Rural Community Broadband - can we become local and sustainable through new funding?
Now is the time for action. We are making a very important effort to expand rural broadband access through the new funding made available by USDA and the Department of Commerce. There will be many important new programs initiated over the next year to expand rural Internet access and establish a diversity of Organizations providing access which will create new competition and new alternatives to the limited Corporate Telecommunications companies which currently provide access. There is a real need for competition to drive forward the quality and quantity of broadband access for rural Americans.
How will it work this year as we see these new programs unfold?
There are two possible directions in the new funding.
The first direction will see many small rural broadband projects funded, creating diversity, regional sustainability and a serious new market challenge to the limited services provided by large Corporate Internet. This direction will create locally managed rural projects which will establish new resources, create new jobs in the communities being served and empower rural communities to begin taking a more direct, active role in the management and design of their broadband systems. Important here is the challenge which this presents to the USDA and Department of Commerce. These new projects will not create the theoretical large number of jobs and broad range of services proposed by large, much more expensive proposals, but they will establish smaller programs that will in all likelihood have much more rapid start up and a much higher level of local involvement increasing the positive impact on local communities.
The second direction is that we will see large Organizations receive the bulk of funding, creating the possibility of State wide and multi-State rural broadband access to begin taking shape. This will create, at least on paper, a larger number of jobs and larger numbers of individuals served, but at a much, much greater cost and with far less local involvement. Also, the jobs created by these larger projects will not be in the rural communities, instead they will establish large companies that hire where their operations centers are. The larger projects will not create local involvement but once again leave rural communities to wait for large ISP Networks to find their way to the small rural areas.
Based on my experience over the past 18 years of working with rural technology projects the large budget proposals will take far longer to get underway and once again leave rural community residents, small businesses and farms hoping they will be noticed.
I believe it is critically important that we have serious discussion and review of these two possible directions. The history of technology build out in the United States has shown that the very large projects are too often given preference, if for no other reason than because they provide, on paper, much larger statistics. But our experience has also shown that this generally leads to rural communities having little say in the design and application of the services. And the cost is tremendously higher, running into millions of dollars per project, whereas more local, small efforts create new local businesses with sustainable budgets and real local involvement.
So the main question comes up as to whether we are striving for sustainable, achievable rural broadband projects that are built up from the local level or are we going to see projects selected for the statistics?
I began working with rural Internet technology projects in 1991 through National Science Foundation funding and later through 5 USDA RUS distance learning and telemedicine grants. One of the most difficult issues during this time was the shift towards large, Corporate telecommunications services. A tendency that is all to common. Small, locally supported Internet service providers have been gradually forced out of the market because of the larger corporate systems, leaving rural America greatly underserved, if served at all. The new ARRA funding gives us a chance to turn that around and put seriously needed resources into the hands of local organizations. This will encourage new rural business models, give rural communities a real say in what is developed and take us back to the traditional model of American small business as the mainstay of our rural telecommunications systems.
If we take the small, local approach much less tax money per project will be required and far greater local accountability will be established to ensure the success of the projects.
Are we up to this change in approach to American Internet growth? Or will we return to the old model that so far has not worked, giving preference to large projects to give us better statistics on paper?
Through the small, local approach I have seen RAIN Network bring telemedicine and distance learning services to over 150 rural communities since 1997. I know from experience that this approach works and creates a level of local involvement that makes a real difference.
Those of us working at the local level should do all we can to encourage USDA and Department of Commerce to consider the value of small American businesses and not let the new rural broadband funding act as a tool to push small Internet Service Providers out of the market, leaving rural communities with little input and few choices as they endeavor to achieve equal access.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Telemedicine for Children and Family Services
Here is an update on what is happening with Telemedicine for Children and Family Health Care Services through the RAIN Network and the Landon Pediatric Foundation
=================================================================================
New Family Support Services Referral
Family Support Specialists are available to provide support to parents and families with children birth to five Years of age who do not qualify for early intervention services.
In addition, family support specialists are available to help support and assist parents in advocating for their child's developmental needs and accessing Community resources that can help improve their child's development. Please see the Referral form on the Littlesteps website at http://www.rain.org/littlesteps
.
The new Family Support Services Referral Form is attached for you to print out and use.
Call Delfina Zermeno in East County 6547632 and Shar Busch in West County 6547601 for information and referrals.
===================================================================================
Ventura County Medical Center Workshop on Autism - December 2008
Because services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are scarce, when children fail a broadband screening measure, providers need to carefully discern which children need ASD evaluations and which do not. This research considers how well a broadband screening test sorts those with and without probable ASD. The subjects were 427 children between 18 and 59 months of age with elevated risk scores on broadband screening, i.e., Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), a 10-item measure eliciting parents' concerns.
Parents also completed the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), an autism specific screen.
The results showed that of the 427 children at risk on PEDS, 34% (N = 144) passed the M-CHAT. To determine whether these potential overreferrals could be reduced, parents' concerns on PEDS were used to predict M-CHAT results. Three or more discrete types of concerns, varying by age, characterized children who failed the M-CHAT while fewer than 3 were associated with passing.
This reduced overreferrals by 70% while maintaining high levels of sensitivity (81%).
Although compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for both broadband and autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months is still recommended, viewing performance patterns on a broadband screening test can substantially reduce overreferrals to autism specialty services.
Go to the Littlesteps web site at
http://rain.org/littlesteps/VCMC_autism_presentation_2008.html
for all the Workshop information and materials.
==============================================================================
New this month - VCBH Interagency Screening Forms -
You can access the forms from the Littlesteps home page at http://www.rain.org/littlesteps or
Go straight to the forms at:
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/VCBH_interagency_forms.html
====================================================================================
Web sites to visit this month:
http://www.rain.org/pdcventura/ - Pediatric Diagnostic Center Web
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/easqq.pdf - Ages & Stages Questionnaire set and Scoring Sheets
http://www.rain.org/video-magazine - Telemedicine and Family Health Video Web
http://www.rain.org/dlt/health.html - RAIN Telemedicine Network Community Wellness Web
http://www.rain.org/dlt/wellness/ - Rural Community Wellness Web
=======================================================================================
There is a new Pre-Implementation Survey to review and fill out.
It is worth a $25 Starbuck's or your choice of gift card to fill out the survey. It will help focus your efforts and help us to
Think globally, act locally!
You can fill out the survey online, print and mail in or send by email.
Go to: http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/Pre-Imp-Survey.pdf to review and fill out the survey.
========================================================================================
A new DSS Algorithm - with valuable information to use as a handout for your practitioners and assistants is available on the
Littlesteps web site. Go to: http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/DSSalgorithm.pdf
========================================================================================
New Web site:
The Born Learning Web, from First 5 Ventura County and United Way of America.
Award-winning Born Learning tools were created by United Way of America, Civitas, Families and Work Institute and the Ad Council. Locally, United Way of Ventura County and First 5 Ventura County are partnering to help provide the tools to as many parents as possible.
You can get to the Born Learning web from the Littlesteps homepage at http://www.rain.org/littlesteps or go straight to http://www.vcbornlearning.org/doctors.asp
===============================================================================================
New videos are online from the FASD workshop in September. Visit the web site and hear the valuable discussions by:
* Dr. Edward Riley, (Prenatal Alcohol Exposure & Brain Development)
* Dr. Leslie Lynn Pawson, (Prenatal Screening, Assessment, Referral, and Treatment (SART)
* Dr. Paul Russell, (Prenatal Screening, Assessment, Referral, and Treatment (SART) and
* The Dependency Drug Court Team, (Systems and Supports in Ventura County)
(Susan Feldman, Carol Hughes, Susana Jegle, and Diane Emerick).
Go to : http://www.rain.org/video-magazine/FASD-september-2008.html to view the new videos.
To explore all our online Telemedicine Video resources go to: http://www.rain.org/video-magazine/
==========================================================================================
Brief video units from the September FASD workshop have been prepared to allow you to check out highlights from the workshop.
