CSR as a movement is increasingly causing a convergence of corporate and social interests. That convergence is offering opportunities for corporations to increasingly leverage their expertise to benefit communities. Intel is no exception. For the last five years, a small part of out CSR programs called community solutions is creating positive impacts in communities around the world. This video showcases an example wherein Intel CSR efforts helped make the largest hospital in northern Israel make patients more comfortable. Take a look.
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia — Vadim Bulavinov, the local mayor, got the vision. So inspired was he by our technology solution, he committed to deploying it across the city’s entire Medical Emergency Dispatch Office.
What kind of solution could prompt such a response? One that saves lives. Intel and Start Telecom, with support from Nizhny City Hall showed the mayor last month how the city’s Medical Emergency Office and emergency room doctors could communicate and share patient medical status in real time over a new WiMAX communication network. The pilot demonstration illustrated how real time patient status delivered prior to patient arrival could save time and increase the chance of saving lives.
Mayor Bulavinov said he was highly impressed with the demonstration and praised Intel and Start Telecom for their commitment to their CSR focus. Then he committed to deploy the network to all 107 ambulances in the city’s emergency response fleet.
"This project was an interesting one," said Evgeny Zakablukovsky, Intel Corporate Affairs Manager for Russia. "Our team worked with our colleagues from Start Telecom to make sure the demonstration worked flawlessly. Because of that we can now use this technology to begin saving lives here in Nizhny. The mayor’s response is proof of the technology’s real benefit potential."
SDEROT, Israel — A massive amount of media coverage heralded the launch of a city–wide WiMAX network here making this Negev region city Israel’s first ever WiMAX community. The project supports a regional effort to transform the Negev region into a focus of advanced technology.
Intel, telecom company 012 Smile and WiMAX provider Alvarion collaborated on the project. Israel’s Ministry of Communications also was involved. The state–of–the–art Internet technology now enables local residents to enjoy wireless broadband surfing and provide Internet access to many public institutions, including kindergartens and schools. Internet service was available to some of these institutions prior to the wireless service, but extending that technology city–wide was problematic. This venture represents a strategy to expand WiMAX services globally.
The project includes a fixed WiMAX component that provides extensive coverage, enabling wireless transmission and supporting a range of additional services, such as voice, data and Internet. An additional mobile WiMAX wireless component allows mobile wireless communication in the area of Sapir College and the Sha’ar Hanegev regional council. Intel has donated dozens of laptops to those bodies as part of the project.
After a press conference announcing the WiMAX project last month dozens of media representatives filed news stories all of which enhanced Intel’s Corporate Social Responsibility reputation. Media coverage promoting Intel’s social commitments is the ultimate goal of every Community Solutions project. Intel and regional dignitaries also were on hand and had positive things to say about the project.
Dan Eldar, head of Intel's design center in Israel where the WiMax technology is being developed, expressed Intel’s pleasure in supporting the launch. "We’re pleased to have an opportunity to join in this venture," he said. "It is well known that Intel is uncompromising in its commitment to supporting the community. This project gives us a chance to combine state–of–the–art technological products and components developed at our development centers in Haifa and Petach Tikva, such as chip kits for WiFi and Mobile WiMAX technologies, and the processors that operate the computers donated for the purpose. Together, all these modules enable fast wireless Internet access over a large area."
Eli Moyal, Mayor of Sderot, added the government perspective: "I applaud the initiative of connecting Sderot’s kindergartens to wireless Internet via WiMAX and placing us at the forefront of local populations by offering this advanced technology, the first project of its kind in Israel. We look forward to the long–term success of the venture and to seeing it expand in the near future so as to benefit additional populations in Sderot and throughout the region, who will likewise have a chance to enjoy broadband wireless access."
Broadband wireless access isn’t the only thing being provided. Other organizations are supplying content relevant to students and other users. The Center for Educational Technology (MATACH) donated a year's free access to the site "Maya's Secret," an educational MATACH site for ages 4–7 that includes early reading, math, games, artwork, etc., and the Second Authority for Television and Radio donated access to the existing mast at the Sapir College campus on which the project transmission equipments was installed.
MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — More than a year ago, Community Solutions began working with the school district here to make 21st Century education a reality in this Northeastern town. Today that reality is coming to fruition.
In early 2007, Intel donated $45,000 to the district which bought six teachers laptops, 20 student laptops and 2 Smart boards. The district matched that with a $35,000 cash injection to cover professional development and software and hardware purchases. The district’s alternative school, which focuses on the town’s at risk students was first to benefit from the technology enrichment including the often touted 1:1 computing experience.
But a progress report last month shows that the project has done much more than benefit students and teachers at the school. It has also changed the way teaching is done.
Robert Richardson, Intel East Coast Education Manager, sums it up: "The teachers have adopted the tools into their curriculum in a significant way and are infusing their curriculum with technology."
So successful was that initial project that this year, the school superintendent with Intel’s help is planning a district–wide program to enable students to acquire 21st Century skills. Intel will provide a small professional development program for the administrative team, Intel Teach for teachers, and a $50,000 technology grant to build on the success in the alternative school at the high school. Over the next three years, the city plans to use a $200,000 bond issue each year to expand the model that Intel starts in 2008.
"[We are] fortunate to have an ongoing partnership with Intel," said Mary E. Carlson, principle of the high school here. "As an educational partner Intel has provided us with the Intel – Teach to the Future program, a mobile lab for our science department, sponsored faculty members at the International Science Fair as participants and presenters, supports our annual science and technology fair, and now Intel has made a significant donation to our alternative high school. Our staff and students [using] the technology in every class from major academic to graphic arts…We can already see students’ success as a direct result of the technology. Intel’s support of the Program is allowing us to prepare our students for their future."
