April 2024
Volume 2 | Issue 4
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Introducing the Maryland Broadband Navigator Tool
In partnership with Penn State Extension, the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Marylanders Online initiative has launched the Maryland Broadband Tool, an interactive national broadband GIS map that utilizes FCC census block-level data to illustrate best available internet service, prices, and broadband infrastructure. Marylanders Online is pleased to present this free tool to the public, and is appreciative of the Penn State Extension partners behind its development.
View the tool at https://go.umd.edu/broadband-nav.
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UME & NDIA Offer May Digital Navigator Training
Marylanders Online is excited to offer a two-day Digital Navigator Training in partnership with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) to prepare digital navigators to advance digital equity in Maryland.
Date and Time:
Tuesday, May 14, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Thursday, May 16, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Online
This training is open to anyone interested in digital navigation. For optimal training experience, participants are encouraged to attend both training sessions. Register here.
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Post-ACP FAQ
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the Marylanders Online website offers answers to frequently asked questions concerning the end of ACP.
Find out more at https://go.umd.edu/acp.
The Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband also features answers to commonly asked questions about the Affordable Connectivity Program & Maryland Emergency Broadband Benefit Wind Down on its website.
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Curriculum Accolades
The UME Marylanders Online curriculum team, in partnership with INFO, received accolades for the Pratt Adventure & Beyond curriculum at a recent Maryland State Library Agency (MLSA) board meeting. Grounded in adult learning theories and learner-centered instructional design approaches, this curriculum incorporates pedagogical frameworks and meaningful collaboration with the Enoch Pratt Internal Training Team.
The curriculum team looks forward to presenting at the Maryland State Library Association Conference this May.
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Marylanders Online in Action | |
St. Mary's County Senior Planet Graduation | |
On February 29th, Marylanders Online helped graduate nine seniors from Loffler and Garvey Senior Center in St. Mary's County. These individuals completed the six-week Senior Planet Chrome Essentials Course. The Senior Planet curriculum is specifically designed for individuals over the age of 50 and aims to equip participants with the necessary skills to navigate their devices independently, connect to Wi-Fi, explore the internet safely, and manage their emails with confidence.
Pictured: UMD Tech Extension Educator Maria Barga with Senior Planet graduates
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Pratt Beyond Continues in Baltimore City | |
Marylanders Online traveled to Baltimore City on March 14th to facilitate the second session in the Pratt Beyond training series. The curriculum's instructional designer, Uhjin Sim, reported that the audience of Baltimore-based digital navigators was enthusiastic and showed strong support and engagement. Learn more about the Pratt Beyond partnership.
Pictured: UMD Tech Extension Educator Blaise Brennan teaches the second class in a 10-part series that makes up the Pratt Beyond curriculum.
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UMD Tech Extension Educator Naimani Staley shares a smile as visitors enjoy a virtual reality experience at a STEM Fest 2024. Watch the event video. | |  |
UMD Tech Extension Educator Shelita Jackson provides assistance at a Washington County Library device distribution event. | | |
Marylanders Online Helpline Closes Out Q1 with Unprecedented Call Volumes | |
It was yet another very busy month for the Marylanders Online Helpline. Digital Navigators handled 1660 calls in March 2024, compared to just 10 in March 2023.
Closing out the first quarter of 2024, the Helpline had answered 4722 calls, a 16764% increase over the 28 calls received in the same period in 2023.
We are extremely appreciative of the UME Digital Navigator team who have expertly handled these uncharted call volumes. Contact the Helpline.
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Yeweon Kim
Postdoc Researcher
Yeweon Kim (Ph.D., UC Santa Barbara) is a postdoc researcher at the University of Maryland College of Information Studies. Her research addresses individual and collective concerns about information communication technologies, specifically the promises and pitfalls of those technologies for social interaction and civic engagement in public life. As a member of the Marylanders Online team, she conducts research to generate policy and practice recommendations promoting digital equity and literacy.
Learn more about the UME Marylanders Online team here.
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Hiring UMD Tech Extension Educator
Do you have a passion for digital literacy and inclusion? Do you enjoy working with the community, sharing knowledge and offering resources?
University of Maryland Extension Marylanders Online is hiring a Tech Educator in the Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Caroline County region. Learn more and apply here.
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State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Application Opens | |
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The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) officially opened the application period for the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program with the release of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on Friday, March 29th.