Click on the links below:
Dr. Edward Riley -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QifXEHD6pFs
Dr. Leslie Lynn Pawson -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz3xIJF2TSM
Dr Paul Russell -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY7pwDzf9Z4
The Dependency Drug Court Team -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVCPH1cPupk
==========================================================================================
Visit the Little Steps web site to test out the new Synagis Referral Form.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the #1 cause of hospitalization in babies under a year. Our babies at developmental risk can be the most severely affected. We anticipate the need to protect high risk infants beginning with injections of Synagis in November to achieve protective levels by the start of the season and continue monthly through March.
The new Synagis Referral Forms allow you to prepare the forms online and submit them directly to the Pediatric Diagnostic Center or to print copies for use at your Office.
Go to: http://www.rain.org/Littlesteps/synagis-forms-2008.HTML to review the forms and try them out.
Be sure to check out the links on the Littlesteps web for valuable information on Synagis for Parents and Health Professionals.
===========================================================
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps - Ventura Littlesteps Web
The Little Steps web site, sponsored by a Ventura First 5 grant, provides quick access to the Ages & Stages Parents Workbook, in Spanish and English, to the Health Steps User Manual, the Physicians and Nurses Healthy Steps Workbook and the PEDS Workbook and Scoring Guide.
Materials are also available in Spanish at http://www.rain.org/los-pasitos/
Visit this web site often to check on new resources that will be of value to you throughout the year
http://www.rain.org/video-magazine/CME-videos.html
The Continuing Medical Education Video Center is a growing web site with new video units added regularly. Current videos include materials on Autism Treatment, Dental Varnish Information, Hansen Developmental Screening, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Developmental Screening, and TCRC Developmental Screening.
New materials are added all the time so check into the CME Video web often.
===============================================================
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/peds-menu.html
PEDS Materials (Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status).
Includes an Introduction to PEDS along with the complete PEDS Response Form, Scoring Form and Supplemental Measures.
==============================================================
http://www.rain.org/video-magazine/
The MedMall Video Magazine is a Telemedicine Video web site from the Landon Pediatric Foundation with a wide variety of video units. Visit this month to see the full Ventura First Five Developmental Screening and Autism Seminar on Internet Video.
The MedMall Telemedicine Video Magazine provides access to Internet Video units on many other topics and is updated on a regular basis. Visit often.
==========================================================
=================================================================================
New Family Support Services Referral
Family Support Specialists are available to provide support to parents and families with children birth to five Years of age who do not qualify for early intervention services.
In addition, family support specialists are available to help support and assist parents in advocating for their child's developmental needs and accessing Community resources that can help improve their child's development. Please see the Referral form on the Littlesteps website at http://www.rain.org/littlesteps
.
The new Family Support Services Referral Form is attached for you to print out and use.
Call Delfina Zermeno in East County 6547632 and Shar Busch in West County 6547601 for information and referrals.
===================================================================================
Ventura County Medical Center Workshop on Autism - December 2008
Because services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are scarce, when children fail a broadband screening measure, providers need to carefully discern which children need ASD evaluations and which do not. This research considers how well a broadband screening test sorts those with and without probable ASD. The subjects were 427 children between 18 and 59 months of age with elevated risk scores on broadband screening, i.e., Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS), a 10-item measure eliciting parents' concerns.
Parents also completed the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), an autism specific screen.
The results showed that of the 427 children at risk on PEDS, 34% (N = 144) passed the M-CHAT. To determine whether these potential overreferrals could be reduced, parents' concerns on PEDS were used to predict M-CHAT results. Three or more discrete types of concerns, varying by age, characterized children who failed the M-CHAT while fewer than 3 were associated with passing.
This reduced overreferrals by 70% while maintaining high levels of sensitivity (81%).
Although compliance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for both broadband and autism-specific screening at 18 and 24 months is still recommended, viewing performance patterns on a broadband screening test can substantially reduce overreferrals to autism specialty services.
Go to the Littlesteps web site at
http://rain.org/littlesteps/VCMC_autism_presentation_2008.html
for all the Workshop information and materials.
==============================================================================
New this month - VCBH Interagency Screening Forms -
You can access the forms from the Littlesteps home page at http://www.rain.org/littlesteps or
Go straight to the forms at:
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/VCBH_interagency_forms.html
====================================================================================
Web sites to visit this month:
http://www.rain.org/pdcventura/ - Pediatric Diagnostic Center Web
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/easqq.pdf - Ages & Stages Questionnaire set and Scoring Sheets
http://www.rain.org/video-magazine - Telemedicine and Family Health Video Web
http://www.rain.org/dlt/health.html - RAIN Telemedicine Network Community Wellness Web
http://www.rain.org/dlt/wellness/ - Rural Community Wellness Web
=======================================================================================
There is a new Pre-Implementation Survey to review and fill out.
It is worth a $25 Starbuck's or your choice of gift card to fill out the survey. It will help focus your efforts and help us to
Think globally, act locally!
You can fill out the survey online, print and mail in or send by email.
Go to: http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/Pre-Imp-Survey.pdf to review and fill out the survey.
========================================================================================
A new DSS Algorithm - with valuable information to use as a handout for your practitioners and assistants is available on the
Littlesteps web site. Go to: http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/DSSalgorithm.pdf
========================================================================================
New Web site:
The Born Learning Web, from First 5 Ventura County and United Way of America.
Award-winning Born Learning tools were created by United Way of America, Civitas, Families and Work Institute and the Ad Council. Locally, United Way of Ventura County and First 5 Ventura County are partnering to help provide the tools to as many parents as possible.
You can get to the Born Learning web from the Littlesteps homepage at http://www.rain.org/littlesteps or go straight to http://www.vcbornlearning.org/doctors.asp
===============================================================================================
New videos are online from the FASD workshop in September. Visit the web site and hear the valuable discussions by:
* Dr. Edward Riley, (Prenatal Alcohol Exposure & Brain Development)
* Dr. Leslie Lynn Pawson, (Prenatal Screening, Assessment, Referral, and Treatment (SART)
* Dr. Paul Russell, (Prenatal Screening, Assessment, Referral, and Treatment (SART) and
* The Dependency Drug Court Team, (Systems and Supports in Ventura County)
(Susan Feldman, Carol Hughes, Susana Jegle, and Diane Emerick).
Go to : http://www.rain.org/video-magazine/FASD-september-2008.html to view the new videos.
To explore all our online Telemedicine Video resources go to: http://www.rain.org/video-magazine/
==========================================================================================
Brief video units from the September FASD workshop have been prepared to allow you to check out highlights from the workshop.
Click on the links below:
Dr. Edward Riley -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QifXEHD6pFs
Dr. Leslie Lynn Pawson -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vz3xIJF2TSM
Dr Paul Russell -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY7pwDzf9Z4
The Dependency Drug Court Team -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVCPH1cPupk
==========================================================================================
Visit the Little Steps web site to test out the new Synagis Referral Form.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the #1 cause of hospitalization in babies under a year. Our babies at developmental risk can be the most severely affected. We anticipate the need to protect high risk infants beginning with injections of Synagis in November to achieve protective levels by the start of the season and continue monthly through March.
The new Synagis Referral Forms allow you to prepare the forms online and submit them directly to the Pediatric Diagnostic Center or to print copies for use at your Office.
Go to: http://www.rain.org/Littlesteps/synagis-forms-2008.HTML to review the forms and try them out.
Be sure to check out the links on the Littlesteps web for valuable information on Synagis for Parents and Health Professionals.
===========================================================
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps - Ventura Littlesteps Web
The Little Steps web site, sponsored by a Ventura First 5 grant, provides quick access to the Ages & Stages Parents Workbook, in Spanish and English, to the Health Steps User Manual, the Physicians and Nurses Healthy Steps Workbook and the PEDS Workbook and Scoring Guide.
Materials are also available in Spanish at http://www.rain.org/los-pasitos/
Visit this web site often to check on new resources that will be of value to you throughout the year
http://www.rain.org/video-magazine/CME-videos.html
The Continuing Medical Education Video Center is a growing web site with new video units added regularly. Current videos include materials on Autism Treatment, Dental Varnish Information, Hansen Developmental Screening, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Developmental Screening, and TCRC Developmental Screening.
New materials are added all the time so check into the CME Video web often.
===============================================================
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps/peds-menu.html
PEDS Materials (Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status).
Includes an Introduction to PEDS along with the complete PEDS Response Form, Scoring Form and Supplemental Measures.
==============================================================
http://www.rain.org/video-magazine/
The MedMall Video Magazine is a Telemedicine Video web site from the Landon Pediatric Foundation with a wide variety of video units. Visit this month to see the full Ventura First Five Developmental Screening and Autism Seminar on Internet Video.
The MedMall Telemedicine Video Magazine provides access to Internet Video units on many other topics and is updated on a regular basis. Visit often.
==========================================================
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Health Care, Telemedicine and RAIN Network
RAIN Community Internet has worked to ensure new technology and new resources to every part of the community. RAIN's Education Network has taught over 25,000 K-12 public school students, trained over 900 teachers and created Distance Learning Programs for over 150 rural communities in California and the Southwest. In all of the rural communities RAIN works with Community Technology Advisory Councils (CTAC) have been created to involve rural area residents in the process of bringing new technology and resources to their communities. Each of those communities have also had Youth Technology Advisory Councils (YTAC's) creted to involve youth directly in the process of bringing Internet Technology to their home community.
RAIN's Central California Telemedicine Network has trained physicians and nurses in rural and urban communities throughout the western U.S. and has provided the Framework for projects in Belize, Ghana, Costa Rica and other developing regions.
Current Telemedicine Projects at RAIN Network are at:
http://www.rain.org/dlt/health.html
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps
http://www.rain.org/vide-magazine
http://www.rain.org/dlt/wellness/
Integrating Social Justice and Health Care has always been a primary focus of our work. The following is a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the issue of Social Justice and Health.
Social factors - rather than genetics - are to blame for huge variations in ill health and life expectancy around the world, a report concludes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has carried out a three-year analysis of the "social determinants" of health.
The report concludes "social injustice is killing people on a grand scale".
For instance, a boy living in the deprived Glasgow suburb of Calton will live on average 28 years less than a boy born in nearby affluent Lenzie.
The average life expectancy in London's wealthy Hampstead was 11 years longer than in nearby St Pancras.
The research also shows that a girl in the African country of Lesotho is, on average, likely to live 42 years less than a girl in Japan.
People need the opportunity, the possibility, to take control of their lives - but the conditions need to be right to allow them to do that
In Sweden, the risk of a woman dying during pregnancy and childbirth is one in 17,400, but in Afghanistan the odds are one in eight.
The report, drawn up by an eminent panel of experts forming the WHO's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, found that, in almost all countries, poor socioeconomic circumstances equated to poor health.
The differences were so marked that genetics and biology could not begin to explain them.
Toxic combination
The authors write: "(The) toxic combination of bad policies, economics, and politics is, in large measure responsible for the fact that a majority of people in the world do not enjoy the good health that is biologically possible."
The report calls for governments to consider how all their policies impact on health. It says that it is entirely possible to reduce health inequality within a relatively short period of time.
But it warns that, without action, injustice and inequality will only increase.
Sir Michael Marmot, chairman of the commission said : "There are examples where health inequalities have narrowed but, in too many cases, we have seen a widening.
"But that means the magnitude of inequalities is flexible - if the gap can widen, it can get narrower."
He said: "The key message of our report is that the circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age are the fundamental drivers of health, and health inequity."
"We rely too much on medical interventions as a way of increasing life expectancy."
"A more effective way of increasing life expectancy and improving health would be for every government policy and programme to be assessed for its impact on health and health equity; to make health and health equity a marker for government performance."
"People need the opportunity, the possibility, to take control of their lives - but the conditions need to be right to allow them to do that."
The report highlights education, affordable housing, management of access to unhealthy foods and social security protection as key.
It also said that governments should take action to ensure a living wage for workers, and working conditions that reduce work-related stress and ensure a healthy work-life balance.
RAIN's Central California Telemedicine Network has trained physicians and nurses in rural and urban communities throughout the western U.S. and has provided the Framework for projects in Belize, Ghana, Costa Rica and other developing regions.
Current Telemedicine Projects at RAIN Network are at:
http://www.rain.org/dlt/health.html
http://www.rain.org/littlesteps
http://www.rain.org/vide-magazine
http://www.rain.org/dlt/wellness/
Integrating Social Justice and Health Care has always been a primary focus of our work. The following is a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on the issue of Social Justice and Health.
Social factors - rather than genetics - are to blame for huge variations in ill health and life expectancy around the world, a report concludes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has carried out a three-year analysis of the "social determinants" of health.
The report concludes "social injustice is killing people on a grand scale".
For instance, a boy living in the deprived Glasgow suburb of Calton will live on average 28 years less than a boy born in nearby affluent Lenzie.
The average life expectancy in London's wealthy Hampstead was 11 years longer than in nearby St Pancras.
The research also shows that a girl in the African country of Lesotho is, on average, likely to live 42 years less than a girl in Japan.
People need the opportunity, the possibility, to take control of their lives - but the conditions need to be right to allow them to do that
In Sweden, the risk of a woman dying during pregnancy and childbirth is one in 17,400, but in Afghanistan the odds are one in eight.
The report, drawn up by an eminent panel of experts forming the WHO's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, found that, in almost all countries, poor socioeconomic circumstances equated to poor health.
The differences were so marked that genetics and biology could not begin to explain them.
Toxic combination
The authors write: "(The) toxic combination of bad policies, economics, and politics is, in large measure responsible for the fact that a majority of people in the world do not enjoy the good health that is biologically possible."
The report calls for governments to consider how all their policies impact on health. It says that it is entirely possible to reduce health inequality within a relatively short period of time.
But it warns that, without action, injustice and inequality will only increase.
Sir Michael Marmot, chairman of the commission said : "There are examples where health inequalities have narrowed but, in too many cases, we have seen a widening.
"But that means the magnitude of inequalities is flexible - if the gap can widen, it can get narrower."
He said: "The key message of our report is that the circumstances in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age are the fundamental drivers of health, and health inequity."
"We rely too much on medical interventions as a way of increasing life expectancy."
"A more effective way of increasing life expectancy and improving health would be for every government policy and programme to be assessed for its impact on health and health equity; to make health and health equity a marker for government performance."
"People need the opportunity, the possibility, to take control of their lives - but the conditions need to be right to allow them to do that."
The report highlights education, affordable housing, management of access to unhealthy foods and social security protection as key.
It also said that governments should take action to ensure a living wage for workers, and working conditions that reduce work-related stress and ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Our Time - Our History - Peace Studies for a new era in American History
We are moving into a new era in American History. The opportunity for reform and rebuild our Democracy is here now and RAIN Community Network is dedicated to providing the learning tools and technology to help in this ever so important rebirth of hope in our Country. Our Peace Studies online Campus is designed for families, young students and seniors. Peace Studies brings to life a part of History that is rarely discussed. It brings forward an untold part of History that we must know if Peace is to be a way of life. The Cultures of Peace have been a Big part of the story around the world. The History of Peace Studies and the Action of Peace Studies begins Now .
RAIN Network has developed a new Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Community Education Program and curricula which is available both online and as printed study guides and workbooks, in Spanish and English. Go to http://www.rain.org to review our work.
The Peace Studies, Social Justice and Conflict Resolution youth and community adult education classes offer a strong focus on peace education resources of value to regional Government Agency staff as well as to the community. The Peace Education Program strengthens peace education activities by providing new learning resources which teach ways to build and sustain peace, and establish a solid foundation of social justice
The curriculum accomplishes this by providing learning resources to reduce violence, enhance personal integrity and foster mutual respect. The intention of the Peace Studies program is to create a model of shared Peace Learning activities between rural communities in multiple Nations which we believe will then be expanded to create a Network of Peace and Conflict Education which draws on the skills, and experiences of rural community residents in many regions.
We believe that rural communities have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience which can add in a valuable way to Peace Studies work relevant to residents in rural and urban areas around the world.
The Peace Studies curriculum teaches Conflict Resolution and Prejudice Reduction. The curriculum includes Internet Video instructional units which involve participates in documenting issues which create an important focus on local success stories in peace making as well as creating visibility for issues of peace and social justice which need to be dealt with.
The curriculum makes materials available for teachers, military personnel and regional Government staff focused on the causes of violence within the community and the processes of peacemaking, and the conditions which make peace and social justice possible.
