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Read the latest CTC Press Release!
CTC History |
Community Programs | Technology
Service Bureau
The OAI Community
Technology Center (CTC) believes in building strong
individuals and communities through technology resources and
education. We value the aggressive development of technology
solutions to advance social causes and the human spirit.
OAI inc. has been committed to teaching
computer and technology skills to individuals since 1998. We
were able to expand our technology vision in May of 2002 when
the OAI Community Technology Center was opened to the public
with 18 new computers made possible through a grant from the “Eliminate
the Digital Divide” initiative of the Illinois Department
of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (ILDCEO)). We continue to
expand our capacity to provide training and computer access to
individuals.
“Organizations
invested in technology strengthen the knowledge base
of their communities, bringing peer-leadership and greater
social leverage to the individuals they represent.” |
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CTC has two initiatives: |
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Community Programs |
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Technology Service Bureau |
OAI provides technology training to
500 underserved individuals annually including basic computer skills, digital
media workshops, intermediate level software training, and higher-level
technology training. OAI has been awarded grants from the
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (ILDCEO)
to continue our mission of providing quality technology education
to the underserved.
Many of our students come from communities that suffer collectively from the consequences of
the digital divide - lack of educational resources, a growing skills gap,
fewer livable-wage job opportunities, and lack of
internet resources. Access to multi-faceted, engaging, and practical
computer instruction can lead to more confident, competent,
self-determined individuals prepared to take on the changing
world.
Learning Through Workplace Scenarios:
OAI CTC nurtures motivation and discipline in our students through
project-oriented, workplace scenarios. Students develop campaign
ads for a fictional advertising company, create budgets for a
multimedia entertainment company, or develop documents for an
electronic newspaper. In addition, we integrate workplace
realities into our curriculum by creating deadlines that
require turning in portfolios via email, fax, or express
mail.
Public Computer Lab
Access: OAI Community Technology Center (CTC)
believes in making autonomous technology available to individuals.
Self-directed
learning and exploration are essential to building confidence,
motivation, and self-determination. For this reason, the OAI
CTC is available to students and the general public during normal business
hours for educational and career-related
purposes. The lab also offers supplemental workplace literacy
and GED software to improve the learning experience of users. For more information please contact Renee Bradford at
312-528-3500 / rbradford@oaiinc.org.
Volunteer Opportunities:
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to share computer skills and life experiences with our students. For
more information regarding current available volunteer opportunities
please contact Wendy Chan at
312-528-3507 / wchan@oaiinc.org.
The Technology Service Bureau acts as
a “One Stop” service bureau that provides cost-effective, quality products
and services.
Services:
- Technology and computer training to
businesses, non-profits, and associations: After an initial
evaluation, OAI staff can create coursework focused on your
company’s specific technology needs. Training can be
held at the worksite or at the OAI CTC training facilities.
Contact us for examples of curriculum, course content, and
price estimates.
- Free grant-funded recruitment, assessment, and computer training services
for new hires of qualified employers: Employers
seeking to ease the hiring process without compromising the
quality of the job candidate should call Wendy Chan at 312-528-3507
or email wchan@oaiinc.org to see if your company is eligible.
- Software development solutions for business
efficiency, management, and streamlined communication:
We provide free consultations, respond with fair price quotes,
and complete projects in a timely manner.
- Computer lab training facilities for rent:
Conveniently located in Chicago’s Downtown Loop, OAI’s
training facilities are offered to corporate clients at affordable
rates. Lab facilities include 12 student computers, one instructor
computer, LCD projector, scanner, color printer, B&W printer,
digital camera, and a lab attendant for technical assistance.
In addition, all of our computers offer Pentium IV performance
and include MS Office 2000, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
Computers and software can also be reconfigured and upgraded
to meet your needs for a reasonable fee. For specifications
please contact Wendy Chan at 312-528-3507 / wchan@oaiinc.org.
Products:
OAI CTC Management Software:
Since the national study addressing the disadvantages of being
on the wrong side of the Digital Divide, hundreds of neighborhood
“community technology centers” (CTCs) have blossomed
across Chicago’s urban landscape, many with limited
IT staff resources to guide their future development. In response,
the OAI CTC Technology Service Bureau developed the CTC Management
Software to assist non-profits managing community technology
centers. Because of OAI’s 30 years experience in managing
programs funded by a wide range of government grants, we understand
the administrative, fiscal, and programmatic challenges other
non-profits face.
CTC Management Software:
- Automates and improves data
management in a computer lab environment.
- Reduces paperwork.
- Increases productivity
- Eliminates unnecessary expenditure
of staff resources.
- Allows a new student to register on the network without
staff supervision.
- Automatically and safely creates a network account without
a network administrator.
- Automatically collects student computer and software
usage each day.
- Produces simple-to-understand reports for management,
funding agencies, and future sponsors.
- Functions on multiple server platforms, or on stand-alone
computers.
- Is easily imported to other database systems.
Please contact the
CTC Program Manager, Wendy Chan at 312-528-3507, for more
information regarding products or services.
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