Case Study: Southern University Law Center's "Creating Digital Leaders Pilot Project"
The Southern University Law Center (SULC) embarked on a transformative journey to bridge the digital divide in its community through the support of the NTIA Connecting Minority Communities grant. This case study examines the four major goals of the initiative, the strategies employed to achieve these goals, and the impact on the university and the surrounding community.
Goal 1: Expanding Broadband Access
Objective: Expand broadband access across the university campus and surrounding community to ensure reliable internet connectivity for all.
Strategies and Implementation:
- Infrastructure Development: The project is initiating extensive infrastructure upgrades on the university landmass, including the installation of high-speed internet cables and the expansion of Wi-Fi hotspots to cover all areas of the campus.
- Community Outreach: Collaborated with local internet service providers to extend internet services to underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that students and community members had access to reliable internet.
- Public Awareness Campaign: An awareness campaign will be launched in August 2024 to educate the community about the availability of enhanced broadband services and how to access them.
Impact:
- Increased Internet Access: Once the project is fully implemented, there will be significant improvement in internet speeds and reliability on campus, facilitating better academic and administrative functions.
- Community Benefits: Households in the surrounding community gained access to high-speed internet, reducing the digital divide and fostering greater inclusion.
Goal 2: Creating a Virtual Learning Higher Education Model
Objective: Develop a robust virtual learning model by providing Zoom Plus licenses and integrating them with the existing learning management system, Canvas.
Strategies and Implementation:
- Zoom Plus Licenses: Distributing Zoom Plus licenses to all students, faculty, and staff, enabling advanced video conferencing features that enhance virtual learning and meetings.
- Integration with Canvas: Ensuring seamless integration of Zoom with Canvas, allowing easy access to virtual classrooms, recorded lectures, and interactive sessions.
- Training and Support: Conducting training sessions for faculty and students to maximize the use of Zoom and Canvas, emphasizing interactive and engaging online learning techniques.
Impact:
- Enhanced Learning Experience: Improving the quality of virtual classes with interactive features such as breakout rooms, polls, and whiteboards, fostering better engagement and collaboration.
- Faculty Development: Equipping faculty with the necessary tools and skills to deliver high-quality online education, leading to innovative teaching methods and improved student outcomes.
Goal 3: Providing Digital Skills Training and Mobile Devices
Objective: Equip the campus and surrounding community with essential digital skills and mobile devices to enhance digital literacy and access to technology.
Strategies and Implementation:
- Digital Skills Workshops: Organizing regular workshops on topics such as basic computer skills, internet safety, online research, and advanced software usage.
- Device Distribution: Providing mobile devices, including laptops and hotspots, to community members who lack access to technology, ensuring they can participate in online learning and other digital activities.
- Collaborative Efforts: Planning to partner with tech companies and local businesses to secure donations and discounts on digital devices and software.
Impact:
- Increased Digital Literacy: Over 1,000 participants are benefiting from digital skills training, enhancing their ability to navigate and utilize technology effectively.
- Access to Technology: Distributing 650 mobile devices, significantly increasing access to digital tools for education, work, and personal use among underserved populations.
Goal 4: Engaging Campus and Anchor Community Partners
Objective: Leverage partnerships with campus departments and community organizations such as libraries, churches, schools, and community centers to broaden the initiative's impact.
Strategies and Implementation:
- Campus Collaborations: Collaborating with the University’s John B. Cade Library and the College of Business to provide digital skills training and certification programs, along with facilitating distribution of devices for the campus community.
- Community Partners: Developing joint programs with local libraries, churches, schools, and community centers to provide digital skills training, internet access, and educational resources.
- Community Events: Hosting events and workshops at partner locations to reach a wider audience and foster community engagement.
- Resource Sharing: Sharing digital resources and best practices with community partners to ensure consistent and widespread access to digital tools and training.
Impact:
- Broader Community Reach: Engaging over 20 community organizations, extending the initiative's benefits to a larger population.
- Sustained Impact: Establishing ongoing relationships with community partners, ensuring the continued availability of digital resources and support beyond the project's initial phase.
The Southern University Law Center's digital opportunities initiatives not only promote educational equity but also empower individuals with the tools necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.
