Digital literacy classes bring new opportunities for individual growth
Big Rapids, Mich. (June 26, 2024) - Earlier this month, Connected Nation (CN) headed to the Michigan Works West Central facility in Big Rapids, Mich., to host one of its first in-person Digital Skills Training sessions of 2024.
CN, in partnership with AT&T, created this digital skills training program to provide structured digital literacy training for individuals of all ages, with the goal of helping them navigate the digital world with confidence. By making resources like this accessible, communities can ensure that everyone benefits from the digital revolution.
CN partners with local community organizations like Michigan Works and other nonprofits to reach those most in need of help. The training is offered at no cost to participants and partner organizations. Michigan Works West Central is part of the state’s workforce development system, serving employers and job seekers in six Michigan counties.
During this full day of learning, courses included: computer basics, internet basics, email basics, and cybersecurity, which is always one of the most popular topics.
“We really enjoy teaching the course on how to be safe online,” said Dan Manning, CN Broadband Solutions Manager. “We teach participants about some of the tactics that they can use to protect themselves and make sure they're not taken advantage of by fraudsters and scammers.”
Keeping their information secure online is not the only big way these courses benefit participants. The basic skills they learn to connect to the internet enhance their lives — helping them to search and apply for jobs, access essential services and shop for necessities.
In fact, learning how to accomplish tasks like these online is one of the huge appeals of CN’s digital skills training.
“I think it's really important that we equip people so they're able to take advantage of all the internet has to offer,” said Manning. “By being able to do things online, people can save money on travel expenses. By staying home and tapping into the internet … they wouldn't necessarily have to get in their car and go places.”
Not only does learning digital skills help participants save time and money, CN’s Digital Skills Training program has been shown to help improve the overall quality of life for those who have attended.
“I'd like to thank AT&T for funding Connected Nation to come here,” said Jon Barton, Michigan Works West Central Talent Specialist. “This is now the third time Connected Nation has been here and held these classes, and I hope to continue this partnership into the future. It’s brilliant. We've had so many people attend the classes in the past, and everyone has said what a wonderful training it was.”
If you are interested in bringing these classes to your community, you can head to the CN Digital Skills Training webpage and click on the Interest Form to find out how to register your organization.
CN can help you select and schedule classes in your community, and provide a marketing kit to help spread the word to potential participants.
Learn more about the Digital Skills Training Initiative here:
