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History

Widening Our World (WOW)

     The WOW program was created to take Internet and other technology instruction to interested communities. This program, funded by the U S WEST/Qwest endowment, QWEST Advancement of Technology Literacy, remains a part of the Technology Literacy Center coordinated by MAST at the University of Northern Colorado.

     Through the WOW Program we have educated over 150,000 people in 500+ communities across the western United States to use the Internet and its resources to communicate and quickly find information they need.

History of WOW by Lori Reinsvold

     Since 1993, the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) and the U S WEST Foundation have partnered on many technology outreach programs: U S WEST Tech Academies, Connecting Teachers, and U S WEST Teacher Network, MAST Hotline.

     In May 1996, UNC and the Foundation joined again to deliver the Widening Our World (WOW) Outreach Program across U S WEST service territory. The program would provide communities with free hands-on classes on how to navigate the Web. It began in Cortez, Colorado - the home town of Jane Prancan, Executive Director, U S WEST Foundation, and visionary of the program. The program began with one large RV that carried three UNC staff and equipment to communities. WOW classes were conducted in a variety of facilities across Colorado. Educators, small business members, librarians, ranchers, families, senior citizens, and children came to take the many WOW classes. The news of the team's success spread and requests began pouring in from the other 13 U S WEST service states.

     By Fall of 1997, the UNC staff had served communities in Colorado, Iowa, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Arizona. WOW intern teams were established and teaching in Montana (University of Montana), Idaho (Boise State University), Georgia (Georgia State University), Minnesota (University of St. Thomas) and Nebraska (University of Nebraska - Lincoln). Each intern team received orientation from the UNC staff on how to deliver the WOW curriculum and manage a 14 laptop LAN. The teams were equipped with a mini van, curriculum materials, a laptop LAN, and daily support from the UNC team.

     By Fall of 1998, teams of instructors were also serving communities in Washington (Gonzaga University), Oregon (UNC staff), Arizona (UNC staff), New Mexico (UNC staff), Utah (Utah State University), Wyoming (University of Wyoming), and South Dakota (Dakota State University). In the Summer of 1999, North Dakota interns from North Dakota State began visiting communities. By January 2000, every U S WEST state had a team. Interns from the University of Northern Iowa served Iowa, and Oregon had an intern team from Portland Community College. An intern team from UNC was serving Colorado.

     The success of the program can be measured in a variety of ways. A successful measure for the U S WEST Corporation was established when U S WEST conducted marketing surveys before and after the WOW visits. It was found that communities' knowledge of U S WEST and WOW increased after the WOW visits. Another mark of success was that over 145,000 people in 500+ communities in U S WEST's 14 states received free hands-on classes. Many of these communities asked the team for return visits. Lastly, the UNC staff has been invited to give numerous presentations and workshops on the program throughout the region and the nation.

     WOW was a success due to the significant investment of funds and marketing materials from U S WEST Foundation - over $5 million for the 5-year program. Success comes from dedication and hard work. The UNC WOW Staff has spent tireless hours developing a variety of Web navigation. Microsoft Office, Web Site Development, and Graphic editing curriculum so that they and the interns could deliver fresh and innovative classes. The staff researched and developed wired and wireless laptop LANs so classes could be conducted in any setting. Time has been dedicated to developing and providing interactive Web sites for participants of classes, dissemination of the program, and communication among the staff. UNC and U S WEST created a strong foundation and working partnership for a very successful program.

     In summer of 2000, U S WEST merged with Qwest. At that time it was learned that Qwest would not support the program with funding. The intern teams completed their work in their states in December of 2000. The UNC WOW staff is currently serving communities in Colorado with hopes to continue the successful technology outreach program through other funding sources.