Public Higher Education Resources Tackling Broadband Digital Equity Gap
Funded by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
University of Massachusetts Lowell along with key partners provide technical skills, Student Digital Navigators, project management resources, procurement expertise, and other capacities to address digital literacy; device distribution; public space modernization; and education and outreach.
Digital Literacy: UMass Lowell works with community-based organizations, libraries, and senior centers sites across the Merrimack Valley and North Shore, to provide a range of digital literacy programs. Courses mostly focus on teaching basic computer skills to community members who have limited access to resources available through the internet. Training is provided primarily by student Digital Navigators using a pre-designed course consisting of modules designed to teach and engage learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Device Distribution: The student Digital Navigators distribute new or refurbished computer equipment as a part of training and engage in minor computer troubleshooting as needed.
Public Space Modernization: UMass Lowell and partners collaborate to identify sites, primarily in qualified census track areas, where upgrades to technology may be needed. After identifying the public spaces, we work with them to complete a comprehensive assessment of current usage, equipment, connectivity, etc., and develop plans for necessary changes to upgrade the space to best suit their needs and the needs of their constituents. We order and deliver devices and other peripherals to partner sites.
Outreach, Education, and Adoption: To promote digital literacy and sustained broadband adoption and use, UMass Lowell and partners provide “help desk” services mainly at our training sites. All program participants from the training locations have access to the help desk at designated hours usually right before or after a training session.
Check out the UMass Lowell News article: $4 Million Digital Equity Grant Funds Broadband and Classes in Three Cities to learn more about this project.
Engage With Us:
Interested in hosting a class? Looking to upgrade the tech offerings at your community center? Get in touch with us: Robert_Skinnion@uml.edu