Did you know?--Going online is as easy as walking to a school near you

Peel Connects is the Peel District School Board's Community Access Program, the key component of the Government of Canada's Connecting Canadians initiative. The federal government's goal is to make Canada the most connected nation in the world. Beginning in April 2001, community members will have free access to the internet at 28 locations across the Peel board.

The purpose of Peel Connects is to provide all members of Peel communities with free public access to the internet. The program will also teach the skills needed to use the internet effectively.

Take advantage of a unique opportunity

Community members can attend an internet orientation session at a Peel Connects location by contacting the Community Access Program co-ordinator for the Peel board. At a session, you will:

• learn the basics about using the internet
• get a Peel Connects photo identification card
• meet other people from your community
• take home a package with information about your session

School staff are not responsible for training users during their visits. Peel Connects is the responsibility of the Community Access Program co-ordinator.

Why use the internet?

The internet has become an indispensable tool both at home and in the workplace. If you're looking for a job, search through the many web sites that list thousands of job opportunities in your community and around the world. Planning a vacation? A virtual tour of the places you'd like to visit can help you decide where to go. Find your flight schedule and even your hotel on the internet.

Although not all information is always reliable, the internet is also an excellent research tool for students. With a click on your mouse, you can visit anywhere in the world. Many people also use the internet to shop online, do their personal banking or keep in touch with family and friends through e-mail.

Safety first

The Peel board has a process in place to ensure the safety of all students. Community members visiting the school must follow certain rules. These include:

• clearly identifying themselves as a Peel Connects user with their photo identification card
• signing in for an hour with a staff member at the main office
• wearing a "visitor" badge if the school requires it
• asking for directions at the office-students will not be approached for help
• going directly to the area in which the Peel Connects computers are located
• using designated Peel Connects washrooms--all 28 sites will have a school staff member in the room or very close by--community members will notify the staff member when they leave the room
• going directly to the office to return the visitor's badge and to sign out

The school principal has the right to ask any community member to leave the school if the process is not followed, or if a Peel Connects user disrupts students and staff. An internet filter on all computers in schools throughout the Peel board will ensure that inappropriate material is not accessed by anyone.

Need more information?

To register for an orientation session, call 905-890-1010, ext. 3633. For more information about Peel Connects, call the Community Access Program co-ordinator for the Peel board at 905-890-1010, ext. 2340.

The Community Access Program is a federal initiative funded by Industry Canada. Following a successful pilot program in urban communities, Industry Canada wants to establish public internet access sites in up to 10,000 rural, remote and urban communities across Canada by the end of 2001.

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