For some folks, acquiring digital literacy skills can be a challenge. Maybe they’ve heard that there are technology classes offered in their area, but what if they are homebound and cannot physically attend? Or what if they live in a rural area and don’t have the time, transportation, or money (gas is expensive!) to visit an in-person site? Moreover, perhaps they are not a native English speaker and can’t find any training in their primary language.
Community Tech Network acknowledges these barriers that learners may face and the challenges that agencies must overcome in order to reach such individuals. We’re excited to share some of the knowledge that we have gained over the past 15 years because no one deserves to be left on the wrong side of the digital divide.
PROVIDING REMOTE DIGITAL LITERACY TO HOMEBOUND AND RURAL INDIVIDUALS WITH VIVALON
Vivalon, the largest nonprofit serving older adults in Marin County, California, offers its clients in-person digital skills courses. The organization decided to pair with CTN to also provide remote training through our Home Connect program. Says Vivalon’s Stephanie McNally: “Expanding our in-home efforts, especially in multiple languages, is critical. CTN is helping reach a part of the population that we could not reach before.”
Particularly for homebound folks, connection with others — even virtually — is critical, as the mail carrier may be the only person that many older adults see on a given day. Remote programming allows learners to connect with their instructor and learn to keep in touch online with family and friends. Learn more about our initiative with Vivalon.
BRINGING DIGITAL LITERACY TO NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS
We provide our digital skills training in eight languages: Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin dialects), English, Farsi, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. However, we also go beyond this to ensure that non-English speakers receive culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
We take into account the accessibility of all printed materials, curriculum, and devices, and we hire bilingual instructors so that there is no need for translators, which can disrupt the flow of classes. Read the details of how we support non-English-speaking learners.
SUPPORTING LOW-INCOME AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS THROUGH CHAT
In 2022, CTN was selected as one of three organizations to provide digital literacy as part of the California Department of Aging’s Connections, Health, Aging, and Technology (CHAT) program.
The project delivers iPads to low-income and disabled adults, and CTN has been providing individuals with personalized support to help them learn to use their devices. Our goal is to support 500 seniors statewide through this initiative. So far our involvement has been a huge success! Read some of the statistics and feedback that were collected through recent learner satisfaction surveys.
WOMEN AND THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
- Last month was Women’s History Month. Did you know that over 50% of the world’s female population is offline? Learn about some of the causes and potential solutions related to this global issue in our blog.
- Jenny Rubio, CTN’s new bilingual (English/Spanish) digital literacy instructor, is a promising new female leader in the field of digital equity who has dedicated most of her academic career to studying and confronting the digital divide. Learn more about this up-and-coming powerhouse.
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