General Archives - Community Tech Network https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/category/uncategorized/ Transforming lives through digital equity. Thu, 19 Dec 2024 18:54:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 191098424 Community Tech Network: Empowering Organizations to Deliver Sustainable Digital Inclusion Programs  https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/sustainable-digital-inclusion-programs/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:55:37 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=29802 At Community Tech Network, we specialize in creating long-term digital inclusion solutions by combining direct services with training and capacity-building for organizations. Our unique approach ensures that underserved communities not only gain access to technology but also receive ongoing support from local organizations empowered to take the lead.  A Multilingual, Comprehensive Approach CTN delivers digital skills training in 14 languages through virtual classes (ideal for homebound or remote learners) and in-person sessions. Our services include: Direct services to teach community members how to use technology confidently and independently.   Staff and volunteer training to help organizations build their own capacity to teach classes and provide digital literacy services.   This dual approach allows us to meet immediate community needs while setting organizations up for long-term success.   How CTN Helps Organizations Build Sustainable Programs  Our goal is to help organizations transition from relying on CTN to running their own programs. Here’s how we make it happen:   When organizations don’t have the capacity to provide digital literacy training directly to their communities, they reach out to CTN to offer technology classes and tech support. In this way, immediate needs are met. Both group training and one-on-one classes are available.  Simultaneously, we help organizations develop […]

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]]> 29802 Don’t Miss CTN’s End-of-Year Webinar: The Gift of Digital Inclusion! https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/dont-miss-ctns-end-of-year-webinar-the-gift-of-digital-inclusion/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:56:01 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=29482 As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the lessons we’ve learned. At Community Tech Network, 2024 has been an incredible year of advancing digital equity and empowering communities to thrive in today’s connected world. To celebrate, we’re hosting a special session in our Lunch & Learn Webinar Series—and we’d love for you to join us! Webinar: The Gift of Digital Inclusion Date: December 12, 2024 Time: 11 a.m. PT This webinar will bring together partners, leaders, and friends from across our network to share highlights from the past year and practical strategies for staying resilient as we head into the holiday season and prepare for 2025. Whether you’re passionate about bridging the digital divide, curious to learn more about CTN’s mission, or simply looking for inspiration, this event is for you. Why You Should Attend This isn’t just another webinar—it’s a celebration of digital inclusion and the impact we’ve created together in 2024. Here’s what you can look forward to: Inspiring Stories: Hear from community leaders about their successes and challenges in creating a more digitally inclusive world. Actionable Resilience Tips: Learn strategies to stay balanced, focused, and inspired as […]

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]]> 29482 How Learning Technology Helped Mary P. with Her Depression During Chemotherapy https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/how-learning-technology-helped-mary-p-with-her-depression-during-chemotherapy/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:37:15 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=29436 Mary P. is 58 years old and originally from New York City. Now living in San Mateo County, she found out about CTN’s Home Connect program through the Center for Independence of Individuals with Disabilities. In this interview with her instructor, Giang (Jen) Tran, she talks about the impact of the program on her life.  How has learning digital skills brought joy to your life?  It has brought me a lot of joy. It’s helped me not feel so bored, especially in the afternoons. When I’m feeling down or depressed, I go on TikTok. It makes me smile, and some of the content is so heartwarming. It really helps me cope with my depression and anxiety, especially since I’m undergoing chemotherapy. It calms my racing thoughts and helps me focus on something positive. Why were you interested in learning to use technology?  Because everything is about technology now. If you don’t know even the basics, you can easily be left behind. Everything is online—even things like cash payments. I want to learn so I can communicate and not feel disconnected. Has being online helped you feel more self-reliant? Why?  Yes, definitely. Before, I was nervous about even opening the tablet. […]

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]]> 29436 Using Technology in Rural Areas: Liz B.’s Story https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/using-technology-in-rural-areas-liz-b-s-story/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:22:58 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=29432 Liz B. lives in Greenville, California, which is a very remote, quiet community in Western Sonoma County. She’s 65 years old and works with the Russian River Senior Center, doing field trips and trip planning for older adults. She began taking technology classes with CTN after hearing about the program through the center, with whom CTN has a partnership.  Has being online impacted your overall health or daily living?  Yes, since we live in such a remote area, being online is a huge help. I can pull up a weather map, contact my doctor, or even order groceries without driving 30 minutes into Santa Rosa. It’s also useful for looking up information if one of my animals gets hurt. It’s just a valuable tool all around. Why were you interested in learning to use technology?  I’ve always used a computer, but I wanted to learn how to use an iPad. It’s been so helpful—it’s lightweight, and it’s kind of in between a laptop and a phone, so it’s very convenient to use. What did you like the most about the classes or the program?  I liked talking to someone who appreciates that I know a bit about technology, but not […]

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]]> 29432 Peggy’s Journey with CTN’s Technology Classes: Overcoming Barriers with Dyslexia https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/peggys-journey-with-ctns-technology-classes-overcoming-barriers-with-dyslexia/ Tue, 03 Dec 2024 13:00:02 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=29428 Peggy A. is from Morgan Hill, California and learned about Community Tech Network through Sourcewise. In this interview, she shares how learning to use technology has impacted her life. What are some of the most important skills you learned in these classes?  I’ve learned how to use AI in my lesson plans for my class at church. It helps me write them out better and more professionally. I have dyslexia, and AI helps me with writing and editing tasks, making me more confident and able to do things I might struggle with on my own.  Has being online helped you feel more self-reliant in other ways as well?  Yes, being online has made me feel more confident…I knew a little bit [about technology] before but didn’t know how to maneuver around on the tablet or how to talk to others using it. The ability to reach out to others through the internet has improved my overall well-being and made me feel less helpless…[The tablet] also helps me plan and organize my tasks.  How has being online helped you feel connected to others?  My granddaughter and I play games online together, which helps us stay connected. She calls me in the […]

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]]> 29428 Empower Your Community with CTN’s New English Android Curriculum! https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/empower-your-community-with-ctns-new-android-curriculum/ Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:57:13 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=29280 Are you teaching technology classes using Android? Community Tech Network is thrilled to announce the release of our new English Android Curriculum. The curriculum is generalized to account for a variety of Android devices, but it is geared towards tablets.  What’s Included in the Android Curriculum? Each curriculum package provides everything needed for effective, engaging classes, including: Learner Booklet: A 70-page guide with step-by-step instructions, visuals, and space for notes. The booklet covers essential Android skills and serves as a handy reference for learners after class. Trainer Guide: Detailed lesson plans, teaching tips, and structured activities to make learning fun and interactive. Instructors can follow this guide to deliver clear, accessible lessons. Resource Package: Supporting documents to aid implementation, such as pre/post surveys, needs assessments, and additional learning materials. Topics Covered The curriculum spans a wide range of foundational skills, including: Android Basics: From navigating the home screen to adjusting settings, learners start with the essentials. Internet Usage: Introduction to browsing, online safety, and responsible use. Email: Setting up accounts, sending messages, and managing inboxes. Safety & Digital Citizenship: Tips for staying safe online, understanding privacy, and respecting digital spaces. App Store: Finding and downloading apps relevant to learners’ interests. […]

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]]> 29280 Community Tech Network’s 2023 Annual Report is Here! https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/community-tech-networks-2023-annual-report-is-here/ Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:27:06 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=28790 Last year marked Community Tech Network’s 15th anniversary, and it was a milestone filled with incredible growth, new partnerships, and countless stories of empowerment as we continued our efforts to bridge the digital divide. Our Annual Report offers a comprehensive look at everything we accomplished in 2023, and we couldn’t be prouder to share it with you. In 2023, CTN distributed nearly 1,400 devices to individuals in need and provided digital skills classes to more than 2,700 learners. We also trained 183 leaders to promote digital inclusion in their communities and expanded our curriculum library to include resources in eight languages across six common devices. Our Annual Report highlights the measurable impact of our work. But that’s not all. The report also features inspiring stories from our learners, volunteers, and partners. You’ll hear about individuals like Thien Pham, who now uses the internet to stay connected with loved ones, and Rosalina, who overcame her fear of technology and is now confidently using online tools in her daily life. We invite you to explore the full report, available in both digital format and as a downloadable PDF. Learn more about how we’re transforming lives through digital equity, and find out how […]

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]]> 28790 Digital Disability Inclusion: Accessibility Solutions for People with Disabilities https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/digital-disability-inclusion-accessibility-solutions/ Wed, 09 Oct 2024 23:27:32 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=28340 According to statistics, more than 1.3 billion people around the world have some form of disability The actual number is likely much higher — after all, many disabilities go unreported or undiagnosed due to social stigmas, medical costs, and other reasons. So literally billions of people have a disability. Yet, according to an evaluation of the top one million most popular webpages 96.7% of the internet has accessibility issues Take a second to let that sink in. Only 3.3% of the internet (including websites, apps, and other digital tools) is fully accessible to people with disabilities According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), there are five pillars of digital inclusion. In order to create a digitally equitable world, everyone must have access to: affordable home internet, a device (such as a computer or tablet), technology training (to learn how to use the internet), tech support (for when new questions arise),  and online content that is designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.  Many digital equity initiatives tend to focus on the first four elements. However, it is the fifth component that we will address today. Imagine that someone has strong home Wi-Fi, a brand-new laptop, and the […]

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]]> 28340 CTN Gears Up for a Power-Packed Digital Inclusion Week 2024 https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/ctn-gears-up-for-a-power-packed-digital-inclusion-week-2024/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:49:02 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=28109 Community Tech Network is going all out for Digital Inclusion Week (DIW) from October 7-14, 2024. We’ve packed the week with in-person technology workshops across San Francisco and virtual sessions for learners nationwide. Even better, our workshops will be offered in multiple languages, ensuring we can reach as many people as possible. But that’s not all. We’re hosting a Day of Equity—a full day of back-to-back webinars designed for nonprofit professionals, digital equity advocates, and academics. These sessions will dive into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions for closing the digital divide. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store for the week: Tech Teach-Ins: Our in-person tech workshops will take place across various neighborhoods in San Francisco, providing hands-on digital training. Topics range from internet safety to smartphone basics, ensuring participants gain practical skills to confidently navigate the digital world. Read our blog to learn more about volunteering at one of our in-person events. Virtual Public Workshops: For those who prefer to join from home, we’re offering virtual public workshops. These online sessions will focus on building essential digital skills like managing emails and editing photos and videos.  October 10th Day of Equity Webinars: On our Day of Equity, we’ll […]

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]]> 28109 Volunteer for Digital Inclusion Week: October 7-11, 2024: Individual and Group Volunteers Needed! https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/volunteer-digital-inclusion-week/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:41:10 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=28105 Internet access has become essential for nearly every aspect of daily life. Need to check your medical test results? You’ll have to sign into an online portal. Applying for a job? Submit your application online. Want to see your grandkids across the country? Just make a video call.  The United Nations declared internet access a basic human right. When people lack the necessary tools and skills to navigate the online world, they can get left behind.  Join us during Digital Inclusion Week (DIW), the biggest digital equity event of the year, to help us make a difference.  How You Can Help So, are you ready to get involved? We need individuals and groups to volunteer during our in-person Tech Teach-In events across San Francisco throughout the week of October 7-11, 2024. As a volunteer, here’s what you can expect:  Before the Event:  Assist with setting up the space by arranging tables, chairs, and equipment. Welcome participants and help them sign in at the registration table. During the Event:  Support learners by answering their questions. A CTN instructor will lead the lesson, but volunteers are crucial to ensuring that every learner gets the support they need. Capture the moment! Use your […]

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