Access the internet for free at 28 locations through Peel Connects

What is Peel Connects?

Peel Connects is the Peel District School Board's Community Access Program, a Government of Canada initiative funded by Industry Canada. Beginning in April 2001, community members will have free access to the internet at 28 locations across the Peel board.

What is the purpose of Peel Connects?

Peel Connects provides all members of the Peel community with free public access to the internet. This program will also teach the skills needed to use the internet effectively.

Will people from the community walk in to the schools while students are in class?

Community members will have access to Peel Connects computers for 20 hours a week during school hours. 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 cards
• signing in 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 badge and to sign out

What if the process is not followed?

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.

What if my child sees something unsuitable on the internet?

An internet filter on all computers in schools throughout the Peel board will ensure that inappropriate material is not accessed by anyone.

What is the difference between the computers at these 28 locations and computers at a public library?

The computers at the library also provide free internet access. Some of these computers are part of the Community Access Program. The Government of Canada has initiated this program to make Canada the most connected nation in the world. By providing more computers across the country, more users will go online and help fulfil the goal for the federal government.

Why are all Peel schools not involved with this program?

All schools were given the opportunity to participate in the Peel board's Community Access Program. The 27 schools (and the HJA Brown Education Centre) have voluntarily chosen to take part after principal consultation with staff and school councils.

I have never used the internet and I haven't had the need for it either. What are the advantages of using the internet?

The internet has become an indispensable tool both at home and in the workplace. Many people use the internet to shop online, do their personal banking or keep in touch with family and friends through e-mail.

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.

Are these 28 sites the only ones in Peel?

There are only 28 Peel Connects sites in this region - these are part of the Community Access Program run by the Peel board. However, there are many more Community Access Program sites across Peel and the rest of Canada that are run by different organizations. These include other school boards and libraries.

As the key component of the Government of Canada's Connecting Canadians initiative, the goal is to make Canada the most connected nation in the world. 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.

How do I use the internet?

Although these computers for the community to access are in our school, school staff cannot provide any training. If you were unable to attend an orientation session, call the Community Access Program co-ordinator for the Peel board at 905-890-1010, ext. 2340 to arrange for a training session.

What do I do if I need help when I'm at a site?

If you experience any technical difficulties, let someone in the office know about the problem. You may return to use the computer at a later date. If you require further training or have questions, you can contact the Community Access Program co-ordinator for the Peel board through e-mail or by calling 905-890-1010, ext. 2340.

I don't have a Peel Connects photo identification card. How do I get one?

Call the Community Access Program co-ordinator for the Peel board at 905-890-1010, ext. 2340.

I didn't attend an orientation session at the local school. Can I attend another one?

You can attend a planned orientation session at any school in Peel.

What if I can't attend any of the orientation sessions?

Call the Community Access Program co-ordinator for the Peel board at 905-890-1010, ext. 2340 for more information or to arrange for an orientation session.

Who can I call for more information about the Peel Connects program?

You can call the Community Access Program co-ordinator for the Peel board at 905-890-1010, ext. 2340 for more information.

How can I register for an orientation session?

To register, call 905-890-1010, ext. 3633.

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