Technology boosts "harmonious business development"
OSA PENINSULA, Costa Rica — Intel announced in December 2007 an advanced technology donation and Internet center as part of a Community Solution project designed to help balance business development and biodiversity in this biodiverse region of Costa Rica.
Almost three percent of the biodiversity of the world and near 50 percent of the total species of Costa Rica live on this land mass known as the "Peninsula of the Bear" or Osa. The technology center is being used by NGOs working in the area on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development as well as micro–industrialists here who are developing their businesses in sustainable ways.
Intel volunteers also committed to 300 voluntary working hours to teach to the people in the area to use the new computers.
The center comprises four late–model notebook computers with wireless Internet, loudspeakers, microphones and printers. Internet connectivity is being provided free by Costa Rican telco Radiográfica (Racsa). It is expected that more than 30 micro–industrialists of the zone and their families will use the center.
Patricia Chico, Costa Rica ComSol Champion said the center is one way of reducing the brain drain occurring in the area. "[The region needed this project] because young people went away from the Osa because they did not find development opportunities here. But that’s changing."
According to news reports the project already has attracted 14 new entrepreneurs and officials expect an additional 15 more. (translated from Costa Rican media reports via Babelfish*)
Chinese farmers being displaced by urbanization may soon cultivate a different kind of crop: new livelihoods, thanks to Intel corporation.
Rapid urbanization is transforming the Chinese landscape. With China’s growing prosperity, more people are moving from Eastern China to coastal cities. They are seeking jobs, excitement and a share of China’s prosperous future.
But that migration is creating a land shortage. The people moving to the cities need housing, but there’s not enough. To build new housing the government needs land. So, the urban centers are expanding. As they do, agricultural land becomes housing and farmers get displaced, leaving them with no livelihood.
In Chengdu, more than 30,000 farmers were displaced to make way for urbanization plans in the last few years. And while the government has been successful reemploying the majority of them, more than 4,000 farmers this year find themselves sitting idle in high–rise apartments, with nothing to do for the first time in their lives.
Enter Intel Corporation.
"Our first response was to see if we could employ some of the farmers at our campus here," said Henry Gui, Community Relations Manager in Chengdu, home for one of Intel’s Assembly Test plants in China. "But we realized we would need a better solution."
The better solution is as ambitious as the government’s urbanization efforts. First it seeks to create immediate revenue–producing opportunities for the farmers by matching their existing skills and talents with community needs. Next, it takes advantage of the community technology center (CTC) model to provide skill enhancement, and educational opportunities. Finally it plans to organize a community, created by and for the farmers, so they can network, support one another and collectively work together to take advantage of opportunity.
It’s an ambitious plan that presents equally onerous obstacles. But CAG employees are optimistic as is Intel’s fellow traveler in the project: U.S. Based non–governmental organization (NGO) One Global Economy (OGE).
OGE brings community development expertise honed in the U.S. and around the world. Its parent organization, One Economy (OE), is well–known for developing ICT programs and internet–based content that inspires and empowers the poor. More than 80,000 PCs have found their way into U.S. households through its programs, says One Economy. And OE’s popular The Beehive web portals have been visited by millions of people in the U.S. and other countries.
Moustafa Mourad, OGE director, explains his agency’s contribution. "We’re really using age–old community development strategies to match the farmers’ skills with the community’s needs," he said. "This skill mapping will drive economic development at the most basic level. For example, women farmers who have raised and fed their family or cared for children can be employed as caterers or childcare workers; farmers, who are good with their hands may be employable as assemblers or textile workers, the idea here is to capture skills immediately transferable to income creation. But we first have to identify the community demand for such skills."
"The CTC will act as a hub to match people with opportunities as well as provide access to both our content and content generated by the users. Our Beehive content has been proven to be successful not only in the U.S. but in Jordan, Turkey, and South Africa. Similar culturally appropriate education and community content can be leveraged to increase community cohesion and inspire individuals to learn, explore and even generate their own relevant content. We can only speculate how this plan will help them transform their lives at this point, but I’ve been in community development for years and this process is proven."
In addition to OGE content, community development efforts and the CTC concept, Intel is bringing a variety of training that anticipates and addresses issues the community will face as it integrates the farmers. Taken together, this menu of services, technologies and community development plans creates what local government leaders are calling a "science and technology model community," where citizens have access to a host of resources and information literally at their fingertips.
"All parts of our community involvement programs will be used to help [the farmers]," Henry explained. "Intel Education, Intel Involved, Intel University, our business groups and our volunteers all have a role to play in creating the community government leaders envision."
So far the solution concept has been warmly welcomed by Chinese officials. The solution team — Intel CAG, World Ahead, and OGE — is preparing a formal proposal to deliver in Q4. Henry says this is an important project with long–term implications.
"There are many cities in China that will soon face the same problem Chengdu faces," he said. "I want to get this right. If we’re successful, it could be replicated in every one of those cities."
And with that replication many more farmers, like the ones in Chengdu, will also have a new crop to cultivate: their future.
Kindergarteners benefit from it though they can’t spell it
They may not understand it or even know its helping them, but parents and teachers will know that their children are benefiting from a free–access WiMAX network connecting 28 kindergarten schools, one elementary school and one college in Israel’s Sderot area.
Intel CAG, telecom 012 and Alvarion are jointly developing a first–of–its–kind in Israel, wireless network using fix & mobile WiMAX technology. The project is an extension of Intel’s WiMAX technology development, but with an added twist: thanks in part to Alvarion telephony solutions, the project will provide free–access, high–speed internet connectivity to dozens of kindergarten schools in the Sderot region.
According to Raviv Melamed, Intel Mobile Wireless Group general manager, the project’s community component supports Intel’s commitment to being an asset to its communities in Israel.
"Within Intel's commitment to the community, we are happy to take part in this initiative, which includes advanced technological products and components developed in Intel's development centers in Haifa and Petach Tikva," he said. "The Wi–Fi chipsets and the Mobile WiMAX technologies provide fast wireless communication in wide coverage areas. Intel, which leads in the development of chipsets according to the standards of broadband wireless communication, ascribes a great deal of importance to the fact that it has the capability to contribute to the advancement of education in Sderot."
Intel is contributing dozens of mobile computers with WiMAX communications cards to equip the schools. Intel and its partners are also examining additional possibilities for exploiting the technologies, among them, providing network cameras that will allow parents to keep an eye on their children in kindergarten and ensure their welfare.
Computing compassion helps families deal with death
ComSol Champion Tammy Matzlavi proudly shows off network signage of the new wireless connection at the hospice
Technology is cold and hard. It’s language logic–driven. But a ComSol project in Israel is showing that even ones and zeros, the binary language of computing, can generate not only logical outputs, but compassion too.
CAG, IT@intel and telecommunications company Kavei Zahav 012, provided free wireless Internet access in Tel Hashomer hospital’s cancer ward to help families deal with the grief and loneliness that surrounds caring for a dying loved one. The project stemmed from ComSol Champion Tammy Matzlavi’s personal experience caring for her dying mother at the hospital’s hospice care center.
"My late mother lived in the hospice for about a month," said Tammy. "When you stay with a loved one in such a difficult situation, you don't want to leave his or her bedside. Happily, Intel permitted me to stay with my mother for many weeks. During the long hours that my mother was under sedation or sleeping, I lacked the possibility of hooking up to the Internet — to take a break, to keep up to date, and to stay in touch with work. Family members visiting other patients felt the same way."
Intel developed a telephonic infrastructure — something that was not available in that location — and wireless Internet access that could cover the hospice facility. Once deployed, family members not only could use the network to bide time during their vigil, they also could keep in touch with family members who could not be there in person.
Shmulik Ben Tal, the hospice head nurse, thanked Intel and Kavei Zahav for the contribution. "We have a growing need on the part of the families to hook up to the Internet and work during the long days they spend here. [Intel’s] contribution is so welcome — words can't express my gratitude."
Technology’s language may be ones and zeros, but projects like these demonstrate the warmer side of a cold, hard technology.
Sick Serbian children may someday thank an unusual collaboration between two National Basketball Association (NBA) stars and Intel for a community solution that could mean a quicker recovery.
Vlade Divac
Peja Stojakovic
Peja Stojakovic, who currently plays NBA basketball for the New Orleans Hornets, is working with Intel’s Digital Health Platform Group and Community Solutions to fund and develop a telemedicine solution connecting up to three Serbian hospitals via an internet–based voice,
video and data telemedicine solution.
Vlade Divac, former Los Angeles Lakers star also joined the effort. Both NBA stars have children foundations that have joined as well. Should the project be successful, doctors at participating hospitals will be able to collaborate on complex pediatric cases thereby increasing the capacity of Serbia’s healthcare system to care for some of the country’s most precious resources: its children.
"We’re still developing the details but we have an agreement with Peja and Vlade," said Teri Munger, California ComSol champion. "We’re ready to take the next, most significant step, which is to see if the Serbian government will support the project."
Intel’s Digital Health Platform Group is contributing heavily to the project. Telemedicine expert and Intel employee Daniel Kurywchak has lent his lab’s support and plans to do much of the pre–assessment himself. DHeG will perform on site assessments and doctor interviews to determine needs and focus areas. The solution will then be custom–tailored to these needs. An in–country system integrator will do the actual install.
The solution will require fiber connectivity between the hospitals enabling real–time voice, data and video transmission. Kurywchak estimates the in–hospital technology component to cost around $40K per hospital, but the extra cost for between–hospital connectivity will have to be covered by the government. That step has yet to be taken.
"It’s a worthwhile project that I hope gets off the ground," Kurywchack said. "It could really make a difference. With Peja and Vlade involved, we have a very good chance of seeing this happen. But at this point it really depends on the government."
Intel® architecture brings Snoozelen* to Ireland nursing home
A nursing home in Ireland is expanding and part its expansion includes an unusually named, Intel–enabled method for treating mental disorders such as dementia and epilepsy.
Intel Ireland Community Affairs, Intel’s Innovation Center and Intel’s Information Technology teams worked with Rye Vale Nursing Home officials in Leixlip to design a three–phase, IT infrastructure that includes a wireless security network nurses will use to remotely monitor patients; e–health platforms allowing seamless medical record storage, sharing and maintenance; an e–community providing digital entertainment, online shopping and IP based telephony; and wireless IT–based security features on doors and windows as well as wearable technology that allows nurses to keep track of patients moving through the facility.
Interior of a Snoozelen room. (Photo Credit: Cyriellie - 29 Sept 2006)
"The rooms are very individual in that the technology stores a profile on each person; their various likes and dislikes are noted in terms of music, food, colors, etc., so they can be used to calm the patients if they are agitated or aggressive," said O’Hara. "We have found that by playing their favorite song or reminding them of something they once loved to do, we can change their mood entirely."
Research shows Snoozelen therapy increases patient reception to treatment, increases communication between caregiver and patient and reinforces trust between caregivers and those in their charge.
"This is exciting because Intel Ireland volunteers installed the equipment that makes this modern therapy possible," said ComSol Champion Lisa Harlow. "The nursing home is excited about the total IT solution we’re helping to design and deploy and we’re excited Intel technology is being used to deliver this advanced mental health therapy model."
Eileen Gallagher owns Rye Vale Nursing Home and she agrees. "The technology here is facilitating our care levels immensely. The wireless internet access, web cams allowing patients to speak to relatives… it makes a huge difference."
Renovations were complete early this summer and residents are being moved into the new wing which houses the Snoozelen rooms. After a few months, Snoozelen therapy may not be so novel here, but thanks to IA, the results will still be as great as its name is unusual.
Project Update: Successful SME Boot Camp to expand in Philippines
Supporters of the Intel – Cavite Chamber of Commerce and Industry Small and Medium Enterprise Boot Camp in the Philippines have had such success, the training has been slated for a wider roll out. After its successful run last quarter, the technology training for Philippine SMEs
has attracted attention of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce which wants to replicate the project across its chapters. The roll–out is expected to begin during the third quarter, so more Philippine business owners will have access to training and technology that will enhance their
business success. Congratulations to the Philippine ComSol team for their outstanding result!
Ireland Community Solutions helps launch new major computing initiative
In Ireland nearly 4 out of every 10 homes don’t have a computer or internet connectivity. But a new Intel–led initiative underway intends to change that.
In April 2007, the Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, launched a Home Computing Initiative to make it easier for people – particularly those who are not familiar with technology – to purchase a home computer tailored to their unique needs.
The initiative includes three available package options:
Plan A (Getting Started) – for people who want to do basic things like write letters, browse the internet, use e–mail or do on–line transactions.
Plan B will do all that Plan A does but its additional memory is designed for those who want home entertainment and home business functions – like downloading music, advanced photo or video editing and running powerful of business software.
Plan C is aimed at those who want superior performance.
Each package will offer everything the user needs including hardware (a PC or laptop), software, virus protection & support. Each includes a three year warranty and three year virus protection. Group purchase schemes will also be available.
Welcoming the Initiative Prime Minister Ahern said "Whether you're young or old computers and the internet enable you to participate in the knowledge society and so enjoy benefits such as cheap and efficient communications, an information resource second to none that can be used for education, research, leisure, entertainment or news. Nearly 4 homes in 10 in Ireland don't have computers. This means that many people are being excluded from the knowledge society. This initiative is designed to make it easier for people to acquire computers suited to their needs. The packages on offer will be explained in a user friendly way and avoid focusing on technical jargon".
Information society Minister Tom Kitt said anyone who wants to participate in the knowledge society should be able to do so – whatever their age or background. The Intel–led home computing initiative will help overcome impediments that are preventing some people from having that opportunity.
Famous Native American inspires telemedicine solution
He inspired a famous photographer, the United States Marine Corps, a Clint Eastwood movie, even Johnny Cash. Now Ira Hayes – a Native American hero – is inspiring an Intel–technology–based healthcare treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among U.S. Iraqi war veterans living in Sandoval County, New Mexico.
Sandoval County is not only home of Intel’s Rio Rancho site. More than 10,000 U.S. veterans also live here. The majority of these veterans live in rural New Mexico – on reservations, small towns, and ranches. More than ten percent of those veterans suffer from PTSD and are at risk of not getting treatment were it not for a collaboration among local county health clinics, the University of New Mexico Center for Telehealth, Intel and the state of New Mexico. This team is designing a rural telemedicine solution that will provide direct PTSD treatment through Intel Architecture–enabled video–conferencing that uses the Internet to connect mental health providers with veterans living in rural communities.
"This pilot project is important because there are a large number of people in New Mexico suffering from this disorder," said Terry McDermott, Intel Community Affairs Group government affairs manager. "Our national fighting men deserve this kind of treatment no matter where they live. This solution has the potential of addressing a growing national problem. Intel’s behind it and it’s starting right here in Sandoval County."
The project is getting strong support from nearly everyone who hears about it says McDermott, however there are challenges. One of these is cost reimbursement for the those treating PTSD sufferers. Organizations facing budget challenges often cut unfunded programs first so, finding a way to pay for providers’ time is important. McDermott says this is getting prompt attention.
The Ira Hayes project was named after one of the five U.S. Marines and one Navy Corpsman famously photographed raising the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi in the World War II Battle of Iwo Jima. Hayes returned from the war a national hero, but depression, alcoholism and run ins with the law marred his life before he was found dead in a ditch on a reservation. His life experience is immortalized not only in the critically acclaimed Clint Eastwood movie “Flag of Our Fathers,” which is based on the book of the same name by James Bradley, but also in a song recorded by Johnny Cash. Hayes suffered from PTSD, a common disorder affecting combat veterans and other people who undergo traumatic, life–threatening events. Today, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, 7.7 million Americans suffer from PTSD.
Intel silicon is playing a vital role preserving Leatherback Turtle populations on the Costa Rican beach of Playa Grande. Intel Costa Rica donated three Intel® architecture–based PCs and two Intel architecture–based notebook computers to the Leatherback Trust Foundation so its scientists can collect daily information on the turtles' nesting behaviors. The computers are linked via wireless network, allowing direct and immediate data capture on location.
