All Western New Yorkers Deserve Digital Literacy
In today’s world, technology is all around us. If you’re one of the many people living without digital literacy, computers and the internet actually become more of a barrier to communication than a convenience.
Since the pandemic, many important tasks have moved online. For example; medical paperwork, job applications, banking, applying for government assistance, accessing important news, receiving education, and more are all completed digitally. Many jobs require basic digital skills as well. In fact, 70% of jobs require medium to high levels of digital literacy.*
In 2023, 16% percent of working-age adults lack digital literacy. Because of this, many everyday tasks are unnecessarily challenging for them. Our vision at LBN is to see all people in Erie and Niagara Counties become literate, and that includes digital literacy.
So, What is Digital Literacy?
Digital literacy is the ability to use technology and navigate online resources. It requires knowledge of how to operate both physical devices and the software systems inside them. When someone is digitally literate, they’re able to use computers, smartphones, tablets and the internet with ease.
Who Struggles with Digital Literacy?
Many of our neighbors in Erie and Niagara Counties struggle to use computers and the internet. However, low digital literacy does not touch everyone equally, affecting:
- 11% of White Adults**
- 22% of Black and African American Adults**
- 28% of Adults Aged 55 – 65**
- 36% of Foreign-Born Adults**
- 41% of Adults Without a High School Diploma**
It’s important to start bridging these demographic gaps. We can do this by supporting people from all cultures and backgrounds.
How Can You Help? Refer People in Need to Digi-Skills
At LBN, we have launched a new digital literacy program called Digi-Skills. The program is designed to help adults learn how to use computers and other devices, navigate the internet, search for jobs online, create and use email, keyboarding, and so much more.
For adults who are seeking digital literacy tutoring, the Digi-Skills program begins with an individual interview with our staff to discuss the goals they’d like to work toward. From there, 4-6 sessions are provided by our staff to assist the individual in meeting those digital literacy goals.
Depending on individual need, we utilize an easy-to-use online training called Northstar Digital Literacy. This free program takes students through computer, internet, and email basics, all with the support of our staff. As the students progress, they can start to learn more software skills like Microsoft Office products, Mac OS and Windows operating systems. Digi-Skills also offers programs on topics like telemedicine, K-12 distance learning, social media, and information literacy.
To learn more about the Digi-Skills adult education program and Northstar Digital Literacy, check out our Programs page.
SOURCES
*Addressing digital literacy and other reasons for non-adoption of Broadband. Rockefeller Institute of Government. (n.d.). Retrieved December 21, 2022.
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**Mamedova, S. (n.d.). In the United States stats in brief – national center for education. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
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