March 2024
Volume 2 | Issue 3
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Introducing: New Website Resources | |
Over the past year, University of Maryland Extension (UME) Marylanders Online in partnership with the University of Maryland College of Information Studies (INFO) has been diligently working on creating, refining, and now launching a diverse array of resources available to both digital navigators and the public. We are excited to announce that these free resources - ranging from HP Chromebook setup to applying for government benefits - are now proudly available on the Marylanders Online website!
The eGovernment resources reflect the findings of the INFO team's 2022 Stakeholder Needs Assessment Survey, which interviewed nearly 200 stakeholders and sought to map the landscape of available digital literacy programming in the state of Maryland, determine the digital literacy needs that Marylanders have, and identify the perceived barriers that contribute to many residents not being adequately served.
The INFO team has curated the resources by incorporating insights from many Marylanders who underscored the need to improve accessibility to public services and opportunities for workforce development. Find a full list of these eGov resources here. Learn more about INFO's research project at https://go.umd.edu/DLNeedsAssessment.
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Apply for a State Identification Card | |
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Helpline Call Volume Surges
The number of phone calls to the Marylanders Online Helpline has increased by 9728% year over year - from 18 calls in February 2023 to 1,769 calls in February 2024. This staggering increase can be attributed to statewide device distributions, the wind-down of the ACP, and increased public awareness about the helpline.
So far this year, there have been 2,950 calls to the helpline - which is nearly half of the total number of calls received in 2023!
To connect with a Marylanders Online helpline digital navigator, call the toll-free number 1-866-206-8467 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or email marylandersonline@umd.edu.
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UME Marylanders Online is Hiring!
UME is looking to hire motivated Bilingual Spanish /English, part-time hourly Tech Extension Digital Navigators to support the work of the Marylanders Online Digital Navigation program, which responded to over 6,000 calls in 2023. Digital Navigators will work from the College Park campus or County Extension Office and will be responsible for
- Assisting community residents with digital inclusion information and resources on affordable broadband access, appropriate devices, and digital skills
- Providing information and coaching to enable Maryland residents to use home devices and internet to increase digital literacy skills
- Providing basic technical support to enable digital access and inclusion in Maryland
- Providing research assistance to identify existing local resources and gather insights about community needs.
Please send a cover letter and resume to Nerice Millet-Williams.
Read the full job description.
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Marylanders Online in Action | |
Partnering with Enoch Pratt - and Beyond | |
On February 22nd in Baltimore City, UME Marylanders Online launched the first-ever training session of Pratt Beyond, a train-the-trainer curriculum developed by UME in partnership with the Internal Training Team at Enoch Pratt Free Library for digital navigators, peer navigators, PC instructors, and public-serving staff from the library. The session took place at Enoch Pratt and is the first of 10 in-person workshops that complement the 10 online modules of the Pratt Adventure program, one of the many Give Help resources that Marylanders Online offers.
Blaise Brennan, a UME Tech Educator, skillfully guided the inaugural session, effectively guiding future trainers through the curriculum and responding to inquiries from an engaged audience.
This event marks a meaningful milestone for the Marylanders Online curriculum team which, in partnership with INFO, designed this custom curriculum from the ground up, building each component from scratch by leveraging the team's expertise and collaboration. Future goals for this program extend beyond just Pratt, with the potential to scale for a bigger impact throughout the state as these 'trained' trainers go to their respective libraries and communities to deliver the curriculum locally.
Much like the Talk, Text and Train series partnership, graduates of the Pratt Beyond Curriculum will receive certificates of completion, and the partners are exploring digital badging and CEUs in the future. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!
Read the full article.
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Approximately 300 HP Chromebooks were distributed during the Charles County device distribution initiative over the past several months. The UME Marylanders Online team had the opportunity to attend these events to assist individuals with signing up for ACP and providing valuable information to help them stay connected. | |  |
The Calvert County Government, Calvert County Public Library, UME, and several organizations joined forces for the Connected Devices Grant to distribute HP Chromebooks. UME and the library supported by setting up Chromebooks and sharing information about affordable internet services and other digital literacy resources. | | |
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In Baltimore City, an exciting new collaboration in digital literacy has emerged between Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP) and the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology (BCIT). BCRP and BCIT have partnered to provide Digital Navigator Training for BCRP Staff as part of the City’s Tech Hubs Initiative.
This two-day training session, facilitated by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), focused on best practices in #DigitalInclusion work, empowering BCRP's digital navigators with essential skills, knowledge, and tools to meet Baltimore residents' digital needs.
UME Marylanders Online is grateful for the opportunity to support this initiative and contribute to Baltimore City’s efforts in advancing digital equity. Learn more about Baltimore City's Tech Hubs initiatives in BDE's latest newsletter.
