Marylanders Online Newsletter
September 2024 | Volume 2 | Issue 9
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Free Digital Navigator Training
Next week on September 10th and 12th, join UME Marylanders Online and the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) for a free, virtual Digital Navigator training. This is a unique opportunity for Maryland organizations and residents to enhance their digital literacy and understand the vital role of Digital Navigators in promoting digital equity. Learn how to bridge the digital divide in your community by helping other individuals access affordable internet, devices, and digital skills training.
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The 2024 Maryland Statewide Digital Equity Summit
"Beyond the Divide: Best Practices & Collaborative Strategies in Digital Equity"
Date: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
Time: 9 AM - 5:30 PM - breakfast and check-in begins at 8 AM
Location: National Federation of the Blind - 200 E Wells St. Baltimore, MD 21230
Registration: $40 until October 1st | $50 day of event
Registration includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, & refreshments
The 2024 Maryland Statewide Digital Equity Summit will convene digital equity advocates to discuss critical issues, share best practices, and collaborate on solutions for bridging the digital divide. Attendees will enjoy a dynamic lineup of speakers and panel discussions with ample networking opportunities. Learn more.
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Maryland Digital Equity Champion Nominations are due Sept. 16th
The Maryland Digital Equity Champion Awards recognize individuals or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional work advancing access to reliable, affordable internet, digital skills, and appropriate devices throughout Maryland. An awards ceremony honoring the selected champions will be held on October 15th at the summit. Learn more.
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2024 Cultivating Innovation in Maryland’s Agriculture and Technology Conference
The future of farming is here - learn about the groundbreaking technology that's revolutionizing the ag and farm industry. Attend 2024 Cultivating Innovation in Maryland's Agriculture and Technology Conference on December 12th in Annapolis and enjoy an exciting day filled with exploration into the current and emerging technologies transforming efficiency, profitability, and the future of the agricultural sector.
Click here to learn more!
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Marylanders Online in Action | | |
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Lower Shore Youth Learn Canva
In the Lower Shore, Marylanders Online Tech Educator Keri Grant partnered with Worcester County 4-H to facilitate a successful program with youth and parents at the Fruitland Community Center. Youth were taught about leadership, finance, digital safety, and learned new Canva techniques. The site director shared that the program was greatly needed and well-received by the parents and youth.
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Digital Devices in Western Maryland
Throughout August, Marylanders Online continued to support the Chromebook device distributions in Western Maryland. The team helped residents set up and get comfortable with their devices, and provided resources for ongoing digital skill learning.
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Digital Skills - at Any Age
Thomas Widmer, a lead nuclear physicist for the Apollo 12-17 missions, recently attended a Marylanders Online digital skills class in Southern Maryland. At the training, he presented Tech Educator Maria Barga with a signed copy of his book and a summary of the work he did on the Apollo missions. Thomas is 92 years old and is proudly learning to use a computer for the first time. 🚀
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Digital Navigator Helpline Continues to Grow
August was another busy month for the Digital Navigator Helpline. Marylanders Online Digital Navigators answered 1,726 calls throughout the month, including support for 245 Spanish-speaking callers.
Helpline Stats:
Year to Date: 14,303
All Time: 20,395
Year over Year: +135%
The Marylanders Online Helpline continues to be a valuable resource for Marylanders looking for computer help, tech support, or assistance with finding devices, resources, or affordable internet options. Meet our Digital Navigators or Contact the Helpline by calling toll-free 1-866-206-8467.
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The Role of Extension Programs in Digital Equity
In partnership with the Northeast Center for Rural Development (NERCRD), UME Marylanders Online published a report titled "Insights from the 2023 Northeast Digital Equity Summit: A Report on the Role of Extension Programs." The publication emphasizes the vital responsibility that extension programs have in fostering digital equity and outlines actionable strategies for implementation. Read the report.
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Dissertation Honorable Mention
Dr. Yeweon Kim, a postdoctoral researcher with the College of Information, a partner of Marylanders Online, was recently awarded an Honorable Mention for her dissertation, titled, “The Bystander Public for Online Incivility: A Development of the Bystander Counter-Intervention Model," which explores the socio-psychological mechanisms behind bystander counter-intervention (BCI) in online incivility. Read more.
