October 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 43

Equitable Access to Technology
Many of the factors researchers cite
regarding equity and technology, such
as gender differences and economic
differences, did not have significance
in Grand Prairie's summer E-Reading
Program. Both " economically advantaged " and " economically disadvantaged " campers participated. Both
boys and girls read the same amount,
twice a week for an hour each session,
and the well-behaved kids did not receive more e-reading privileges than
others. The opportunity to read was
there for all campers and the access
to use the technology was made available to all, including a few campers
with special needs. Reading was welcomed by the campers because they
were able to use devices that many of
them did not have access to at home.
By partnering with the school district, we worked together toward reducing any equity barriers that might
exist in our community. Campers
were allowed to read e-books that
they chose. Comprehension questions
helped to ensure the campers were
really engaged in the reading and not
simply scrolling through photos or
clicking randomly. Some activities,
such as research projects, allowed
them to research topics of their choice
that demonstrated how their lives connect to the rest of society. Maintaining reading levels was made possible
through this collaboration between
the parks department and the school
district by increasing access to reading
for the summer campers.

both campers and staff had memorable
and profound summer camp e-reading
experiences. In one of the recreation
centers where a branch library is located, campers wanted to visit the branch
library more and check out books to
take home. Many campers at that recreation center also participated in the
library's summer reading program as
well, which tracked how many hardcover books they read.
The campers' reading accomplishments were recognized and celebrated. Many campers were in attendance
at GPISD's School Board Meeting
where they received reading medals
in front of their peers and families.
E-reading and GPISD staff were also
recognized at the Parks Board meeting and were invited to present the
program at a City Council briefing.

The summer E-Reading goals of
helping campers maintain their reading levels throughout the summer
were met. Through participation in
this program, GP PARD staff and
school-district staff agree that some
campers will gain a new love for
reading. The campers enjoyed taking
part in the e-reading program, parents and guardians were very happy
with the new programming addition,
and the local school district appreciated the city departments working
hand-in-hand to help their students
maintain reading levels and strengthen the community.
Mariana Espinoza is the Senior Recreation
Supervisor for the City of Grand Prairie, Texas,
Parks, Arts and Recreation Department
(mespinoza@gptx.org).

A Grand Impact
Many people agree that summer-camp
counselors are some of the most important teachers in a child's life because they play a huge role in motivating children. By showing the campers
how much counselors love to read,

See us in Houston at booth #240.
W W W. N R PA . O R G | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3 |

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October 2013 - Parks & Recreation

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October 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 1
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