The goal of the Digital Inclusion Learning Circle is to provide a space for digital skills trainers to share their knowledge and expertise, get tips to improve their programs and services and brainstorm new ideas. The February Digital Inclusion Learning Circle featured presentations from Pam Rooks, Refugee Digital Access Specialist with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, and Megan McNaughton, Tech Access Partnerships Coordinator with Kansas City Public Library

Demonstrating her presentation’s interactive features, Pam Rooks exhibited a series of slideshow presentations she’s developed to “gamify” digital skills learning for adult-learners who are also refugees. Her slideshows cover topics such as avoiding pop-ups and using computer mice correctly. 

Rooks came to the learning circle needing suggestions to increase the entertainment value of her slide decks. Rooks was met with a variety of ideas and supportive gestures. You can learn more or get involved with Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas by visiting their website for more information. 

Megan McNaughton has seen an uptick in demand for her digital skills classes, which range in topics from Zoom: Beyond The Basics to Online Security: Cyber Threats. McNaughton works mostly with older adults, teaching computer classes to increase the quality of life for individuals otherwise left behind in the digital age. She received affirming feedback from her colleagues and was prepared to share her materials freely with those in need or are curious about the course curriculum. Library card-holders with the Kansas City Public Library can access the entirety of McNaughton’s curriculum for digital literacy. 

Join the Digital Inclusion Learning Circle group on LinkedIn and connect with other practitioners at the monthly meetings at the LAMP campus (Zoom option available). If you have a digital skills training program and would like to bounce ideas off your peers, please email Leah Henriksen for more information.

Further Reading

KU Brings Digital Skills to Justice-Involved Women

The University of Kansas, through its Center for Digital Inclusion, has implemented the Technology Program for Women to help boost digital literacy training for justice-involved women across Kansas, including parts of the Kansas City metro area. The work of CDI expands to parts of Shawnee, Johnson, Clay, Wyandotte, and Jackson counties.

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