Participants not only learn important peace making and conflict resolution skills, they also go away from the study will new skills in Internet video development that will permit them to continue the work long after the grant is finished. The curriculum teaches problem-solving skills which can change the climate of their schools and neighborhood. The video and web materials provide the materials for people to use to then go out and teach their friends and family.
RAIN Network has delivered a Peace Education and Conflict Resolution curriculum to over 35,000 4th-12th grade students since 1995 through funding provided by the USDA, the U.S. Department of Education, and private Foundations. RAIN Network’s Peace Works Project has received poems and stories of peace learning from young students in 20 different countries since 2004. RAIN Network’s Peace and Social Justice Studies program features special units prepared with the assistance of Dr. Robert Muller, Dr. Harvey Wheeler and Dr. Chris Landon.
The Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies program introduces participants to the study of conflict transformation. The curriculum is designed to provide the practical tools needed to work on issues related to Peace and Social Justice as well as Conflict Resolution. Specifically, the curriculum introduces tools for the analysis of conflict, offers training in the methods of conflict resolution, imparts ethical, moral, and philosophical insights into the process of creating peaceful social change and provides opportunities for experiential learning through internships working with RAIN Network’s Youth Technology Corps creating video documentaries and serving as Mentors in their local communities.
The curriculum provides resources for the study of Conflict within the community along with the theory and practice of Conflict Resolution, and Nonviolent Social Change. Each unit of the curriculum is accompanied by a video unit presenting discussions and practical examples of the area being studied.
The curriculum has the ability to expand each participant's awareness and understanding of how the practice of nonviolence can dramatically improve the quality of their life. As each person incorporates the practice of nonviolence into their day-to-day approach to life, they impact their friends, family and their entire community. The guiding principle behind the curriculum is that Peace encompasses respect of self and others, co-operation, trust, non-violence and a sense of caring responsibility towards the earth and society.
An important value to the program is that through the video learning units there is a potential for positive impact on the wider community, outside of the classroom and home, to include State and Federal legislators, regional Government Staff and regional Peace Keeping agencies. The curriculum gives special attention to peace education for adults providing lessons in little-understood elements of human cooperation, such as trust, altruism, and sacrifice, as well as the study of how violent collective action is rationalized and routinized as nation-states conduct police actions within their own borders and war with other nations.
Peace Studies has been part of RAIN Network’s online learning curriculum since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as online and school learning tools and resources must include studies in the History of Peaceful Cultures and the Literature of Peace. Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of the traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, not “I wish we could” is the key here.
RAIN Community Network designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Let me share with you part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online class hosted by RAIN:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classrooms or homeschools. We will learn about Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "The History of Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important words like consensus can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn new words, new communication skills.
================================================================================
To explore our Peace Studies online class go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
To explore our class in Transcendentalism go to:
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/history/transcendentalism.html
Send email to rain@rain.org if you have questions or want to take part.
RAIN Network has developed a new Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Community Education Program and curricula which is available both online and as printed study guides and workbooks, in Spanish and English. Go to http://www.rain.org to review our work.
The Peace Studies, Social Justice and Conflict Resolution youth and community adult education classes offer a strong focus on peace education resources of value to regional Government Agency staff as well as to the community. The Peace Education Program strengthens peace education activities by providing new learning resources which teach ways to build and sustain peace, and establish a solid foundation of social justice
The curriculum accomplishes this by providing learning resources to reduce violence, enhance personal integrity and foster mutual respect. The intention of the Peace Studies program is to create a model of shared Peace Learning activities between rural communities in multiple Nations which we believe will then be expanded to create a Network of Peace and Conflict Education which draws on the skills, and experiences of rural community residents in many regions.
We believe that rural communities have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience which can add in a valuable way to Peace Studies work relevant to residents in rural and urban areas around the world.
The Peace Studies curriculum teaches Conflict Resolution and Prejudice Reduction. The curriculum includes Internet Video instructional units which involve participates in documenting issues which create an important focus on local success stories in peace making as well as creating visibility for issues of peace and social justice which need to be dealt with.
The curriculum makes materials available for teachers, military personnel and regional Government staff focused on the causes of violence within the community and the processes of peacemaking, and the conditions which make peace and social justice possible.
Participants not only learn important peace making and conflict resolution skills, they also go away from the study will new skills in Internet video development that will permit them to continue the work long after the grant is finished. The curriculum teaches problem-solving skills which can change the climate of their schools and neighborhood. The video and web materials provide the materials for people to use to then go out and teach their friends and family.
RAIN Network has delivered a Peace Education and Conflict Resolution curriculum to over 35,000 4th-12th grade students since 1995 through funding provided by the USDA, the U.S. Department of Education, and private Foundations. RAIN Network’s Peace Works Project has received poems and stories of peace learning from young students in 20 different countries since 2004. RAIN Network’s Peace and Social Justice Studies program features special units prepared with the assistance of Dr. Robert Muller, Dr. Harvey Wheeler and Dr. Chris Landon.
The Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies program introduces participants to the study of conflict transformation. The curriculum is designed to provide the practical tools needed to work on issues related to Peace and Social Justice as well as Conflict Resolution. Specifically, the curriculum introduces tools for the analysis of conflict, offers training in the methods of conflict resolution, imparts ethical, moral, and philosophical insights into the process of creating peaceful social change and provides opportunities for experiential learning through internships working with RAIN Network’s Youth Technology Corps creating video documentaries and serving as Mentors in their local communities.
The curriculum provides resources for the study of Conflict within the community along with the theory and practice of Conflict Resolution, and Nonviolent Social Change. Each unit of the curriculum is accompanied by a video unit presenting discussions and practical examples of the area being studied.
The curriculum has the ability to expand each participant's awareness and understanding of how the practice of nonviolence can dramatically improve the quality of their life. As each person incorporates the practice of nonviolence into their day-to-day approach to life, they impact their friends, family and their entire community. The guiding principle behind the curriculum is that Peace encompasses respect of self and others, co-operation, trust, non-violence and a sense of caring responsibility towards the earth and society.
An important value to the program is that through the video learning units there is a potential for positive impact on the wider community, outside of the classroom and home, to include State and Federal legislators, regional Government Staff and regional Peace Keeping agencies. The curriculum gives special attention to peace education for adults providing lessons in little-understood elements of human cooperation, such as trust, altruism, and sacrifice, as well as the study of how violent collective action is rationalized and routinized as nation-states conduct police actions within their own borders and war with other nations.
Peace Studies has been part of RAIN Network’s online learning curriculum since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as online and school learning tools and resources must include studies in the History of Peaceful Cultures and the Literature of Peace. Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of the traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, not “I wish we could” is the key here.
RAIN Community Network designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Let me share with you part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online class hosted by RAIN:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classrooms or homeschools. We will learn about Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "The History of Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important words like consensus can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn new words, new communication skills.
================================================================================
To explore our Peace Studies online class go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
To explore our class in Transcendentalism go to:
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/history/transcendentalism.html
Send email to rain@rain.org if you have questions or want to take part.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Our Time - Our History - Peace Studies Now - a new study program on the RAIN Network -
Peace Studies brings to life a part of History that is rarely discussed. It brings forward an untold part of History that we must know if Peace is to be a way of life. The Cultures of Peace have been a Big part of the story around the world. The History of Peace Studies and the Action of Peace Studies begins Now .
RAIN Network has developed a new Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Community Education Program and curricula which is available both online and as printed study guides and workbooks, in Spanish and English. Go to http://www.rain.org to review our work.
The Peace Studies, Social Justice and Conflict Resolution youth and community adult education classes offer a strong focus on peace education resources of value to regional Government Agency staff as well as to the community. The Peace Education Program strengthens peace education activities by providing new learning resources which teach ways to build and sustain peace, and establish a solid foundation of social justice
The curriculum accomplishes this by providing learning resources to reduce violence, enhance personal integrity and foster mutual respect. The intention of the Peace Studies program is to create a model of shared Peace Learning activities between rural communities in multiple Nations which we believe will then be expanded to create a Network of Peace and Conflict Education which draws on the skills, and experiences of rural community residents in many regions.
