Description
The digital divide remains a significant barrier for many people. In an increasingly digital world, older adults, certain racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants and new Americans, people living with disabilities, those with low education, and those with low income continue to use technology at significantly lower rates than the general population. Libraries, and, in some areas, government and non-profit service organizations, have become destinations for those with limited access to computers and the Internet and those who need assistance with technology and information-gathering.
Participants will: Gain an overview of the current state of the digital divide, nationally and in Minnesota; Increase awareness and discuss the role of libraries and other community technology centers (CTCs) in addressing the technology literacy needs of the public for economic, educational, civic and social inclusion; Learn the ABC’s of technology literacy, commonly-needed competencies, and available resources for promoting technology literacy; and, Learn how networking and partnering across organizations can enhance services and programs, including the efforts of two Minnesota-based projects -- the Technology Literacy Collaborative (TLC) and the AmeriCorp Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP).
Start Date
18-3-2010 3:40 PM
Towards Digital Inclusion: The Role of Libraries and Other Community Technology Centers
The digital divide remains a significant barrier for many people. In an increasingly digital world, older adults, certain racial and ethnic minorities, immigrants and new Americans, people living with disabilities, those with low education, and those with low income continue to use technology at significantly lower rates than the general population. Libraries, and, in some areas, government and non-profit service organizations, have become destinations for those with limited access to computers and the Internet and those who need assistance with technology and information-gathering.
Participants will: Gain an overview of the current state of the digital divide, nationally and in Minnesota; Increase awareness and discuss the role of libraries and other community technology centers (CTCs) in addressing the technology literacy needs of the public for economic, educational, civic and social inclusion; Learn the ABC’s of technology literacy, commonly-needed competencies, and available resources for promoting technology literacy; and, Learn how networking and partnering across organizations can enhance services and programs, including the efforts of two Minnesota-based projects -- the Technology Literacy Collaborative (TLC) and the AmeriCorp Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP).