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    • Author: Julie Slivka, Pawan K. Pradhan

    Aug 1, 2024

    Digital Skills Classes


    Marylanders Online is dedicated to closing the digital divide by offering a variety of digital skills training programs and fostering partnerships across the state. These initiatives aim to provide individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world confidently and independently, whether for personal, professional, or civic purposes. 

    Here's a look at some of the impactful programs UME Marylanders Online offers:

    AI-Infused Extensions for Progressive Solutions

    In partnership with the National Extension Technology Community (NETC), Marylanders Online Tech Educators developed and facilitated a new training called "Beyond Boundaries: AI-Infused Extensions for Progressive Solutions." This training introduces free artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can be used to enhance productivity and streamline tasks in Extension work.

    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Statewide
    • Target Population: All

    Computer Basics

    In partnership with Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center, Marylanders Online developed and deployed beginner and intermediate classes on Microsoft Word, Internet, and email for immigrants in Montgomery County.

    • Program Lead: Aziz Hurtado
    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Montgomery County
    • Target Population: Immigrant community, Limited English proficiency

    Chromebooks Basics Trainings

    Marylanders Online provides Chromebook Basics classes to support the success of Maryland's digital device distributions across the state. These classes ensure that Marylanders are equipped with not only digital devices, but the skills and digital literacy to use them effectively. These courses were offered at low-income housing residences, libraries, housing authorities, and other community organizations.

    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Statewide
    • Target Population: All

    Community-Centered Digital Skills Learning

    In partnership with Baltimore City Community College's Refugee Youth Project (RYP), Marylanders Online offered digital skills classes for Afghan refugees focusing on basic digital skills, online safety, reliable information sourcing, and government services.

    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Baltimore City
    • Target Population: Immigrant population, Limited English Proficiency

    In partnership with Baltimore City Community College's Refugee Youth Project (RYP), Marylanders Online offered digital skills classes for Afghan refugees focusing on basic digital skills, online safety, reliable information sourcing, and government services.

    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Baltimore City
    • Target Population: Immigrant population, Limited English Proficiency

    Digital Skills Learning in the Faith Community

    Marylanders Online has partnered with St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church to set up a computer lab and provide ongoing digital skills training for the community. This collaboration helped to install 26 desktop computers available and free for community members to use.

    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Prince George's County

    Digital Skills Learning with Low-English Proficiency Individuals

    In collaboration with CASA and Lakeland Civic Association, Marylanders Online launched a computer skills training program for individuals with limited English proficiency as well as Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant individuals. The partnership helped with the delivery and setup process of more than 40 Google Chromebooks at the CASA Wheaton Welcome Center.

    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Prince George's County
    • Target Population: Limited English Proficiency, Immigrant Communities, BIPOC 

    Teen as Teachers

    This five-week program offered in partnership with Baltimore County 4-H integrates youth development and leadership with digital literacy skills, enabling 4-H youth to teach digital skills.

    • Program Lead: Naimani Staley
    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Northern Maryland
    • Target Population: Teens

    Talk, Text, and Train Series with Maryland Accessible Telecommunications

    In partnership with Maryland Accessible Telecommunications, Marylanders Online developed a virtual training series called, "Talk, Text, and Train." This virtual training series were facilitated by representatives from accessible technology (AT) device providers, including Hable, RealSam Pocket, Apple, Google, BlindShell USA, and RAZ Mobility, and provided an in-depth overview of their AT products and were designed to be accessible to an audience with low vision or blindness.

    As a direct outcome, thirty participants obtained certification to instruct others in the use of the AT devices. Maryland Department of Rehabilitation Services has also since committed to certifying attendees in recognition of the program’s value to the low-vision and blind community. Learn more about the Talk, Text, and Train series.

    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Statewide
    • Target Population: Low-Vision and Blind Individuals

    Senior Planet

    Marylanders Online is a registered provider for Senior Planet, a digital skills training program from AARP designed for individuals over the age of 50 aimed at equipping participants with the necessary skills to navigate their devices independently, connect to Wi-Fi, explore the internet safely, and manage their emails with confidence.

    • Topic Focus: Digital Skills
    • Maryland Region: Statewide
    • Target Population: Older Adults