We believe that rural communities have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience which can add in a valuable way to Peace Studies work relevant to residents in rural and urban areas around the world.
The Peace Studies curriculum teaches Conflict Resolution and Prejudice Reduction. The curriculum includes Internet Video instructional units which involve participates in documenting issues which create an important focus on local success stories in peace making as well as creating visibility for issues of peace and social justice which need to be dealt with.
The curriculum makes materials available for teachers, military personnel and regional Government staff focused on the causes of violence within the community and the processes of peacemaking, and the conditions which make peace and social justice possible.
Participants not only learn important peace making and conflict resolution skills, they also go away from the study will new skills in Internet video development that will permit them to continue the work long after the grant is finished. The curriculum teaches problem-solving skills which can change the climate of their schools and neighborhood. The video and web materials provide the materials for people to use to then go out and teach their friends and family.
RAIN Network has delivered a Peace Education and Conflict Resolution curriculum to over 35,000 4th-12th grade students since 1995 through funding provided by the USDA, the U.S. Department of Education, and private Foundations. RAIN Network’s Peace Works Project has received poems and stories of peace learning from young students in 20 different countries since 2004. RAIN Network’s Peace and Social Justice Studies program features special units prepared with the assistance of Dr. Robert Muller, Dr. Harvey Wheeler and Dr. Chris Landon.
The Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies program introduces participants to the study of conflict transformation. The curriculum is designed to provide the practical tools needed to work on issues related to Peace and Social Justice as well as Conflict Resolution. Specifically, the curriculum introduces tools for the analysis of conflict, offers training in the methods of conflict resolution, imparts ethical, moral, and philosophical insights into the process of creating peaceful social change and provides opportunities for experiential learning through internships working with RAIN Network’s Youth Technology Corps creating video documentaries and serving as Mentors in their local communities.
The curriculum provides resources for the study of Conflict within the community along with the theory and practice of Conflict Resolution, and Nonviolent Social Change. Each unit of the curriculum is accompanied by a video unit presenting discussions and practical examples of the area being studied.
The curriculum has the ability to expand each participant's awareness and understanding of how the practice of nonviolence can dramatically improve the quality of their life. As each person incorporates the practice of nonviolence into their day-to-day approach to life, they impact their friends, family and their entire community. The guiding principle behind the curriculum is that Peace encompasses respect of self and others, co-operation, trust, non-violence and a sense of caring responsibility towards the earth and society.
An important value to the program is that through the video learning units there is a potential for positive impact on the wider community, outside of the classroom and home, to include State and Federal legislators, regional Government Staff and regional Peace Keeping agencies. The curriculum gives special attention to peace education for adults providing lessons in little-understood elements of human cooperation, such as trust, altruism, and sacrifice, as well as the study of how violent collective action is rationalized and routinized as nation-states conduct police actions within their own borders and war with other nations.
Peace Studies has been part of RAIN Network’s online learning curriculum since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as online and school learning tools and resources must include studies in the History of Peaceful Cultures and the Literature of Peace. Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of the traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, not “I wish we could” is the key here.
RAIN Community Network designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Let me share with you part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online class hosted by RAIN:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classrooms or homeschools. We will learn about Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "The History of Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important words like consensus can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn new words, new communication skills.
================================================================================
To explore our Peace Studies online class go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
To explore our class in Transcendentalism go to:
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/history/transcendentalism.html
Send email to rain@rain.org if you have questions or want to take part.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 4:36 PM 0 comments
Labels: conflict resolution, peace studies, peaceful cultures, transcendentalism
Friday, December 21, 2007
Peace Studies
Winter Solstice 2007 -
Peace Studies as part of your Community Network Information Framework - Make that Your New Year’s Wish.
Winter Solstice and Christmas 2007 is an important time to discuss Peace with your Friends and Family and to take actions that will ensure Peace Studes becomes part of our School’s Curriculum and part of our Personal Study each week.
Peace Studies has part of RAIN Network’s online learning campus since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as easily available learning tools and resources, (the same as we expect to have schools, libraries and parks). Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of a traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, now “I wish we could” is the key there.
We designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Hear is a part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online campus:
Through out history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classroom or homeschool, Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
To explore our Peace Studies online campus go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 2:14 PM 0 comments
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Our Time - Our History - Peace Studies Now
Peace Studies brings to life a part of History that is rarely discussed. It brings forward an untold part of History that we must know if Peace is to be a way of life. The Cultures of Peace have been a Big part of the story around the world. The History of Peace Studies and the Action of Peace Studies begins Now .
Peace Studies has been part of RAIN Network’s online learning curriculum since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as online and school learning tools and resources must include studies in the History of Peaceful Cultures and the Literature of Peace. Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of the traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, not “I wish we could” is the key here.
RAIN Community Network designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Let me share with you part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online class hosted by RAIN:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classrooms or homeschools. We will learn about Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "The History of Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important words like consensus can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn new words, new communication skills.
================================================================================
To explore our Peace Studies online class go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
To explore our class in Transcendentalism go to:
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/history/transcendentalism.html
Send email to rain@rain.org if you have questions or want to take part.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 4:36 PM 0 comments
Labels: conflict resolution, peace studies, peaceful cultures, transcendentalism
Friday, December 21, 2007
Peace Studies
Winter Solstice 2007 -
Peace Studies as part of your Community Network Information Framework - Make that Your New Year’s Wish.
Winter Solstice and Christmas 2007 is an important time to discuss Peace with your Friends and Family and to take actions that will ensure Peace Studes becomes part of our School’s Curriculum and part of our Personal Study each week.
Peace Studies has part of RAIN Network’s online learning campus since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as easily available learning tools and resources, (the same as we expect to have schools, libraries and parks). Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of a traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, now “I wish we could” is the key there.
We designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Hear is a part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online campus:
Through out history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classroom or homeschool, Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary, (words) in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important “words” can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn "new words".
Our “Vocabulary of Peace” related words will increase and with the new vocabulary / new words will come an important growth in our ability to "talk about" and "ask questions" about Peace.
To explore our Peace Studies online campus go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 11:58 AM 0 comments
Labels: christmas, community internet, community networks, peace, peace studies, peaceworks, winter solstice
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Peace Studies and Community Networks
Peace Studies is part of our Community Network Information Framework.
Since 1994 we have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
What does a Community Network have to do with Peace Studies?
First, and perhaps most importantly, we provide an online resources center and learning campus that can be used by anyone. We also teach Technology Literacy classes which focus on learning about the “Framework” which goes to make up our Communities idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as easily available learning tools and resources, (like schools, libraries and parks and online web sites that link small business, local government and health resources together in one place). We study ways in which a communities "technology framework" or "technology plan" can include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School classes and adults.
Community Networks are always working to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help strengthen local communication and learning, to help re-weave the fabric of the Community in a ways that ensure sustainability and communication.
We have seen many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss plans and ideas about the future of our “community”. 21st Century Community Planning and Design must include these kinds of ideas.
We created both peace studies and conflict resolution study units for our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Here is a part of the Introduction to the Peace Studies online campus:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible. To understand that Peace has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classroom or homeschool, Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary, (words) in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important “words” can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn "new words".
Our “Vocabulary of Peace” related words will increase and with the new vocabulary / new words will come an important growth in our ability to "talk about" and "ask questions" about Peace.
The Peace Studies class goes on to teach students about the History of the Peace Movement, about the importance of Transcendentalism in American history and much more.
To explore our Peace Studies online campus go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 6:30 PM 0 comments
Friday, September 14, 2007
Building an Internet Bridge - Part 5 - Community Wellness and Health
Building an Internet Bridge – Part 5
Community Wellness, what does your Community Internet Network have to do with community health and wellness?
An Important part of the RAIN Network is our Central California Telemedicine Network. The Network coordinates Telemedicine Services to rural communities and low income urban areas not currently receiving regular Clinic or telemedicine services.
From the earliest days of our Community Internet projects, when the influence of the old BBS approach was still strong, there has been an organic understanding that one of the purposes of this new technology is to improve the quality of peoples lives, starting with improved Health and Wellness information access along with improved use of telemedicine as a means to ensure low income, seniior and family health care is always there, no matter how rural or how inner city.