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Pawan Kumar Pradhan
Web Content Manager
Research Assistant
Pawan is a dedicated cybersecurity professional with a wealth of industrial experience. He currently serves in a dual capacity with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) as both a Web Content Manager and Research Assistant for the Marylanders Online program. With a solid foundation of three years at a Big 4 Consulting firm, PwC, Pawan brings invaluable expertise to his role. Pawan's commitment to continuous learning is reflected in his pursuit of industrial certifications, including AWS and Azure, which help ensure that he remains at the forefront of technological trends.
Pawan holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from KIIT University, India, and is currently pursuing his Master's in Cybersecurity at the University of Maryland. Additionally, he has contributed to the field with a research publication on post-quantum cryptographic secure algorithms, particularly in the area of Lattice-based cryptography.
We are extraordinarily fortunate to have Pawan and his wealth of knowledge on the team!
Learn more about the UME Marylanders Online team here.
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Marylanders Online at Net Inclusion 2024 | |
Marylanders Online team members Isaias Tesfalidet and Uhjin Sim shared meaningful moments captured from their participation at February's #Netinclusion24 conference in Philadelphia. This annual gathering of the digital inclusion community is sponsored by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA). Learn more. | |
UME Marylanders Online Project Director Isaias Tesfalidet served on the panel "Proven Strategies for Scaling Digital Navigation and Coalitions" during which he offered insights gleaned from collaborative digital equity work within the Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC). | |
Uhjin Sim, UME Instructional Designer, sat on the panel discussion, "Connecting Digital Literacy to the Adult Learning Ecosystem" where she shared about the extensive digital inclusion work involved in UME Marylanders Online's research, resources, and outreach. | |
Also at the conference were other members of The National Digital Education Extension Team (NDEET), including Lucas Turpin and Victor Villegas with Oregon State University, Cristy Schmidt with Penn State Extension, and Kenneth Sherin with North Carolina State University. | |
Digital Literacy News & Events | |
MD Department of Housing and Community Development Launches Maryland Broadband Hub | |
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced the launch of the Office of Statewide Broadband’s new Maryland Broadband Hub. The online hub provides access to mapping viewers and links resources for Maryland residents and broadband providers to learn about how Maryland is analyzing data and existing broadband service to plan for increased service and broadband expansion, as required by Maryland Senate Bill 66.
The Maryland Broadband Explorer allows viewers to see broadband availability in Maryland and search broadband service at specific addresses.
The Data Collection Tool compares data from the Maryland Broadband Explorer and the Federal Communications Commission’s National Broadband Map.
Read the press release.
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Monday, March 4th at South Cumberland Library
5 PM - 8 PM
Friday, March 8th at Department of Social Services
11 AM - 2 PM
Monday, March 11th at Westernport Library
5 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday, March 20th at Allegany HRDC
5 PM - 8 PM
Saturday, March 23rd at LaVale Library
11 AM - 2 PM
Monday, March 25th at South Cumberland Library
5 PM - 8 PM
Learn more
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March 21, 22, 25, 26, 28
At Orleans Street Library
March 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 28
At Southeast Anchor Library
Learn more
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Saturday, March 2nd at Southern Community Center
10 AM - 4 PM
Wednesday, March 20th at Calvert Library Fairview
11 AM -5 PM
Saturday, April 6th at Northeast Community Center
10 AM– 4 PM
Learn more
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Montgomery County Device Distribution
Due to overwhelming demand, all appointments made after February 20th and and events after March 8th are limited to Montgomerey County residents only. If you made an appointment before February 20 and you live in Maryland outside of Montgomery County, we will honor your appointment ticket.
Montgomery County is providing 1 free Chromebooks to Montgomery County residents who do not have access to a computer. You must be 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.
Learn more
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Saturday, March 9th in Hancock
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Appointment required, call 301-678-5300
Saturday, March 9th in Boonsboro
10:45 AM - 1:45 PM
Appointment required, call 301-432-5723
Tuesday, March 12th in Smithsburg
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Appointment required, call 301-824-7722
Wednesday, March 13th in Hagerstown
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Walk-in distribution event, no appointment required.
Thursday, March 14th in Sharpsburg
1:00p PM - 4:30 PM
Appointment required, call 301-432-8825
Saturday, March 16th in Clear Spring
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Appointment required, call 301-842-2730
Saturday, March 16th in Hagerstown
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Appointment required (FULL)
Wednesday, March 20th in Hagerstown
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Appointment required (FULL)
Sunday, March 24th in Hagerstown
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Appointment required (FULL)
Thursday, March 28th in Smithsburg
2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Appointment required, call 301-824-7722
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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