DigitalLIFT Archives - Community Tech Network https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/category/digitallift/ 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 […]

The post Community Tech Network: Empowering Organizations to Deliver Sustainable Digital Inclusion Programs  appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 29802 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. […]

The post Empower Your Community with CTN’s New English Android Curriculum! appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 29280 Celebrating Caregivers: Practicing Good Digital Citizenship – Upcoming CTN Webinar https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/celebrating-caregivers-webinars/ Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:53:27 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=29174 November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the dedicated caregivers who play an essential role in supporting their loved ones’ independence. At Community Tech Network, we’re honoring these incredible individuals with an upcoming webinar designed just for them: Celebrating Caregivers: Practicing Good Digital Citizenship. This session will take place on Tuesday, November 21, at 11:00 a.m. PT. In today’s digital world, caregivers face many challenges and opportunities as they help loved ones navigate online resources, manage digital tasks, and stay connected. This interactive webinar aims to provide caregivers with valuable tools, knowledge, and confidence to support others effectively and securely in the digital space. What to Expect: During this session, our expert panel, featuring experienced caregivers and support partners, will share practical strategies and insights tailored to the unique needs of caregivers. Together, we’ll explore: Digital Support Skills: Caregivers will learn strategies for reinforcing essential digital skills, from accessing health care portals to managing daily online tasks like grocery shopping, connecting with others, and scheduling appointments. Overcoming Challenges Together: Our panel will discuss common digital challenges and provide real-life examples and solutions to help caregivers navigate obstacles with confidence. Celebrating the Impact of Caregivers: We’ll […]

The post Celebrating Caregivers: Practicing Good Digital Citizenship – Upcoming CTN Webinar appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 29174 CTN Free Webinar: Digital Inclusion and College Students https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/ctn-webinar-digital-inclusion-college-students/ Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:10:33 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=27350 As the new academic year begins, it’s essential to recognize that not all young people have equal access to technology and the internet. Despite the common belief that all college students are digitally savvy, many face significant challenges due to the digital divide, particularly those from lower-income families, rural areas, or underserved communities. On August 29 at 11:00 AM PDT, Community Tech Network will host a webinar titled Digital Inclusion and College Students to shed light on this pressing issue. Our panel, consisting of both college students and digital equity practitioners, will delve into current challenges and share best practices for fostering an inclusive digital environment within higher education.  With most university programs requiring digital proficiency and employers expecting graduates to have core digital skills, it’s more important than ever to address these disparities. Join us to gain insights and learn how we can collectively work towards bridging the digital divide for college students. All webinar attendees will also be entered into a raffle to win a free enrollment in CTN’s Adult Learning Principles online course, which provides key strategies for effectively teaching new skills to adults. REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR

The post CTN Free Webinar: Digital Inclusion and College Students appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 27350 Bridging the Digital Divide in South Texas: CTN’s Collaboration with Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/digital-equity-mhm-south-texas/ Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:44:08 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=26414 In a landmark effort to enhance digital equity across South Texas, Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) committed more than $21 million over three years to ensure that local communities have access to high-speed reliable internet and the skills to use it. They’ve partnered with Community Tech Network to help spearhead this initiative.  When people can access the internet, the health benefits are endless. (You can read about a few here.) In fact, digital equity has been called a “super” social determinant of health. Telehealth, for instance, makes attending doctor’s appointments easier for folks who live in rural areas, can’t afford transportation, are homebound, or have busy schedules with jobs and children.  Meanwhile, the wealth of information available online allows individuals to learn about health procedures and make informed decisions for themselves. There are also apps that help people track their nutrition and medication, stay in touch with loved ones, build community with those who have similar interests (thereby decreasing isolation and depression), and so much more!  Recognizing the health benefits of expanding digital access in Texas, MHM funded CTN to train 30 agencies across the region (with a focus on those located in Bastrop, Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Hays, Travis, and Williamson […]

The post Bridging the Digital Divide in South Texas: CTN’s Collaboration with Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 26414 Online Courses for Digital Equity Instructors and Managers https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/online-courses/ Tue, 28 May 2024 17:41:16 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=25128 In our rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of digital equity cannot be overstated. Yet, addressing the digital divide requires more than just access to technology—it demands comprehensive strategies and skilled practitioners. That’s why we’re thrilled to unveil our latest initiative: a series of online courses tailored for digital equity practitioners! Empowering Practitioners, Bridging Divides Our courses cater to a diverse range of professionals dedicated to narrowing the digital divide. Whether you’re a digital literacy instructor seeking to enhance your teaching abilities or a manager overseeing digital navigators, our curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact. Course Offerings Here’s a glimpse into our course offerings: Digital Equity & the Aging: Addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in promoting digital inclusion among older adults Digital Equity and Healthcare: Exploring the intersection of healthcare and technology to promote equitable access to digital resources Digital Equity and Libraries: Leveraging libraries as key hubs for digital literacy and support Teaching Internet Safety & Responsibility: Equipping educators with strategies to foster responsible and ethical online behavior among their students Digital Navigators: Advanced: Empowering practitioners with the skills they need, preparing them to provide tailored digital […]

The post Online Courses for Digital Equity Instructors and Managers appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 25128 Mental Health Matters: Webinar Recording on Digital Equity and Mental Health https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/webinar-digital-equity-and-mental-health/ Wed, 08 May 2024 18:06:17 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=25048 In today’s digital age, access to technology is more than just a matter of convenience — it’s a gateway to opportunity, connection, and empowerment. Yet, for many individuals, the digital divide presents barriers that extend beyond technical challenges. At Community Tech Network, we recognize the importance of addressing not only the practical aspects of digital inclusion but also the emotional well-being of those navigating the digital landscape. That’s why we’re thrilled to share the recording of Mental Health Matters, an installment of our Lunch & Learn webinar series. Taking place on May 30 at 11 a.m. PT, this webinar delved into the vital intersection of digital inclusion and mental health awareness. Why Watch Mental Health Matters? In this thought-provoking webinar, we explore The impact of digital exclusion on mental well-being Strategies for fostering empathy and support in digital skills education Practical approaches to creating inclusive digital communities Our panel of experts shares insights, experiences, and best practices for promoting empathy in digital navigation. Whether you’re a digital inclusion professional, educator, community leader, or simply passionate about creating a more inclusive digital world, this webinar is for you. Let’s Make a Difference At Community Tech Network, we believe that everyone deserves […]

The post Mental Health Matters: Webinar Recording on Digital Equity and Mental Health appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 25048 Librarians as Digital Navigators: Watch the Webinar Recording! https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/librarians-as-digital-navigators-webinar/ Sat, 27 Apr 2024 15:18:14 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=23964 Community Tech Network is excited to share the recording from our recent Lunch & Learn webinar, Celebrating Librarians: The Original Digital Navigators, which was held on April 25 at 11 a.m. PT. The webinar offered an insightful exploration of the pivotal role of librarians in fostering digital equity. About the Webinar In honor of School Library Month, we decided to shine a spotlight on librarians as the unsung heroes of digital inclusion. Despite the ever-evolving landscape of technology, libraries remain steadfast in their commitment to providing access to digital resources and supporting individuals in navigating the digital world. What to Expect As you watch the webinar recording, you’ll get to listen to an engaging panel discussion featuring esteemed speakers from the field of library services: Dianne Connery, Development Director of Pottsboro Area Library Taylor Meriwether, Technology and Digital Accessibility Officer for Oklahoma Department of Libraries Bo Ford, Digital Equity Program Manager for the New Mexico State Library These guest speakers delve into the challenges and opportunities that libraries currently face and explore innovative strategies for promoting digital equity and inclusion. Raffle Giveaway: Library LIFT As a bonus, all webinar attendees were automatically entered into a raffle to win free enrollment […]

The post Librarians as Digital Navigators: Watch the Webinar Recording! appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 23964 Culturally-Inclusive Digital Equity Curriculum Webinar Recording https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/culturally-inclusive-digital-equity-webinar/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:52:44 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=22954 As an installment in Community Tech Network’s successful Lunch & Learn webinar series, we hosted our February 2024 session, titled Culturally Inclusive Digital Equity Curriculum, on February 29 at 11 a.m. PT. Click here to watch the recording. As part of our commitment to advancing digital inclusion, this session offers a thought-provoking exploration of strategies for tailoring digital literacy and technology training programs to learners in diverse communities. Understanding the Need for Cultural Inclusivity In the ever-evolving digital landscape, it’s crucial to recognize the diverse backgrounds and unique needs of our communities. Culturally inclusive curricula go beyond traditional approaches, acknowledging the importance of cultural competency, sensitivity practices, trauma-informed responses, and addressing systemic biases that perpetuate digital marginalization. Insights from the Experts Our webinar features a special introduction by Skye Downing, CTN’s Programs & Partnership Director, setting the stage for an engaging discussion. Skye’s insights will be complemented by a panel of CTN staff who will share their thoughts, experiences, and effective strategies for cultivating digital equity. This knowledge comes from more than 15 years of working directly in the field. WATCH THE RECORDING OF THE WEBINAR ON CULTURALLY-INCLUSIVE DIGITAL EQUITY CURRICULUM To find out more information about Community Tech Network’s […]

The post Culturally-Inclusive Digital Equity Curriculum Webinar Recording appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 22954 CTN Launches Monthly Webinar Series! Watch the Recording of “How to Support Your Digital Navigators” https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/digital_equity_webinar_series_digital_navigators/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 14:03:36 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=22406 We’re thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting initiative at CTN — our monthly Lunch & Learn webinar series dedicated to fostering digital equity! In our commitment to supporting organizations and individuals striving for digital inclusion, these webinars aim to provide valuable insights, strategies, and practical tips. Our inaugural session on January 25 kicked things off right! You can watch the recording here. The first session of our webinar series is a not-to-be-missed event for digital equity practitioners. Titled “How to Support Digital Navigators,” this session delves into effective ways to empower and manage your Navigators on the ground who are working to bring digital inclusion to the community. What to Expect: Interactive Learning and Prizes Our webinars are not just about information — they’re about building a community dedicated to digital equity. Attendees could expect an engaging and interactive session where they could connect with like-minded individuals, ask questions, and share their experiences. As a token of appreciation, all attendees were entered into a raffle for a chance to win access to a curriculum or course from our digitalLIFT training toolkit. Why Attend? Learn essential strategies for supporting Digital Navigators in your organization. Connect with a community of […]

The post CTN Launches Monthly Webinar Series! Watch the Recording of “How to Support Your Digital Navigators” appeared first on Community Tech Network.

]]> 22406