Just three decades ago more than a thousand turtles—hundreds of them nightly—made their way to the sandy shores of Playa Grande to lay their eggs. But things have changed. These days, scientists are impressed if little more than 100 turtles arrive each season.
Because of their dwindling numbers, detailed records are kept on how many turtles show up each season. Scientists also collect eggs from their nests to ensure every egg produces a turtle, and that every turtle survives long enough to get back to open waters.
Mother turtles returning to the nesting areas are equipped with microchips scientists use to record their identities during egg collection. Their egg–laying adventure leaves them in a trance, so the turtles do not notice the scientists collecting their eggs nor the hundreds of people who visit the beach each season to witness the egg-laying event. Scientists use the new mobile technology to instantly record data on each returning mother, including her size and number of eggs she lays.
Leatherback Turtles are the largest aquatic turtles. They live between 26 and 40 years and spend most of their lives in the cold waters off the Chilean coast. Females return every three or four years to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs.
"It's very exciting to see our technology being put to this use," said Patricia Chico. –It's nice to know our technology is serving to preserve this amazing animal."
ComSol joins Philippine bank in serving small business
In the fourth quarter of 2006 GM Bank, a rural bank in Central Luzon, offering financing to micro-entrepreneurs, launched its newest product—the computer assistance loan package. The package is designed primarily for small and medium scale entrepreneurs like farmers, market retailers, traders, vendors, etc., which make up the majority of the bank's customers. While the package does enable small businesses access to power computing tools, GM Bank's program goes a step farther thanks to a little help from Intel.
"We wanted to help our customers by enhancing their sustainability," said President, Mr Mitch Gomez. "So, we thought that extending this loan to help them utilize technology is a good project."
Bank officials wanted to make sure that customers taking advantage of the package also took maximum advantage of what the new technology could do. So, customers were invited to a half–day training on business applications of the computers offered by Intel volunteers. By the end of the year, GM Bank was processing five new computer assistance loan applications including one for a hardware store and laundromat operator who said the loan would help her upgrade her computer and allow her to integrate common information concerning her two businesses. Computer Science majors from the local Araullo University will follow–up with borrowers to provide after–sales service on behalf of GM Bank.
"I'm happy we were able to get Araullo students to formalize a club to provide this service," said Tere Pacis, ComSol project manager. "This way, the students can gain practical experience by helping GM Bank borrowers and help the borrowers be successful with their new technology. The students are quite excited, and the teachers are also very supportive, with the offbeat training they are set to receive."
GM Bank's business assistance—including the new technology loan package—is part of an active microfinance program affiliated with Grameen group lending and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) finance programs. Loans are made on a non–collateralized basis, with approximately 6,000 current microfinance borrowers 98 percent of whom are entrepreneurial women. Borrower repayment rates exceed 97 percent.
1:1 Education initiative big hit in Oregon schools
Laptop donations set schools on a new path
One hundred 6th graders and their teachers at three schools across Oregon were surprised late last year after learning they each were getting their own brand new laptop. The students and teachers from Powell Butte Elementary School, Tumalo Community School in Central Oregon, Tom McCall Upper Elementary School (West), Portland Metro Area and Vale Elementary School, an 18–classroom school in Vale, Oregon, are part of a 1:1 computing pilot project underway.
Education Service Districts (ESDs) across Oregon applied to participate in the innovative technology program supported by the Oregon Department of Education and Intel. The project will provide an opportunity for students and teachers in the selected schools to have full–time access to laptop computers, applications, and teaching and learning strategies that support core curriculum and technology requirements.
"This project is consistent with Intel Oregon's strong commitment to education," says Morgan Anderson, Education Relations Manager at Intel Oregon, which is overseeing the project. "I'm confident it will show that technology, when applied to well–defined educational objectives and integrated into the curriculum by trained teachers, can make a real difference in Oregon schools."
Intel Educational Strategist, Dr. Eileen Lento, directs the projects in collaboration with two officials of the Oregon Department of Education, Leslie Golden, Partnership Technology Director, and Steve Nelson, Chief Instructional Technology Strategist.
Community Solutions is providing community and media relations support for the project. So far nearly 20 media stories have been produced on the project.
Intel and a participating PC manufacturer are providing the laptops while the Oregon Department of Education and local ESDs are supporting the project with an initial financial investment. The Oregon legislature will be asked to support the program's expansion in 2007.
"Access to cutting edge technology will help the students better prepare for an increasingly competitive, information–based society," says Malheur ESD superintendent, Tim Labrousse.
Students and teachers alike are delighted to participate. One example: on November 28, Principal Darlene McConnell led an event at which the new laptops were demonstrated by 6th grade teacher, Larissa Ewing.
When she opened up her new laptop to show it off to the assembled students, there were lots of oooh's and aaah's. The students stayed in rapt attention as she demonstrated its capabilities, including the ability to write on the screen and have it translated to searchable text.
"Intel is awesome," Ewing wrote first, followed by "6th grade rocks," both of which drew loud applause.
Focus: Education
The word "library" conjures images of voluminous book shelves, deadening silence, the occasional muted patron cough, gaggles of giggling high school students and studious learning. But in Ireland, the word "library" means "education revolution" thanks to Intel Community Solutions and Intel Ireland's IT Innovation Center.
World class Intel IT experts teamed with Community Solutions Ireland Champion Lisa Harlow to bring the new library to flagship status in County Kildare, Leixlip Ireland. The three–year 5 million Euro project incorporates a new state of the art technology design bringing technology frontiers to one of civilizations' oldest seats of knowledge.
