things like winning a new laptop happen to me,” said Archer. “Being without a job since August of 2010, I was given the opportunity to take classes at CTLC for my MOS certifications. I also took the Every Citizen Online (ECO) classes and continue going back to help the ECO instructor train other new computer users. I am hopeful winning the laptop will get me one step closer to achieving my return to the workforce.”

Archer is the third of 12 Ohio adults to receive a new laptop. Connect Ohio is distributing the 12 computers to participants of the Every Citizen Online free basic computer-training program between April 5 and June 20, 2011. Program participants completed an online survey following the training and were entered into the random drawing giveaway.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to provide free computer training to residents of Portage County through the ECO/Connect Ohio program,” said David Shea, Community Action Council of Portage County executive director. “Brandy has worked very hard and is continuing to take advanced classes at our technology training center in Microsoft Office leading to full-time employment. I can’t think of a more deserving person to win a free computer through the program.”

Pictured left to right: Regina Holliday, CAC of Portage County program coordinator, Jeff Beebe, Connect Ohio state operations manager, David Shea, CAC of Portage County director, Brandy Archer, winner, Rob Besaw, Every Citizen Online instructor, and Frank Singletary, Every Citizen Online instructor

Computers Awarded to Two Morgan County ECO Participants

Two of the 12 Every Citizen Online computer giveaway winners received their new laptop computers yesterday during a short media event at Kate Love Simpson Morgan County Library in McConnelsville. Doris Buchanan of McConnelsville and Becky Obrien of Stockport were selected as winners of the computers in a random drawing following their participation in the Every Citizen Online free statewide basic computer and Internet training program. 

As often heard from many new Internet adopters, Obrien wanted to learn to work a computer and navigate the web in order to communicate with loved ones.

"The training was very helpful," said Obrien. "My husband and I are trying to keep up with our grandkids."


According to Buchanan, she already has a computer and Internet service at home, but took the Every Citizen Online training to learn the different things the computer and Internet can offer.


"The training definitely helped and I want to take more training," said Buchanan. "I want to learn to type letters and documents. I like to e-mail and Facebook."

Pictured left to right: Doris Buchanan, winner, Blythe Schubert, library director, Becky Obrien, winner, Heather Delany, Connect Ohio state operations manager

Congratulations Doris and Becky!

Every Citizen Online participants who completed an online survey at the end of training between April 5 and June 20, 2011 were registered for the computer giveaway. Details about the computer giveaway can be found at http://connectohio.org/consumer_training/computer_giveaway.php.

For more information on the Every Citizen Online free basic computer and Internet training, visit http://connectohio.org/consumer_training or call 1-855-NOW-I-CAN (669-42260).

A Community’s Outreach Efforts Lead to Increased Every Citizen Online Participation

The Holmes County District Public Library has been offering Every Citizen Online (ECO) classes to county residents since the start of Connect Ohio’s ECO program. The library has two branches: the Central Branch, which is located in Millersburg, and the East Branch, which is located in the village of Walnut Creek.

“We are a small rural library, thus our class sizes have been small,” said Kelly Kokis, library employee and Every Citizen Online instructor. “(But) the courses are very helpful to our community. It’s a great opportunity for our patrons to get free training in the basics of computers: what they are, how they operate, what is involved with connecting to the Internet, the difference between dial-up and broadband, and how to safely browse the Internet.”

When participation numbers started out low, Kokis and library staff sought out various avenues to raise awareness of the free training. They have an announcement printed regularly in the local newspaper, promote through the library’s quarterly newsletter, have utilized the local radio station for publicity, and reached out to local businesses to help spread the word. What Kokis discovered through communicating with those in the area has not only helped fill training classes, but is providing a service to Holmes County residents.

“We found a common theme among older adults in our area. They didn’t want to attend the classes because they felt ashamed about not knowing anything about the computer,” shared Kokis.

Kokis and library staff decided to move the training. About a half mile down the road from the Walnut Creek library branch, the Every Citizen Online class was offered at a senior-living community on a Saturday and included two sessions with a break for lunch.

“The break between the sessions seems to assist with absorbing the information,” said Kokis.

The change in location and class structure was a success. The class held May 7 was full, with 10 senior adults and one younger adult.

“A lot of these things about computers I didn’t know,” said Lesley Smith, a senior citizen and ECO class participant. “I will be using the Internet much more often now.”

“I’m hitting the wrong buttons and need to know which buttons to hit when,” said class participant and senior Bryan Teate. “I like to e-mail with my friends and family. I still have a lot more to learn, but this is just great.”

“I was so happy the library was offering the class,” said Ruth Beachy, a 36-year-old ECO participant.

Beachy says the class exceeded her expectations. She has a friend who asked her if the classes were helpful for her. Beachy said she “definitely recommends” her friend take the class.

The Holmes County District Public Library has also found another unique opportunity.

“As word has spread about the classes, we have seen the interest rise among certain Amish communities,” said Kokis.

Holmes County has a large Amish community and some in this community are interested in learning the basics of computer and the Internet through the library’s ECO classes. Kokis said that whether they attend depends on if their church or employer will allow them to participate, but it’s yet another interested group Kokis and her staff have reached and are helping to bridge the technological gap. 

View more photos by clicking here.