RAIN Network’s highly innovative Rural Community Telemedicine Project puts its focus on the preparation of an effective Community and Neighborhood level Health Resource, with a strong focus on Health Information for schools, families, seniors and migrant farm workers. Special work on emerency preparation at the Community Level (for issues such as an avian flu pandemic) makes RAIN’s Rural Community Health Education and Telemedicine program very important. We work to establish a distance education program designed for K-12 Schools which will ensure access to vital school information as well as daily learning resources for student and family use in the event of school closures. The RAIN Telemedicine Network links over 24 clinics together and gives everyone in the community a better way to access health resources, wellness video and learning materials and much more.
RAIN Network’s Central California Rural Health Care Network has developed a Rural Health GIS maping system. The GIS system has been used to map clinics, public housing, schools and rural community information during 5 USDA funded telemedicine and distance learning grant projects and is designed to make use of new API’s and media interface tools which create a highly innovative, interactive GIS data system allowing physicians, nurses and other rural health care professionals to make real-time updates to the GIS data-sets from rural locations as well as to gather information. Most importantly, because “community” level use has been central to our GIS planning we have development GIS mapping systems which permit regular end user input, so rural community residents or community residents can input data for specific mapping projects. The GIS system has become a two way, highly interact tool.
We believe the preparation of a solid Telemedicine Application Framework which outlines methods to be used to coordinate Telemedicine applications and health information distribution to Rural Communities, including very rural seniors, farm and ranch workers and families is essential and projects completed by RAIN Internet provide excellent, working models which are easy to follow in setting up new rural and urban community Internet networks.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 6:19 PM 1 comments
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Building an Internet Bridge Part 4 - Creating Community Technology Centers
Building an Internet Bridge – part 4 –
Creating Community Technology Centers which ensured Free Public Access for the Community.
We have been discussing the Framework which RAIN Network was establishing in the early 1990's to help define the National development of Community oriented Internet Networks or “FreeNets”.
That first Framework for Community Internet was made of these parts:
•Services to Small Farms, (early Ag-Tourism efforts, Small Farm online marketing)
•Services to community non-profits and community government
•Distance learning services for public schools, charter schools and home schools
•Telemedicine services for rural and chronically underserved urban seniors, families, and youth.
•Services to community Small Business to build new e-commerce skills
•Community Technology Literacy Skills development
•Services to non-English language speaking community residents
To help make these services available and understood in the Community RAIN Internet hosted technology skills classes and provided online access at Farmers Markets, Schools and Senior Centers on site using the Network’s Internet Bus. The Internet Bus was developed through USDA funding, designed to provide a mobile Computer learning lab with solar panels on the roof of the bus providing power and a satellite dish on the roof providing Internet connectivity.
The idea was to have a local Community Technology Lab and a mobile Tech Lab that could get out to those in our Community who did not have transportation to get to the Lab.
For 11 years, from 1994 to 2005, RAIN’s Community Technology Center in Santa Barbara, California, U.S., provided a model for other communities to follow in setting up an effective, well used Community Technology Learning Lab, library and meeting place used by over 500 non-profit organizations, over 2000 local small businesses as well as by families, teaches, seniors and youth, as a place to come to get online, learning about the Internet and build Technology Literacy Skills. The Santa Barbara RAIN Community Internet Lab was the Training Lab for Teachers, Physicians, Small Business owners and students.
Community Technology Centers are as important to every town and city as Public Libraries are. They provide a place where low income families, seniors, youth, (basically, anyone in the community who needs it) can come for free Internet Access and regular Technology Literacy Skills classes.
The Community Tech Centers are as important for the growth of American Technology as access to adequate bandwidth for rural areas. They ensure that the Internet becomes something regular folks understand. It is important to remember that each Community Technology Center in the United States and Europe represents a point of Free Access for members of the community who might not otherwise have that access. In a time when we see the U.S. Justice Department saying 2 Tier Internet is ok it becomes all the more essential that we provide free points of access to members of the Community who need it.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 2:40 PM 0 comments
Monday, September 3, 2007
What does Your Community Internet have to do with your Schools?
RAIN Community Internet worked with Homeplanet.net to create Camp Internet in 1994. Camp Internet is an online learning campus with classes and study programs for everyone from 4th grade through Adult Life Long Learning which has received a Smithsonian Institution Technology Innovation Award. Special study areas like Linux for High Schoolers and Adults, Ancient Southwest History, the History of the California Channel Islands, GIS data mapping, and Exploring the California BackCounty are just part of the new resources found within the Camp Internet online campus. Bi-lingual picture books in many study areas are available for younger students to give them access to all the exciting resources available for older students.
Our Camp Internet program is one of the strongest examples of the positive impact a regional non-profit Community Internet can have. Through Camp Internet and a valued series of grants from the USDA Rural Utilities Service, we have been able to train Teachers each year dramatically improving Technology Literacy Skills at all the schools we work with. Since 1998 over 25,000 4th - 12th grade students have used Camp Internet for at least one full year of curriculum support.
Go to:
http://www.campinternet.net to explore this innovative and valuable example of the services provided by your Community Internet Network.
Go to:
http://www.rain.org/campinternet/2007-2008/briefing-back-to-school-aug-20-2007.html
to read the Back To School Briefing for 2007.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 12:45 PM 0 comments
Labels: community internet, homeschool, online learning, rural
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RAIN Network has developed a new Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Community Education Program and curricula which is available both online and as printed study guides and workbooks, in Spanish and English. Go to http://www.rain.org to review our work.
The Peace Studies, Social Justice and Conflict Resolution youth and community adult education classes offer a strong focus on peace education resources of value to regional Government Agency staff as well as to the community. The Peace Education Program strengthens peace education activities by providing new learning resources which teach ways to build and sustain peace, and establish a solid foundation of social justice
The curriculum accomplishes this by providing learning resources to reduce violence, enhance personal integrity and foster mutual respect. The intention of the Peace Studies program is to create a model of shared Peace Learning activities between rural communities in multiple Nations which we believe will then be expanded to create a Network of Peace and Conflict Education which draws on the skills, and experiences of rural community residents in many regions.
We believe that rural communities have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience which can add in a valuable way to Peace Studies work relevant to residents in rural and urban areas around the world.
The Peace Studies curriculum teaches Conflict Resolution and Prejudice Reduction. The curriculum includes Internet Video instructional units which involve participates in documenting issues which create an important focus on local success stories in peace making as well as creating visibility for issues of peace and social justice which need to be dealt with.
The curriculum makes materials available for teachers, military personnel and regional Government staff focused on the causes of violence within the community and the processes of peacemaking, and the conditions which make peace and social justice possible.
Participants not only learn important peace making and conflict resolution skills, they also go away from the study will new skills in Internet video development that will permit them to continue the work long after the grant is finished. The curriculum teaches problem-solving skills which can change the climate of their schools and neighborhood. The video and web materials provide the materials for people to use to then go out and teach their friends and family.
RAIN Network has delivered a Peace Education and Conflict Resolution curriculum to over 35,000 4th-12th grade students since 1995 through funding provided by the USDA, the U.S. Department of Education, and private Foundations. RAIN Network’s Peace Works Project has received poems and stories of peace learning from young students in 20 different countries since 2004. RAIN Network’s Peace and Social Justice Studies program features special units prepared with the assistance of Dr. Robert Muller, Dr. Harvey Wheeler and Dr. Chris Landon.
The Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies program introduces participants to the study of conflict transformation. The curriculum is designed to provide the practical tools needed to work on issues related to Peace and Social Justice as well as Conflict Resolution. Specifically, the curriculum introduces tools for the analysis of conflict, offers training in the methods of conflict resolution, imparts ethical, moral, and philosophical insights into the process of creating peaceful social change and provides opportunities for experiential learning through internships working with RAIN Network’s Youth Technology Corps creating video documentaries and serving as Mentors in their local communities.
The curriculum provides resources for the study of Conflict within the community along with the theory and practice of Conflict Resolution, and Nonviolent Social Change. Each unit of the curriculum is accompanied by a video unit presenting discussions and practical examples of the area being studied.