States have until the end of May 2024 to apply for funds. Only US states and territories are eligible entities for this program - Tribal entities become eligible in September. To apply for those funds from the State, every organization will need a Unique Entity ID (UEI.)
Once the funds are released, each State and territory will be running their own programs to either use or distribute the funds through subgrants.
Read the NOFO.
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By Paolo Balboa | Feb 29, 2024 | National Digital Inclusion Alliance
By Alanah Nichole Davis | March 12, 2024 | Technical.ly
By John Horrigan | March 11, 2024 | Benton Institute for Broadband & Society
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Understanding ACP Enrollment by Zip Code: A New Tool by Benton Insitute
Benton Institute for Broadband & Society has released the latest version of the Affordable Connectivity Program (Enrollment Performance Tool. This tool searches ACP registration by zip code and shows the number of localized households at risk of losing internet access now that the ACP has ended. Check out the tool here.
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Events & Device Distributions | |
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Save the Date! 2024 Agriculture & Technology Conference
Join Marylanders Online and partners at the Crown Plaza in Annapolis, Maryland on December 12th for the 2024 Cultivating Innovations in Maryland's Agriculture & Technology Conference. This event will explore the current and emerging technologies transforming the agriculture sector and empower Maryland farmers to adopt data-informed practices that can increase yields and enhance overall efficiency. Learn more.
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Monday, April 1, 5 PM - 8 PM
Georges Creek Library
Monday, April 8, 5 PM - 8 PM
Frostburg Library
Monday, April 15, 5 PM - 8 PM
TBA
Learn more
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April 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25
Southeast Anchor Library
May 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Orleans Street Library
Learn more
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Saturday, April 6, 10 AM– 4 PM
Northeast Community Center
Wednesday, Apr 17, 1 PM– 6 PM
Southern Community Center
Saturday, May 4, 10 AM – 4 PM
Calvert Library Prince Frederick
Wednesday, May 15, 2 PM – 7 PM
New Twin Beaches Branch
Learn more
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Saturday, April 20, 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Seton Center
Friday, April 26,
Thurmont Regional Library
Wednesday, May 22
Fort Richie Community Center
Learn more
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Montgomery County Device Distribution
Montgomery County is providing 1 free Chromebook to Montgomery County residents who do not have access to a computer. You must be a Montgomery County resident at least 7 years old. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen. Limit 1 computer per person. People who previously received a computer from the County are not eligible to receive another computer. You must have an appointment to receive a computer, have a library card, be a Montgomery County resident, and bring proof of ID and address to your appointment.
Wednesday, April 3, 2 -6 PM at Aspen Hill
Friday, April 5, 3 -7 PM at Executive Office Building (Cafeteria)
Tuesday, April 9, 3 -7 PM at Silver Spring Civic Building
Wednesday, April 10, 3-7 PM at White Oak Community Recreation Center
Thursday, April 11, from 1 to 5 PM at Gaithersburg Library
Friday, April 12, 12 to 4 PM
Wheaton American Jobs Center
Saturday, April 13, 11 AM to 3 PM at Executive Office Building Cafeteria
Wednesday, April 17, 3 -7 PM at East County Community Center
Friday, April 19, 3-7 PM at Executive Office Building Cafeteria
Saturday, April ,20 11 AM -3 PM at Germantown Community Recreation Center
Tuesday, April 23, 3 -7 PM at Silver Spring Civic Center
Wednesday, April 24, 12 to 4 PM at Wheaton American Jobs Center
Thursday, April 25, from 3 to 7 PM at Gaithersburg Library
Learn more
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Saturday, April 6th in Hancock, 10:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Sunday, April 7th in Hagerstown, 1:30 - 4:30 PM
Monday, April 8th in Boonsboro, 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Wednesday, April 10th in Smithsburg, 2:30 - 6:30 PM
Saturday, April 13th in Hagerstown, 1:30 - 4:30 PM
1:30pm - 4:30pm in Sharpsburg,10:30 AM -1:30 PM
Wednesday, April 17th in Hagerstown, 4:00 - 7:30 PM
Thursday, April 18th in Smithsburg, 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Thursday, April 18th in Boonsboro, 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Wednesday, April 24th in Hagerstown, 4:00 - 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 27th in Clear Spring, 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Learn more
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Marylanders Online Helpline | |
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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.
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