At Community Tech Network (CTN), our commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering digital literacy is a journey marked by meaningful collaborations and impactful programs. Recently, we concluded a digital literacy initiative in partnership with the City of Oakland, funded by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), aimed at empowering older adults with essential computer skills.
Program Overview
The initiative, approved in 2019, faced challenges during the pandemic, causing delays in implementation and low participation early on. However, our dedicated team pressed on, and we are proud to share the success of this program.
Key Highlights
- Funding and Objectives: The CPUC-funded program set out to train 100 seniors in Oakland in basic computer skills. The program targeted four senior centers in the city, with the goal of equipping older adults with fundamental digital skills to enhance their everyday lives.
- Curriculum Progression: The program commenced with foundational topics such as email, Google Search, and Android tablet applications. Over time, we evolved the curriculum to cover more advanced subjects in both English and Cantonese. These included practical skills like password management, email management, and cybersecurity awareness. We also delved into the realms of video and music streaming, photo editing and sharing, and QR codes.
Learner Perspectives
Eric’s Journey
Eric, who originally hails from Connecticut, moved to California in 1981. As a former administrative assistant for the Sierra Club in San Francisco, he initially learned computer skills for work-related tasks. Despite being comfortable with laptops, he lacked experience with smartphones and tablets. Through CTN’s workshops, he not only enhanced his technical skills but also gained confidence in using technology. Eric emphasized the value of the training materials, noting that they helped him review and reinforce what he learned in class. In general, Eric says that the training with CTN “solidified existing knowledge, helping me feel more confident and comfortable using technology.”
Technology Classes So Great, They Leave You Wanting More
Helen, another learner, thoroughly enjoyed the classes, saying, “Sabrina and Damin [the instructor] are a great team. They both show such patience in answering the myriad of questions the class asks of them. Each time I leave their class, I feel so happy that I have learned something. These sessions are thorough, very informative, and fun! I especially liked the YouTube, Spotify, and photo editing classes. More classes please!” Helen’s classmate, Georgia, had similar thoughts. She said, “The teachers are willing to answer our questions. They showed us examples and gave good advice. I need more training like this.”
Jessi Cutter, the Director of Downtown Oakland Senior Center, echoed this sentiment by adding: “I’ve received numerous compliments on the CTN workshops led by Sabrina and Damin. Many participants have shared that they use the skills learned in the workshop. Everyone is requesting more classes!”
Future Digital Equity Work
At CTN, we remain committed to empowering individuals through digital literacy, fostering confidence and competence in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives in Oakland and beyond!
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