The curriculum has the ability to expand each participant's awareness and understanding of how the practice of nonviolence can dramatically improve the quality of their life. As each person incorporates the practice of nonviolence into their day-to-day approach to life, they impact their friends, family and their entire community. The guiding principle behind the curriculum is that Peace encompasses respect of self and others, co-operation, trust, non-violence and a sense of caring responsibility towards the earth and society.
An important value to the program is that through the video learning units there is a potential for positive impact on the wider community, outside of the classroom and home, to include State and Federal legislators, regional Government Staff and regional Peace Keeping agencies. The curriculum gives special attention to peace education for adults providing lessons in little-understood elements of human cooperation, such as trust, altruism, and sacrifice, as well as the study of how violent collective action is rationalized and routinized as nation-states conduct police actions within their own borders and war with other nations.
Peace Studies has been part of RAIN Network’s online learning curriculum since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as online and school learning tools and resources must include studies in the History of Peaceful Cultures and the Literature of Peace. Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of the traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, not “I wish we could” is the key here.
RAIN Community Network designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Let me share with you part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online class hosted by RAIN:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classrooms or homeschools. We will learn about Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "The History of Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important words like consensus can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn new words, new communication skills.
================================================================================
To explore our Peace Studies online class go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
To explore our class in Transcendentalism go to:
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/history/transcendentalism.html
Send email to rain@rain.org if you have questions or want to take part.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 4:36 PM 0 comments
Labels: conflict resolution, peace studies, peaceful cultures, transcendentalism
Friday, December 21, 2007
Peace Studies
Winter Solstice 2007 -
Peace Studies as part of your Community Network Information Framework - Make that Your New Year’s Wish.
Winter Solstice and Christmas 2007 is an important time to discuss Peace with your Friends and Family and to take actions that will ensure Peace Studes becomes part of our School’s Curriculum and part of our Personal Study each week.
Peace Studies has part of RAIN Network’s online learning campus since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as easily available learning tools and resources, (the same as we expect to have schools, libraries and parks). Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of a traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, now “I wish we could” is the key there.
We designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Hear is a part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online campus:
Through out history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classroom or homeschool, Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
To explore our Peace Studies online campus go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 2:14 PM 0 comments
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Our Time - Our History - Peace Studies Now
Peace Studies brings to life a part of History that is rarely discussed. It brings forward an untold part of History that we must know if Peace is to be a way of life. The Cultures of Peace have been a Big part of the story around the world. The History of Peace Studies and the Action of Peace Studies begins Now .
Peace Studies has been part of RAIN Network’s online learning curriculum since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as online and school learning tools and resources must include studies in the History of Peaceful Cultures and the Literature of Peace. Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of the traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, not “I wish we could” is the key here.
RAIN Community Network designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Let me share with you part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online class hosted by RAIN:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classrooms or homeschools. We will learn about Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "The History of Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important words like consensus can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn new words, new communication skills.
================================================================================
To explore our Peace Studies online class go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
To explore our class in Transcendentalism go to:
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/history/transcendentalism.html
Send email to rain@rain.org if you have questions or want to take part.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 4:36 PM 0 comments
Labels: conflict resolution, peace studies, peaceful cultures, transcendentalism
Friday, December 21, 2007
Peace Studies
Winter Solstice 2007 -
Peace Studies as part of your Community Network Information Framework - Make that Your New Year’s Wish.
Winter Solstice and Christmas 2007 is an important time to discuss Peace with your Friends and Family and to take actions that will ensure Peace Studes becomes part of our School’s Curriculum and part of our Personal Study each week.
Peace Studies has part of RAIN Network’s online learning campus since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as easily available learning tools and resources, (the same as we expect to have schools, libraries and parks). Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of a traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, now “I wish we could” is the key there.
We designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Hear is a part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online campus:
Through out history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classroom or homeschool, Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary, (words) in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important “words” can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn "new words".
Our “Vocabulary of Peace” related words will increase and with the new vocabulary / new words will come an important growth in our ability to "talk about" and "ask questions" about Peace.
To explore our Peace Studies online campus go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 11:58 AM 0 comments
Labels: christmas, community internet, community networks, peace, peace studies, peaceworks, winter solstice
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Peace Studies and Community Networks
Peace Studies is part of our Community Network Information Framework.
Since 1994 we have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
What does a Community Network have to do with Peace Studies?
First, and perhaps most importantly, we provide an online resources center and learning campus that can be used by anyone. We also teach Technology Literacy classes which focus on learning about the “Framework” which goes to make up our Communities idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as easily available learning tools and resources, (like schools, libraries and parks and online web sites that link small business, local government and health resources together in one place). We study ways in which a communities "technology framework" or "technology plan" can include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School classes and adults.
Community Networks are always working to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help strengthen local communication and learning, to help re-weave the fabric of the Community in a ways that ensure sustainability and communication.
We have seen many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss plans and ideas about the future of our “community”. 21st Century Community Planning and Design must include these kinds of ideas.
We created both peace studies and conflict resolution study units for our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Here is a part of the Introduction to the Peace Studies online campus:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible. To understand that Peace has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classroom or homeschool, Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary, (words) in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important “words” can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn "new words".
Our “Vocabulary of Peace” related words will increase and with the new vocabulary / new words will come an important growth in our ability to "talk about" and "ask questions" about Peace.
The Peace Studies class goes on to teach students about the History of the Peace Movement, about the importance of Transcendentalism in American history and much more.
To explore our Peace Studies online campus go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 6:30 PM 0 comments
Friday, September 14, 2007
Building an Internet Bridge - Part 5 - Community Wellness and Health
Building an Internet Bridge – Part 5
Community Wellness, what does your Community Internet Network have to do with community health and wellness?
An Important part of the RAIN Network is our Central California Telemedicine Network. The Network coordinates Telemedicine Services to rural communities and low income urban areas not currently receiving regular Clinic or telemedicine services.
From the earliest days of our Community Internet projects, when the influence of the old BBS approach was still strong, there has been an organic understanding that one of the purposes of this new technology is to improve the quality of peoples lives, starting with improved Health and Wellness information access along with improved use of telemedicine as a means to ensure low income, seniior and family health care is always there, no matter how rural or how inner city.
RAIN Network’s highly innovative Rural Community Telemedicine Project puts its focus on the preparation of an effective Community and Neighborhood level Health Resource, with a strong focus on Health Information for schools, families, seniors and migrant farm workers. Special work on emerency preparation at the Community Level (for issues such as an avian flu pandemic) makes RAIN’s Rural Community Health Education and Telemedicine program very important. We work to establish a distance education program designed for K-12 Schools which will ensure access to vital school information as well as daily learning resources for student and family use in the event of school closures. The RAIN Telemedicine Network links over 24 clinics together and gives everyone in the community a better way to access health resources, wellness video and learning materials and much more.
RAIN Network’s Central California Rural Health Care Network has developed a Rural Health GIS maping system. The GIS system has been used to map clinics, public housing, schools and rural community information during 5 USDA funded telemedicine and distance learning grant projects and is designed to make use of new API’s and media interface tools which create a highly innovative, interactive GIS data system allowing physicians, nurses and other rural health care professionals to make real-time updates to the GIS data-sets from rural locations as well as to gather information. Most importantly, because “community” level use has been central to our GIS planning we have development GIS mapping systems which permit regular end user input, so rural community residents or community residents can input data for specific mapping projects. The GIS system has become a two way, highly interact tool.
We believe the preparation of a solid Telemedicine Application Framework which outlines methods to be used to coordinate Telemedicine applications and health information distribution to Rural Communities, including very rural seniors, farm and ranch workers and families is essential and projects completed by RAIN Internet provide excellent, working models which are easy to follow in setting up new rural and urban community Internet networks.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 6:19 PM 1 comments
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Building an Internet Bridge Part 4 - Creating Community Technology Centers
Building an Internet Bridge – part 4 –
Creating Community Technology Centers which ensured Free Public Access for the Community.
We have been discussing the Framework which RAIN Network was establishing in the early 1990's to help define the National development of Community oriented Internet Networks or “FreeNets”.
That first Framework for Community Internet was made of these parts:
•Services to Small Farms, (early Ag-Tourism efforts, Small Farm online marketing)
•Services to community non-profits and community government
•Distance learning services for public schools, charter schools and home schools
•Telemedicine services for rural and chronically underserved urban seniors, families, and youth.
