Get Involved

Please join us at our weekly meetings Monday’s at 7 pm in room 306 of the Engineering Science Building (map) on campus.  There is street parking available on Dean Keaton or on San Jacinto Blvd., however if you would like to attend a meeting for the first time feel free to email Jesethdv@mail.utexas.edu ahead of time to get a phone number to call for directions.

This semester, members of EWB-GA have been communicating with the workers of the computer center regularly via email. They have been trying to find areas in which the system can be improved. Additionally, EWB-GA has been trying to identify ways in which this business can be made sustainable using information obtained from community members about usage patterns. In the summer of 2010, a group of students will travel to San Miguel to check on the system and implement these improvements. On this trip, EWB-GA plans to travel to a nearby community, Las Norias, on an exploratory trip. They plan on identifying contacts and community leaders in Las Norias since it is a possible next community. However, EWB-GA will wait a period of at least 6 months before moving on to the next communities to ensure the pilot system is successful and self-sustaining.

Education Subgroup

The education subgroup is working on compiling educational materials for both San Miguel and future systems. They are researching in what ways the teachers of the community can incorporate the computer center into the existing curriculum to improve the education in the community.  They are also preparing educational materials on computer basics for community members to learn how they can use the system. These materials range from hard copy manuals to video tutorials. They are creating user friendly workshops that illustrate in what ways the internet and computers can be used to help community members.

The education subgroup is also putting a lot of emphasis into the sustainability of the project. They are in communication with the workers in the San Miguel system in order to monitor usage patterns, and improve the existing systems logistical limitations.

Systems Subgroup

The systems subgroup focuses on the electrical and computer system. They find ways to ensure the computer and electrical system are sustainable, equitable, and economical. They have been working with industry experts and UT-faculty to ensure all their calculations and assumptions are feasible.  They also have been researching software and hardware for both existing and future systems.