La Familia

 

La Familia is designed to break the digital divide in the Hispanic community. This event is hosted by the University of Arizona and carried out by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE/UA). The program aims to expose parents with limited resources to the advances of cyberspace and technology. Perhaps this event only provides a small window to the digital revolution, but it will definitely open their curiosity to venture in this essential way of life. Awareness of computer advances also allows parents to better relate to their children, hence making a stronger "familia". Most of all, it intends to make them realize that despite the fact that they did not have the facilities to learn about technology, they must make every attempt to advance forward in this competitive daying age.

 

Parents, mainly of Hispanic heritage, attend workshops and perform hands-on activities. The activities focus on the productive use of a computer. We hope to let them realize the powerful tool that this device epitomizes. Program facilitators teach them basic computer skills such as the use of Microsoft programs, Internet, and e-mail. They are exposed to simple tasks, from things like using a mouse, to more complicated activities, such as reading from USBs, installing programs, loading sound from Internet and DVD and, most importantly, getting familiar with the basic components of a computer.