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The Lunchroom Learning program was established to help mill employees who were having difficulting dealing with increased automation within the mill. These workers were either older career employees who quit school to go to work or had graduated from high school prior to 1980 having never before received any computer instruction. Two multimedia computers were purchased by Northwood and placed in two lunchroom locations. Workers were to use the computers to “have fun”, play and explore personal interests. Steps were taken in the initial stages to involve everyone and address any concerns. At first some workers were suspicious of the motivation behind the project. They were reassured that computer use would be voluntary and their privacy would be be respected; information about their skill level would not be passed on to their employer. A part-time coordinator assisted with the program for the first 6 months, answering questions and offering some one-on-one tutoring for low literacy workers. A high school co-op student also participated and the workers relied on each other for assistance.

Use of the computers remained steady for eighteen months. Some workers would even come in early or stay late to use the equipment. The computers were used to look up information, produce documents, practice typing and play games. Over time workers developed an increased confidence and comfort with technology. It was also noted that employees were more open to learning new skills and more willing to accept change. For example, an increased understanding of safety issues was reported. The program was also credited with increasing goodwill between employer and employee and improving workers' abilities to communicate and problem-solve within the work environment.

The second component of the project, the Link at the Library, allowed people in the community without access to computers the opportunity to practice their skills, access information and produce documents. Two multimedia computers were purchased by Houston Link to Learning, a local literacy program, and placed in the library. During the first summer a student was hired to assist people but after that questions were answered by regular library staff. These computers remain in use 90- 95% of the time the library is open, using the Internet being the number one activity.

Human Resources and Development Canada’s Summer Career Placement Program helped to create the third component of the project, Computer Camps. Two students were hired to provide free basic computer courses during the summer. The camps were for all ages and were widely attended by children but older adults also often attended at the suggestion of their children. Instruction in basic computer functions was most popular and lessons were kept short and simple. Student instructor ratios were also kept low because many students required one-on-one instruction. Interest in the courses continued so the community now offers free Super Basic Computer courses to adults year round in lab space donated by Northwest Community College.

What seems particularly unique about this community computer literacy project is the overall flexibility it provided to meet the needs of as many people as possible. A high number of learners participated in two or more components of the program and they could choose what combination suited them. Mill workers brought their children to the library so they could teach them more, after which they might decide to purchase their own computer. Seniors who came to a computer course, then decided to use the computers at the public library. A regular user from the library enrolled in a summer course. A mill worker came with his wife to the Super Basics Computer course after using the computers in the lunchroom.

What is even more interesting is that the ripple effect didn’t stop with these three programs. A separate computer based literacy upgrading program for mill employees sponsored by Northwood Inc. also became part of the various combinations chosen by participants. Workers who played with the computers in the lunchroom decided to enroll in the upgrading program. They would then use lunchroom computers to do homework. A young mother who came to the basic computer course in the fall, decided to enroll as a full-time student. It was also observed that people were more accepting of an automated card catalog and checkout system at the library and the number of books being borrowed increased. Also, the computers brought children into the library who weren’t frequent library users.

These connections didn’t happen without cooperation and support from the staff involved. The Lunchroom Learning Program advertised computer and basic skills courses. The Employee and Family Assistance Program at the mill provided councellors with literacy awareness sessions to assist them in making referrals. Upgrading instructors visited the mill to encourage participation in their program. Librarians provided information about further learning opportunities throughout the community and Computer Camp instructors were given low literacy awareness training and would refer students to one-on-one tutoring programs.

This project was funded by several organizations including the Province of British Columbia's Ministry of Advanced Education, Training and Technology and The National Literacy Secretariat. A detailed report of the project can be found in the collection of full-text documents on NALD’s website: http://www.nald.ca/fulltext/comlit/page1.htm. For more information contact Houston Link to Learning at 250-845-2727.