Studies showed that the new library would be used heavily by the local community, so it had to be designed in a way that provided maximum utility, while still meeting the expectations people have when visiting a library. At just under 10,000 square feet, the new library incorporates open spaces and big rooms to accomplish a variety of needs. The new library is the largest in the county, and will serve as the new Central Library in Kildare.
While the architecture and space planning are novel, it's the library's technology innovations that set the design standard for four additional new libraries under construction in the region.
"Intel's role as an IT advisor has been invaluable," said Anne Myler, Leixlip Librarian. "Intel's input has been greatly appreciated. The technology provided will accommodate all library users and will ensure that everyone in our community can benefit [from] Internet access and training. The new library is a fantastic facility and something that the people of Leixlip can be proud of."
The technology solutions suite incorporates features that attract young people to learning. For example, Intel and the library staff collaborated to produce a library Music Outreach Program to serve the huge interest young people have here in making and listening to music. The program is supported by digital recording, editing and publishing tools including sound–proofed music rooms and musical instruments. An assistant arts officer oversees this and other arts programs.
Administrators expect the library to become the County's key venue for music, film, dance and art programs. The facility also incorporates a wireless network providing free Internet connectivity and specially–designed technology–oriented workstation/desktops which patrons may use. The library also will offer workshops, education and training software allowing patrons to stay current on the latest technology tools. Patrons who prefer self–paced instruction can take advantage of training modules specifically designed by Intel's IT Innovation Center for the self–paced learner.
"I'm delighted the library is finally open and can begin providing technology–related benefits," Harlow said. "It's fantastic to see that everyone's hard work and dedication to this project has paid off; the new library is a great asset to the people of Leixlip and Intel is proud that we could help."
For people living in Kildare County, a different set of images will come to mind when they think of the word "library." Perhaps that set of images will include Intel and its contributions to this valuable community asset.
ComSol Costa Rica aiding chronically ill, service providers
Focus: Digital health
Each week, 150 Costa Ricans visit the Hemodialysis Unit of Hospital Mexico to improve their health. In this unit, every day, nurses, doctors and patients interact over dialysis treatments that can last more than three hours per treatment.
The task tests the endurance of both patients and medical professionals sapping quality of life in the workplace for both parties. Thanks to Community Solutions Costa Rica, however, Intel® architecture is helping to improve the experience for everyone. ComSol and Intel IT are working with hospital staff to deploy technology solutions that go beyond the donation of computers. In addition to IT hardware, Intel volunteers are training hospital nurses, internists and doctors to use computers in their service of patients.
The project began in 2005, when Luis Carlos González, an Intel IT employee and Hemodialysis Unit patient, thought there were better ways to run the unit with technology. Gonzalez, ComSol and Dr. Carlos Chaverri, chief of the Hemodialysis Unit, designed a solution which today is improving patient services as well as providing benefits to hospital employees.
Before the project, hospital staff managed records on a mostly paper-based system, which made statistical analysis highly time consuming. The solution creates electronic records for each patient, which can be accessed more quickly and easily than their paper-based predecessors, enables compilation of clinical data for proper evaluation and follow-up, increases hospital research capabilities in this treatment specialty, allows a mobile IT medical solution that lets doctors view records on the fly and provides a fluid process for indoctrinating new staff through standard procedures and training.
Chaverri says that in addition to helping improve operations and streamlining research, the training also is helping the staff at home where they can use their skills to help their children with their studies.
Hospital Director Dr. Armando Villalobos thanked Intel for the solution and its impact. "To the company Intel, [I extend] a deep gratitude for its support of the development of Hospital Mexico through this donation, as well as to all the people involved for their invaluable [contribution]."
Sacramento School District's ambitious education initiative
Focus: Education
Sacramento, California's Grant Joint Union High School District, is in one of the most ethnically diverse communities in Northern California. Eighty percent of the district's more than 12,500 students come from low income families. One third of the students are English language learners. Over 30 languages are spoken within the school district and it's not uncommon to hear Spanish, Hmong and Russian in the hallways. This is the environment in which an ambitious education–community–technology project is being launched using new, unconventional methods to improve education.
Six months ago, Superintendent Dr. Larry Buchanan, a well known and nationally awarded advocate for technology use in education, was looking for ways to improve district performance. He was particularly interested in one–to–one computing initiatives. Buchanan and Jim Chapman, the district IT director, met with a Community Solutions team consisting of: External Affairs Manager, Teri Munger; Intel Education Manager, Leroy Tripette; and Intel Business Development Manager, Nick Young. What resulted was a District–wide plan to deliver a one–to–one computing initiative followed by a wireless home computing deployment for the surrounding community.
In the first phase, the district will deploy a 1:1 computing pilot at Martin Luther King Junior High School in August, 2007, followed by a second segment to spread 1:1 computing throughout the district, and a wireless home connectivity program across the district's surrounding community.
Buchanan is confident in the project's ability to predict the potential capability and success of one–to–one computing solutions. That's because MLK mirrors the district demographics.
More than 90 percent of the school's students qualify for free or reduced lunch and 41 percent are English language learners. MLK student performance recently dipped 11 points according to the states' academic performance indicators. It is another reason why Buchanan believes technology is the key to ensuring student learning and success here.
"If the 1:1 computing model is successful at MLK, with the challenges we have within this school, the project will be successful throughout our district," He said. "Personalized instruction is our goal. Education removes individual limitations and empowers a person to participate actively in the workforce, the culture, and civic life. Technology can have a big impact on every student's education and on each student's future."
