Technology and Discovery

1. Digital Access
   1. Coordinate with Community and Economic Development (CED) program to broker partnerships.
   2. Establish community needs and resource assessment framework.
2. Digital Equity
   1. Share information and project examples about digital equity funding opportunities for programs and devices.
   2. Support and advise communities, organizations, and groups as they plan for digital equity activities, such as access, adoption assistance, and skills literacy programs.
   3. Work with communities to safely build their public digital access, communication systems, and social networks using digital technologies through a variety of public and private organizations.
3. Digital Literacy
   1. Communicate with communities and organizations to raise awareness about digital technology and discovery. Work with communities to identify and address barriers.
   2. Develop and implement digital literacy programs for individuals of all ages, focusing on basic digital skills, online safety and consumer literacy, and training regarding digital tools, software applications, and online platforms.
   3. Teach basic skills that support individual success, including communication, productivity, internet and device literacy, social media literacy, and digital security.
   4. Work with internal and external partners to teach basic skills which support workforce development, including data analysis, project management, design, digital marketing, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computing, and industry-specific digital skills.
   5. Train Extension staff regarding hardware and software options and usage that support programming via digital platforms.

• Number and percent of participants reporting increased awareness of the benefits of broadband access, adoption, and use.
• Number and percent of public and private sector organizations receiving technical assistance to enhance digital access increase.
• Amount of external funding made available to communities for broadband programs/ projects.
• Number and percentage of participants reporting increased availability of digital equipment.
• Number and percent of participants reporting increased knowledge of digital skills.
• Number and percent of participants reporting use of digital skills learned as evidenced by follow-up surveys post-completion of the program.
• Number and percent of participants reporting improved quality of life outcomes due to digital access, literacy, and equity.
• Number and percent of participants reporting use of digital skills learned as evidenced by Workforce Development profiles in Moodle.
• Counts of web traffic and online engagement with the Illinois Extension websites and web content.
• Annual parity analysis of program participants.
  • Digital Equity covered populations: People with disabilities.
  • People with language barriers
  • Racial and ethnic minorities
  • Rural inhabitants
  • Low-income households
  • Aging populations
  • Incarcerated individuals
  • Veterans

Primary

Enhancing digital access, equity, and literacy reduces opportunity gaps and builds community capacity by providing individuals with the resources to effectively navigate the digital landscape. This initiative aims to equip participants with essential connectivity and skills, leading to greater engagement in the modern economy and society, as evidenced by increased confidence in using technology, improved digital problem-solving abilities, and heightened participation in online educational and professional opportunities. 

Secondary

Increasing digital access, equity, and literacy contributes to lifelong learning and economic possibility by fostering continuous education, providing essential skills to adapt to evolving technologies, and promoting sustained economic growth and resilience for communities.

Opportunity and skills gaps regarding digital literacy and lack of access statewide are related to inequities and slow progress in meeting digital knowledge and skills across sectors. Extension holds the expertise, access to communication channels, and strategic partnerships that will enable digital literacy education and training among Illinois audiences, internal and external.