Unfortunately even to the end we were not able to take a look at the computer give-away sessions, where we may be able to see how the teaching session is done. But from staff's description, we can imagine how it works out.

The training session, which also serve to hand over these refurbished computer, is one of the three fundamental ideas of this non-profit organization. They are three goals that this and other similar organizations are hoping to achieve. One, reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste. Two, to increase access to computing and communication technologies. Three, to provide education, training, and job skills. The third goal, is where the training session comes in.

In the current world's workforces, basic computing and telecommunication skills have become common place, some even necessitate it. People who fall on the wrong side of the digital divide soon found themselves in difficult situations. As technologies in work places changes rapidly in response to the worldwide standard. Often times, people who can not adapt to these changes are laid off. Also, there are people who can not afford to acquire new technology as it is often times come at a price. A price tag high enough to turn away people who struggle to get a living.

This training session offered by our Service Partner is an attempt to give those people a second chance. It is most unfortunate that we were not in time to get to see one in action, but we did learn a lot during the weeks we attend their work sessions.

After one is able to refurbish one computer, repeating the steps to go through another one become as easy as a breeze. Up to now our work in the service have been very simple, yet several unique problems did arise that require assistance from Service Partner (in our case, Jon and Terry). During those times it may be instead of helping we are hindering the progress. In the beginning several of us work on a single computer, then once we are more familiar with the process, one computer for each of us. Overall it was a great experience, and may continue to go visit their workshop afterwords.

Planet Geek's time table is set to that whenever 16 computer is refurbished. They will bring it to the local food bank and have a session. Notices will be given to people who have interest in acquiring a free computer. There will be steps taken to ensure that these computers will be put into the hands of those who really needs them. This was suggested by our staffs when we meet to discuss how this Service Learning is going to work out. At the end we very much have overrun our goal. We have 16 computers ready before the staff's expected date and a few more are underway.

Concerning the digital divide, there are not too many surprises for me. Due to my father's profession, I am constantly in touch with the recent development in technology. Yet there are other relatives who does not the same access to technology as I do. This was around a decade ago when I had no conscious idea about digital divide. Therefor my knowledge of it is quite vague due to drawing it from past experience. This service learning experience brings me a more precise image of what digital divide looks like.