Digital Inclusion Week at the Library
October 4, 2023
*Written by Erin Kisiel*
Happy Digital Inclusion Week!
This week, October 2-6, is an annual week of awareness, recognition, and celebration. This time is dedicated to increasing community engagement and awareness about digital equity.
There are a lot of new terms used during Digital Inclusion Week so here are some definitions:
Digital Equity: Every person deserves to have equal access to digital technologies, including internet access. The Internet should be a right, not a privilege. We’ll have achieved digital equity when every person and community has access to the necessary technology to thrive in our society, democracy, and economy. Everyone should be able to access the internet and technology and have the ability to use it.
Digital Inclusion: The steps we take to achieve digital equity.
The five elements of digital inclusion are:
1) Affordable, robust broadband internet service
2) Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user
3) Access to digital literacy training;
4) Quality technical support; and
5) Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration.
Digital Literacy: Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.
Digital Divide: The gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology and those that don’t or have restricted access.
Digital inclusion is vital to education, job opportunities, and vital services. It gives a voice to people who are being left out. Building connected communities is key for everyone to thrive.
The Library is working towards digital equity and inclusion. Our digital literacy brand: ‘DigiLit’ provides a range of technology training options. Whether you are just getting started with learning technology or looking to improve your skills, we have something for you.
We offer a variety of learning paths for every type of user:
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Workplace Tools - Practice the skills you need to succeed in the job market
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Basic Digital Skills - Learn the basics of using technology and accessing the internet
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Social Media - Learn to use social media safely and connect with friends and family
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Mobile Devices - Learn to download apps, access the internet, and even read books from your device
To find out more about DigiLit, please visit: DigiLitCLT.org
At its core, #digitalinclusion is about creating a society where every individual can fully participate in the digital world. It's a journey toward equality, access, empowerment, and a brighter future!
Sources
https://ndia.my.canva.site/diw23
https://www.digitalinclusion.org/digital-inclusion-week-2023/