Having the ability, knowledge and confidence to navigate digital spaces has become an important life skill.
Thanks to a grant from the Government of Alberta Civil Society Fund, Chinook Arch Regional Library System was able to add 75 loanable Wi-Fi hotspot devices into its collection.
The grant was also used to host digital literacy clinics across southwestern Alberta. The addition of 75 Wi-Fi hotspots being available to borrow through local libraries helps those who can’t afford home Internet.
The goals of the project included providing participants with the necessary skills to use the Internet safely and effectively, improving the confidence and skills of underrepresented groups using the Internet, as well as increasing the number of Albertans using the Internet in their day-to-day lives.
While the goals are simple, the impact of the project is immense and far beyond serving single individuals. Chinook Arch is working with member libraries to close the digital equity gap, because so many things now require digital access to accomplish.
From seeking/applying for employment to completing homework assignments, there is an expectation people have access to the tools and knowledge needed to live within an increasingly digital world.
Chinook Arch hired Cassidy Yaroslawsky for the role of digital navigator. She provided in-person digital literacy classes at many of its member libraries. Clinics ran January 2023 until March 2024. Word of mouth and community partnerships were valuable tools in the popularity of these classes. Many communities had repeat attendees throughout the series.
In Picture Butte, after reaching out to the Happy Old Timers group, attendance saw a swift rise.
“The biggest value for me was just going through all of the elementary things, because many of us older folks are not up on technology,” says Pat Bodnar. “Now, I’m not afraid to keep trying to figure things out on my own.”
Another program offered was personalized and one-on-one classes, depending on topic and demand. These programs ranged from in-depth learning about the difference between Canadian and American privacy law (for international and snowbird attendees) to assisting with connecting a drone to a tablet to monitor livestock.
