Why Are We Here?

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Why Are We Here?
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
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NYS BroadbandProgram Office
Close the digital divide and increase digital
literacy levels by providing training and
educational opportunities, in unserved and
underserved, urban and rural communities. Create
jobs through innovative community-based digital
literacy and technology training programs to
increase household technology adoption
rates. http//nysbroadband.ny.gov/federal-funding
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Digital Literacy
Universal Broadband Council Makes Resolution to
Adopt Statewide Digital Literacy
Standards Albany, NY (October 15, 2008) The
Digital Literacy Action Team, ... presented a
resolution to adopt a Digital Literacy Standard.
The motions were carried to accept the proposed
Digital Literacy Standard that includes a
conceptual skill-set framework to measure digital
literacy.
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NY State Plan
Public libraries are among the most ubiquitous
community centers in the state, reaching far into
rural areas and deep into urban neighborhoods.
Libraries are an ideal end point for distribution
of workforce development and other governmental
services. Since public libraries have a
presence in almost all communities across the
state, and in recognition of their expertise in
providing information and capacity to serve
diverse populations, state agencies can
officially engage or deputize public libraries
to supplement the states efforts to serve the
unemployed and disadvantaged population. New
York State Universal Broadband Strategic Roadmap,
June 2009
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Standards
Digital Literacy Principles for New Yorkers   The
following principles consist of higher level
thinking and analysis skills to participate fully
in a digital world.   Critical Thinking Inquire,
think critically and gain knowledge using
technology. Use critical thinking skills to
conduct research, solve problems and make
informed decisions using appropriate digital
tools and resources.   Creativity and
Innovation Demonstrate creative thinking develop
innovative products and processes using
technology. Draw conclusions, make informed
decisions, apply knowledge to using new
technology concepts, and create new knowledge.  
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Standards

• Communication and Collaboration
• Use digital media and technology tools and
  environments to communicate and work
  collaboratively including at a distance.
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• Technology Usage for Personal Development
• Develop an appreciation for ideas and the
  application of information in pursuit of personal
  growth. Demonstrate a sound understanding of
  technology concepts, systems and operations. 
  Exhibit a positive attitude toward using
  technology in the practice of life-long learning.
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• Digital Citizenship and Ethics
• Participate in the sharing of information using
  technology, understanding human, cultural and
  societal issues related to technology. Practice
  legal, ethical, and safe online behavior when
  using technology.

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Skills

• Basic Technology Knowledge
• Be able to use contemporary technology tools.
• Basic Software Skills
• Use the basic features of common software.
• Basic Internet, Communication and Security Skills
• Use and navigate the Internet, use email, and use
  technology safely.
• Effectively Use Information

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BTOP Libraries

• Federal stimulus funding will be used to create
  public access computer centers in 30 public
  libraries and 5 E-mobile computer training units.
  This project will enable public libraries to
  extend hours, upgrade connectivity, add more than
  800 new public computer workstations, and provide
  access to 24/7 job search resources in 41
  economically distressed upstate New York
  counties.

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NYLA Grant

• New York Libraries Leading the Way to Digital
  Literacy
• Use state-approved Digital Literacy Standards to
  develop curricula to be used statewide by library
  staff to train the public thereby providing
  uniform and standardized digital literacy content
  throughout the state.
• Provide train-the-trainer workshops, over three
  years, to 1,440 librarians (10 of all NY
  librarians) across 755 public libraries in New
  York to facilitate the formal adoption of
  state-based curriculum into the compulsory
  continuing education state certification process.

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Ideally
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Connect2Compete is a national nonprofit
organization bringing together leaders from
communities, the private sector, and leading
foundations. Through our programs and the power
of technology, we will improve the lives of
Americans regardless of their age, race,
geography, income, or education level. The use of
technology to access educational content is
necessary to ensure future generations can
compete in the global economy and to prepare them
for the 21st century workforce.
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Internet 9.95 per month high-speed Internet for
free school lunch families Computers 150 laptop
or desktop computer for free school lunch
families Free Training Free digital literacy
training online
Through a partnership with Best Buys Geek Squad
and Americas public libraries, Connect2Compete
will offer in-person digital literacy training in
communities nationwide and free online digital
literacy training.
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Lack of computer skills foils many
job-seekers Technology economy proves a barrier
for older, less-educated applicants MSNBC
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Questions?
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
License.