Virtual Learning Environments

1. Description of the Project
The objective of this project is to work with Bushwick Impact (BI) to create a program for distributing weekly text message updates to the families serviced by BI. The organization seeks to provide updates to the families regarding activities and events at the Center. In addition, they’re interested in gathering information via surveys from the families regarding the quality of their services and if they require additional services.

2. Obstacles
Initially the target had been Globalhood Potential but due to various barriers we had to move on. Once we identified Bushwick Impact as the new target for the project, a series of technical and financial obstacles arose.

The first challenge was that the organization’s current information management system does not have the capability to handle mobile so we had to find a service suitable for the project.

Also, BI explained that most of their families have very limited cell phone plans that charge exorbitant amounts for text messaging. Therefore, we needed to find a system that would facilitate reimbursing the participants by tracking how many and to whom the messages have been sent.

3. Progress-to-date
After exploring numerous options with no success, we’ve started conversations with a new company called Tatango, an online-based text messaging service that allows people to create groups to send text messages to from a computer or a phone. The software can manage thousands of text messages and allows the sender to track who is receiving messages while protecting the user from receiving unnecessary messages, or violating their privacy. Tatango is currently Beta testing.

Bushwick Impact is in the process of identifying a core group of individuals that are willing and able to participate in the project.

In order for the project to be sustainable, what do we foresee will need to happen within the nonprofit?

1. Partnerships – Bushwick Impact will need to reach out to and establish partnerships with organizations or corporations that can provide specific resources for them. For example, a partnership with a cell phone provider that can provide telecommunications at a discounted cost or for free. If and when the project grows they will need such a partnership, or one that is strictly financial support, in order to keep up with the financial constraints.
2. Media savvy staff members and/or volunteers – The non-profit will need staff members and volunteers that have some knowledge on how to manage whatever tool will be used for the project. It would be more efficient to have members who are media savvy and can handle the project than train every staff member.
3. Member based marketing – There will need to be a consistent effort encouraging the participants to share the program with other families. The success of the project as an effective tool in the community will be if it can expand the family base-which will happen through viral, organic marketing… peer-to-peer as it were.

Originally from http://domrepmobiletxt.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/bushwick-impact-update-project-final-report/