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Teri Mumm
Digital Navigation Program Manager
We are excited to introduce the newest member of the UME Marylanders Online team: Teri Mumm, Digital Navigation Program Manager. Teri brings over 21 years of experience in community program management with a strong focus on digital equity. As part of a collaborative team, Teri worked on statewide initiatives to close the digital divide, helping Maryland residents gain access to affordable broadband, essential devices, and the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s world.Prior to joining UME, Teri served as the Digital Access Program Manager at the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. In this role, she led efforts to advance digital equity as part of Utah’s State Digital Connectivity Plan, working closely with underserved communities to ensure inclusive access to digital resources. Teri was also a Digital Equity Fellow with NTEN in 2022, where she further honed her expertise in expanding digital inclusion initiatives. Teri holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Western Governors University and has earned a Digital Equity Professional Certificate from NTEN.
Meet the rest of the UME Marylanders Online team here.
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Marylanders Online is Seeking Testimonials
Whether you are a partner organization, a community member who received training, or someone who has received tech support, your story can help spread the word about Marylanders Online and contribute to expanding digital literacy across Maryland. Click here to share a testimonial.
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Library Digital Navigator Training Continues
In partnership with St. Mary's County Library, Marylanders Online tech educators have been working to develop a series of free and fun digital skills classes. From building websites to using AI - these training sessions are free and open to the public. Click the graphic to view a PDF or visit their website to view the full class schedule and register.
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Digital Inclusion Week is October 7th - 11th
In recognition of Digital Inclusion Week 2024, Baltimore City's Office of Information and Technology's (BCIT) Office of Broadband and Digital Equity is hosting several events aimed at bridging the digital divide and promoting equitable access to technology for all Baltimore residents. Marylanders Online Tech Educator Naimani Staley will be serving as a panelist on the Digital Equity Forum. Learn about Digital Inclusion Week.
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Digital Literacy News & Resources | |
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Partner Spotlight: MAT
Maryland Accessible Telecommunications
Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) provides assistive telecommunications equipment and other technology solutions to eligible Maryland residents who find it difficult to use standard communications technology. The MAT program is a service of Maryland Relay and is administered by Telecommunications Access of Maryland.
Learn more about Maryland Relay's wide variety of free calling options or click here to start the application process.
Click here to learn more about the MAT program, or call 800-552-7724 or 410-767-6960 (Voice/TTY) or 443-453-5970 (Video Phone) for assistance.
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Get Help Resources
These self-guided learning resources connect learners with free trainings, tutorials, and guides to learn computer basics, how to communicate online, connect to the internet, find jobs, and use government services.
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Give Help Resources
Level up your digital literacy skills and assist others in doing the same. These resources includes trainings, tutorials, and other instructional materials to help digital navigators and other digital equity partners build digital literacy in their communities.
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Tech Support Helpline
Any person residing in Maryland can connect with Marylanders Online, a free, statewide digital literacy project through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) in partnership with the College of Information (INFO) that offers computer help, digital skills classes, resources, tech support, and more. Learn more at www.MarylandersOnline.umd.edu.
Connect with Marylanders Online today to access free resources and support for
- Computers, tablets, and cell phones
- Getting on the Internet or Wi-Fi
- Finding digital skills classes and training
- Self-guided digital skills learning
- Applying for government services
- Digital navigator resources
- Advancing digital inclusion in your community
The toll-free Marylanders Online Helpline can be reached at 1-866-206-8467 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by emailing marylandersonline@umd.edu. Support is available in English and Spanish, with other languages upon request. Learn more.
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Digital Literacy Resource Mapping
We invite all digital literacy practitioners to share the digital inclusion resources and programming available in your organization or community.
Complete the resource form here: https://go.umd.edu/MD-Resources.
Thank you for contributing to the advancement of digital equity in Maryland!
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University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office.
Nine Agency Rule Notifications - USDA Notice to Beneficiaries - Marylanders Online
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