Research Archives - Community Tech Network https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/category/research/ Transforming lives through digital equity. Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:39:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 191098424 Remote, Multilingual Digital Skills Training: A Case Study on Community Tech Network’s Work with Vivalon https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/remote-multilingual-digital-skills-training-a-case-study-on-community-tech-networks-work-with-vivalon/ Wed, 24 Jul 2024 20:23:21 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=27148 Community Tech Network is excited to announce the release of a detailed case study about our collaboration with Vivalon, to whose clients we provided remote digital skills training in various languages. Vivalon’s Need for Multilingual and Remote Digital Skills Training In 2023, Vivalon, the largest nonprofit serving older adults and people with disabilities in Marin County, received government funding from the California Department of Aging’s Access to Technology (ATT) program. The purpose of this initiative was to reduce social isolation and help older adults (65+) and adults with disabilities (18+) become independent and confident online. While Vivalon already offered a range of technology programs on-site in English and Spanish (including basic and intermediate digital skills courses, monthly tech workshops, and ongoing tech support with trained volunteers), the organization recognized that some folks might not be able to visit Vivalon’s site in person or may need to access services in another language. Many older adults are homebound, and since a large part of Marin County is rural, driving to a class or finding public transportation can be challenging and time-consuming. Additionally, the county is home to many Vietnamese speakers, but due to Vivalon’s staffing limitations, they did not have any employees […]

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]]> 27148 New Research: Bridging the Digital Divide by Addressing Barriers with Digital Literacy Strategies for Older Adults https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/new-research-bridging-the-digital-divide-by-addressing-barriers-with-digital-literacy-strategies-for-older-adults/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 22:01:05 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=23648 The COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible to ignore the digital divide, underscoring the challenges faced by older adults who are offline. While access to technology and initial digital skills training are crucial first steps in promoting digital equity, several key questions arise. How can older adults sustain their newfound digital literacy? What barriers do they face in the process? This blog post delves into research investigating these inquiries. The research was conducted by CTN’s Hyewon Park, who holds a Ph.D. in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education from Pennsylvania State University. You can read Hyewon’s full research report here (PDF). Background Since 2008, CTN has provided in-person digital skills training and tutoring at public libraries, low-income housing developments, senior centers, schools, and social service agencies across California. However, when public computer labs closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many older adults were stranded at home without access to shared computers and the internet. In response to the pressing need for devices, internet access, and digital skills training for these homebound older adults, CTN initiated the Home Connect program in March 2020. This personalized, one-on-one virtual learning program, available in eight languages, successfully engaged more than 982 individuals aged 60 and […]

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]]> 23648 CTN’s CHAT Program Report: Digital Equity Recommendations for Practitioners and Policymakers https://communitytechnetwork.org/blog/ctns-chat-program-report-digital-equity-recommendations-for-practitioners-and-policymakers/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 21:49:41 +0000 https://communitytechnetwork.org/?p=23595 Community Tech Network is proud to unveil its report (PDF) on the impactful Connections, Health, Aging, and Technology (CHAT) program. This report serves as a practical guide for digital equity practitioners and state leaders seeking effective strategies to bridge the digital divide in their communities. Empowering Through Technology: The CHAT Program In August 2022, CTN was chosen as one of three organizations to spearhead digital literacy training for the California Department of Aging’s CHAT program. This initiative aimed to combat loneliness and isolation among older adults (65+) and adults with disabilities (18+) by empowering them with essential digital skills. The pilot program, running until June 2023, successfully supported approximately 4,000 older adults in California. Participants received internet-enabled devices (iPads), internet access, and digital skills training — all at no cost to them. Practical Insights for Digital Equity Practitioners CTN’s newly released report not only reflects on the achievements of the CHAT program but also shares valuable insights for digital equity practitioners. The following are key recommendations derived from the program’s experiences: Improving Learner Contact Strategies: Streamlining communication to reduce delays and enhance learner engagement Requiring Device Orientation and Training: Implementing mandatory orientation sessions to increase learner adoption of provided devices […]

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