•Services to community Small Business to build new e-commerce skills
•Community Technology Literacy Skills development
•Services to non-English language speaking community residents
To help make these services available and understood in the Community RAIN Internet hosted technology skills classes and provided online access at Farmers Markets, Schools and Senior Centers on site using the Network’s Internet Bus. The Internet Bus was developed through USDA funding, designed to provide a mobile Computer learning lab with solar panels on the roof of the bus providing power and a satellite dish on the roof providing Internet connectivity.
The idea was to have a local Community Technology Lab and a mobile Tech Lab that could get out to those in our Community who did not have transportation to get to the Lab.
For 11 years, from 1994 to 2005, RAIN’s Community Technology Center in Santa Barbara, California, U.S., provided a model for other communities to follow in setting up an effective, well used Community Technology Learning Lab, library and meeting place used by over 500 non-profit organizations, over 2000 local small businesses as well as by families, teaches, seniors and youth, as a place to come to get online, learning about the Internet and build Technology Literacy Skills. The Santa Barbara RAIN Community Internet Lab was the Training Lab for Teachers, Physicians, Small Business owners and students.
Community Technology Centers are as important to every town and city as Public Libraries are. They provide a place where low income families, seniors, youth, (basically, anyone in the community who needs it) can come for free Internet Access and regular Technology Literacy Skills classes.
The Community Tech Centers are as important for the growth of American Technology as access to adequate bandwidth for rural areas. They ensure that the Internet becomes something regular folks understand. It is important to remember that each Community Technology Center in the United States and Europe represents a point of Free Access for members of the community who might not otherwise have that access. In a time when we see the U.S. Justice Department saying 2 Tier Internet is ok it becomes all the more essential that we provide free points of access to members of the Community who need it.
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 2:40 PM 0 comments
Monday, September 3, 2007
What does Your Community Internet have to do with your Schools?
RAIN Community Internet worked with Homeplanet.net to create Camp Internet in 1994. Camp Internet is an online learning campus with classes and study programs for everyone from 4th grade through Adult Life Long Learning which has received a Smithsonian Institution Technology Innovation Award. Special study areas like Linux for High Schoolers and Adults, Ancient Southwest History, the History of the California Channel Islands, GIS data mapping, and Exploring the California BackCounty are just part of the new resources found within the Camp Internet online campus. Bi-lingual picture books in many study areas are available for younger students to give them access to all the exciting resources available for older students.
Our Camp Internet program is one of the strongest examples of the positive impact a regional non-profit Community Internet can have. Through Camp Internet and a valued series of grants from the USDA Rural Utilities Service, we have been able to train Teachers each year dramatically improving Technology Literacy Skills at all the schools we work with. Since 1998 over 25,000 4th - 12th grade students have used Camp Internet for at least one full year of curriculum support.
Go to:
http://www.campinternet.net to explore this innovative and valuable example of the services provided by your Community Internet Network.
Go to:
http://www.rain.org/campinternet/2007-2008/briefing-back-to-school-aug-20-2007.html
to read the Back To School Briefing for 2007.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Timothy Tyndall at 12:45 PM 0 comments
Labels: community internet, homeschool, online learning, rural
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Thursday, January 17, 2008
Our Time - Our History - Peace Studies Now
Peace Studies brings to life a part of History that is rarely discussed. It brings forward an untold part of History that we must know if Peace is to be a way of life. The Cultures of Peace have been a Big part of the story around the world. The History of Peace Studies and the Action of Peace Studies begins Now .
Peace Studies has been part of RAIN Network’s online learning curriculum since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as online and school learning tools and resources must include studies in the History of Peaceful Cultures and the Literature of Peace. Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of the traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, not “I wish we could” is the key here.
RAIN Community Network designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Let me share with you part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online class hosted by RAIN:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classrooms or homeschools. We will learn about Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "The History of Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important words like consensus can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn new words, new communication skills.
================================================================================
To explore our Peace Studies online class go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
To explore our class in Transcendentalism go to:
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/history/transcendentalism.html
Send email to rain@rain.org if you have questions or want to take part.
Peace Studies has been part of RAIN Network’s online learning curriculum since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as online and school learning tools and resources must include studies in the History of Peaceful Cultures and the Literature of Peace. Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of the traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, not “I wish we could” is the key here.
RAIN Community Network designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Let me share with you part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online class hosted by RAIN:
Throughout history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classrooms or homeschools. We will learn about Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "The History of Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important words like consensus can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn new words, new communication skills.
================================================================================
To explore our Peace Studies online class go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
To explore our class in Transcendentalism go to:
http://www.rain.org/homeschool/history/transcendentalism.html
Send email to rain@rain.org if you have questions or want to take part.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Peace Studies
Winter Solstice 2007 -
Peace Studies as part of your Community Network Information Framework - Make that Your New Year’s Wish.
Winter Solstice and Christmas 2007 is an important time to discuss Peace with your Friends and Family and to take actions that will ensure Peace Studes becomes part of our School’s Curriculum and part of our Personal Study each week.
Peace Studies has part of RAIN Network’s online learning campus since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as easily available learning tools and resources, (the same as we expect to have schools, libraries and parks). Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of a traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, now “I wish we could” is the key there.
We designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Hear is a part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online campus:
Through out history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classroom or homeschool, Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary, (words) in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important “words” can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn "new words".
Our “Vocabulary of Peace” related words will increase and with the new vocabulary / new words will come an important growth in our ability to "talk about" and "ask questions" about Peace.
To explore our Peace Studies online campus go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
Peace Studies as part of your Community Network Information Framework - Make that Your New Year’s Wish.
Winter Solstice and Christmas 2007 is an important time to discuss Peace with your Friends and Family and to take actions that will ensure Peace Studes becomes part of our School’s Curriculum and part of our Personal Study each week.
Peace Studies has part of RAIN Network’s online learning campus since 1994.
We have been building Peace Studies resources and hosting a yearly Peace Poems Project which has students from around the world sharing poems about Peace.
If you have a Poem or Story to share or want to read what others have sent in from around the world go to: http://www.rain.org/campinternet/peaceworks/ to take part in our PeaceWorks Project.
You may ask what does a Community Internet Network have to do with Peace Studies?
Its simple. The “Framework” which goes to make up a Community’s idea, (or Ideal), of what everyone should expect as far as easily available learning tools and resources, (the same as we expect to have schools, libraries and parks). Community Education Programs, Public Schools and Afterschool Programs must include Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Studies, for young students, High School students and adults.
As we have sought to find ways to make use of new technology in order to help re-weave the fabric of a traditional, sustainable, American Community, we have seen many, many times how important it is that we help create an expectation of “sustainability” and an expectation of “peace” when we discuss the future of our “community”. Expectation, now “I wish we could” is the key there.
We designed both peace studies and conflict resolution study units into our Smithsonian Award winning Camp Internet online program and our online HomeSchool program.
Hear is a part of the introduction to the Peace Studies online campus:
Through out history People have always had to deal with problems of war and violence.
Today we deal with these kind of problems not only between Countries around the world but also in our neighborhoods and schools.
The Camp Internet Peace Studies Class will give you the Background, Vocabulary and Historical Insight to understand that peace is possible, that it has often been the normal condition of things.
During our study we will work to build skills which we can apply, in our classroom or homeschool, Tools which will help make each of us better able to facilitate or make possible Peaceful Communication and Interaction, (between different peoples and between people and the earth they walk on).
Your study of Peace this year is divided into 2 main units.
First is "Peace Studies". This unit involves history, art and literature, economics and agriculture.
The second part of your Peace Studies is called "Conflict Resolution".
This unit involves the study of why and how to engage in Consensus decision making as well as how and when to engage in conflict resolution or mediation. Useful skills at school, in the community and at home.
Some of the vocabulary, (words) in our Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution classes will be complex words like "consensus". We’ll learn how important “words” can be in building peace. During our studies we will all learn "new words".
Our “Vocabulary of Peace” related words will increase and with the new vocabulary / new words will come an important growth in our ability to "talk about" and "ask questions" about Peace.
To explore our Peace Studies online campus go to http://www.rain.org/peace-studies.
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