In the future, District officials may not only be able to tout their district's cultural and ethnic diversity, they may also proudly claim to be one of the first districts to deploy a full–blown one–to–one computing initiative in an education environment.
Focus: Digital health
In the archipelago nation of the Philippines, home of bustling jeepneys, tropical forests and the South Sea Pearl, Intel silicon is helping the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) serve Filipinos in need.
Intel and its fellow travelers are deploying a three–point, multi–phase, multi–year IT infrastructure that includes volunteer and donor management, fundraising, routine administrative and disaster management modules, a new PNRC web presence and the possible deployment of at least two WiMAX–based disaster response kits. The infrastructure includes a USD 100,000 technology investment including more than 90 Intel–based desktops and four Intel® Xeon® servers.
The project, which was developed through Intel Corporate Affairs' Community Solutions program, celebrates its first phase completion at the end of this year.
"We couldn't have done this massive computerization of PNRC without the help of Intel," says Governor Leslie Espino, a member of the Board of PNRC.
"The PNRC project is a good avenue for Intel to demonstrate how our technologies and platforms can enhance governance, particularly disaster management," says Arlita Narag, Phils' Corporate Affairs manager.
The project delivers on a long–time intention to incorporate technology into PNRC operations. Over the years, PNRC has been operating with very limited information technology infrastructure. As a result, its more than 90 offices spread across the 7,000 Philippine islands has had to rely on courier delivery or snail mail for data transmission. Internet access had been very limited and not all the chapters were connected.
Community Solutions sought to not only integrate PNRC's internal systems to gain efficiency, it also intended to provide at least semi–real–time connectivity for PNRC offices across the country, enable a more efficient donor and fundraising management process, and position PNRC for future IT scaling.
In phase one, Community Solutions worked with its external vendors to develop a web portal, budget, accounting, and disbursing systems. Phase two includes the fundraising system, a separate system to manage blood services including blood inventory, volunteer and fundraising management systems, and disaster management systems. Phases three and four include standard, human resources and logistics management systems, a youth database solution and an executive information system. Completing phases two through four depends on availability of future PNRC financial resources.
"Big kudos go to the ComSol Philippines team," said Karen Mayer, ComSol director. "They identified a community need in a high profile Philippines institution and created a solution that benefits both PNRC, Intel and Filipinos in need. It's a classic ComSol project."
Community Solutions, Israel IT bring reprieve to war victims
Focus: Digital health
An Israeli hospital treating victims of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah is using Intel technology to help patients stay in touch with their families and the outside world.
Inside Haifa's Rambam Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Community Solutions Israel and Intel IT deployed a wireless network to allow patients and their families to surf the Internet free of charge. The successful deployment, completed in August, took place even while Haifa was under rocket attack. In addition to the ICU, Intel IT employees "unwired" five other main hospital areas.
"This is an important gift of particular significance at this time," said Shuky Erlich, Managing Director of IDC. "Many injured, including soldiers and residents of the North, are hospitalized for lengthy periods of time. Intel® Centrino® processor technology enables them and their families to remain up-to-date, maintain contact with their workplace or simply to entertain themselves."
Israeli newspaper Information Week featured Intel's activity to put wireless infrastructure in Rambam hospital as the photo of the week. See publication › (PDF 215k)
Focus: Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology
Intel architecture is being used to explore new ways to develop sustainable practices in Bolivia's forest products industry.
Intel, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the US Agency for International Development (Usaid) and Helveta, Ltd., a UK software vendor, have designed and are piloting technology that may dramatically increase Bolivia's forest sector efficiency, productivity and operational transparency. Doing so will allow Bolivia to extend its leadership in sustainable forest practices.
"Our solution will allow Bolivia's forest regulatory body to rigorously track timber from standing stock to saw mill to when a value-added product is sold in the global market," said Jay McDougall, a Program Manager in Intel's Customer Planning and Logistics Group (CPLG). "Basically, everyone in the chain of custody will be assured that a Bolivian wood product comes from a sustainable forest and not from illegally harvested timber. Trees that make it to checkpoints without our solution's digital identifiers will signal an alarm and could be removed from the supply stream."
Using technology as a component of sustainable forest practices isn't new; electronic, bar code-based tracking systems have been successfully employed in Indonesia and elsewhere, according to Usaid officials. Last year, TNC, Usaid and the Bolivian government asked if a combination of new technologies could help the industry enhance its sustainable practices. So, they turned to CPLG, Intel® Solution Services and start-up Helveta.
"With the help of Intel® Solution Services, we've designed a track and trace system using multiple technologies," explains Jim Kellso, CPLG Manager of Supply Chain Innovation and Pathfinding. "We are proposing to use satellite communication, mobile, wireless-enabled notebooks, servers, wireless handhelds and RFID tags together to deliver a traceability system that tracks every legal log, on every legal truck, in every mill involved in the pilot. Data will be stored in a central software solution Helveta developed. It's an elegant design that may pay off in big ways for Bolivia."
Up to two pilot locations will be selected based on funding. If successful, the parties will decide next steps, which could include a countrywide technology deployment.
Bolivia has struggled with illegal logging even as it has worked to develop more sustainable timber practices including means to reduce illegal logging. The country's existing paper-based processes are susceptible to counterfeit documentation allowing illegally harvested lumber to pass through the supply chain. The result: millions of dollars in tax revenues lost, decreased earnings for legitimate mills, and lower market prices for Bolivian wood products.
"We are working closely with the timber industries and local communities to help them adopt sustainable practices that can strengthen their commitment to sustainability," said Steven Price, TNC monitoring and evaluations specialist for The Nature Conservancy. "By working with them and providing support they need, we are hopeful that we'll see greater adoption of sustainable practices throughout the country."
The Intel-Helveta team estimates the system could deliver an approximate 473 percent return on investment in two years, but the biggest payoff is the ability to guarantee the sustainable origin of Bolivia's timber products to consumers who are increasingly demanding that their products be sustainably manufactured. The Bolivia pilot is one of Intel Community Solutions' initiatives designed to blend Intel's technology expertise with its commitment to Corporate Responsibility into solutions that strengthen communities world wide. "We see a definite opportunity to shape the future marketability and brand reputation for Bolivia's forest products industry while at the same time reducing the problem of illegal logging," said Karen Mayer, Community Solutions' new director. "It's a perfect Community Solutions project: everyone wins."
Focus: Digital communities
When businesses in Silicon Valley, the heart of the high tech industry, sought to adopt a municipal wireless network, Community Solutions was there to introduce them Intel's premier professional services organization, Intel® Solution Services.
The Smart Valley initiative—Silicon Valley's name for its municipal network, will be one of the largest Digital Communities to date, covering some 1,500 square miles. Intel® Solution Services has successfully delivered similar designs in Portland, Oregon, in Tempe, Arizona, and Arizona State University and is recognized as a leading Digital community service provider. Intel® Solution Services' Portland RFP and design was lauded by the industry as the best Digital Communities RFP published to date.
Smart Valley intends to take advantage of the full range of Digital Communities applications being developed. These include solutions for emergency responders, building inspectors, inter-agency communications and information sharing, GIS data and more.
Community Solutions identified and helped develop the Silicon Valley wireless project in December 2005.
Community Solutions helps beat traffic snarls in Philippines
Focus: e-Government
Thanks to the Cavite Traffic Information System (CTIS), timely information on traffic snarls, road accidents, and everyday congestion is just a text or a click away—24 hours a day, seven days a week.
CTIS provides commuters traffic-related public service announcements online and through cell phone-based Short Message Service (SMS) subscription. CTIS is a special project of the Provincial Government of Cavite, Philippines. Lending technical support to this traffic management program is Intel Technology Philippines, Inc., and Community Solutions.
CTIS addresses three problems on highways in the Philippines: the unpredictability of traffic flow; the absence of a reliable source of information on traffic situations at any given time; and the need to provide motorists with proactive ways of avoiding traffic snarls.
CTIS provides real time advisories on traffic situations in key areas along Governor's Drive and Aguinaldo Highway, including alternative routes. Other traffic updates that may affect business are also included. Workers traveling to and from jobs in Cavite and nearby areas. Manufacturing companies, service entities, schools, and government offices are expected to benefit most from the service, but even the transportation sector will find CTIS useful.
With CTIS, road users now have a fast, efficient, and reliable source for traffic information. What's more, the capability of the Cavite Traffic Management Office is also enhanced. More importantly, with CTIS in place, relevant data may now be stored and used to establish patterns that may, in turn, lead to long-term solutions to various traffic-related problems. Better traffic management is certainly on the horizon.
Sandoval County is not only home of Intel’s Rio Rancho site. More than 10,000 U.S. veterans also live here. The majority of these veterans live in rural New Mexico – on reservations, small towns, and ranches. More than ten percent of those veterans suffer from PTSD and are at risk of not getting treatment were it not for a collaboration among local county health clinics, the University of New Mexico Center for Telehealth, Intel and the state of New Mexico. This team is designing a rural telemedicine solution that will provide direct PTSD treatment through Intel Architecture–enabled video–conferencing that uses the Internet to connect mental health providers with veterans living in rural communities.
Just three decades ago more than a thousand turtles—hundreds of them nightly—made their way to the sandy shores of Playa Grande to lay their eggs. But things have changed. These days, scientists are impressed if little more than 100 turtles arrive each season.
"We wanted to help our customers by enhancing their sustainability," said President, Mr Mitch Gomez. "So, we thought that extending this loan to help them utilize technology is a good project."
Education Service Districts (ESDs) across Oregon applied to participate in the innovative technology program supported by the Oregon Department of Education and Intel. The project will provide an opportunity for students and teachers in the selected schools to have full–time access to laptop computers, applications, and teaching and learning strategies that support core curriculum and technology requirements.
Focus: Education
Focus: Digital health
Before the project, hospital staff managed records on a mostly paper-based system, which made statistical analysis highly time consuming. The solution creates electronic records for each patient, which can be accessed more quickly and easily than their paper-based predecessors, enables compilation of clinical data for proper evaluation and follow-up, increases hospital research capabilities in this treatment specialty, allows a mobile IT medical solution that lets doctors view records on the fly and provides a fluid process for indoctrinating new staff through standard procedures and training.
Focus: Education
Buchanan is confident in the project's ability to predict the potential capability and success of one–to–one computing solutions. That's because MLK mirrors the district demographics.
Focus: Digital health
Focus: Digital health
Focus: Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology
When businesses in Silicon Valley, the heart of the high tech industry, sought to adopt a municipal wireless network, Community Solutions was there to introduce them Intel's premier professional services organization, Intel® Solution Services.
Thanks to the Cavite Traffic Information System (CTIS), timely information on traffic snarls, road accidents, and everyday congestion is just a text or a click away—24 hours a day, seven days a week.
