LIFT Navigators

Help bridge the digital divide

Train your organization’s staff and volunteers to become digital navigators.

LIFT Navigators:

Digital navigators are trained professionals who work with community members to address a number of digital equity issues such as internet connectivity, device access, and basic digital skills training. They typically meet one-on-one with members of their community and may assist with any number of online activities on any number of devices. As the need for this vital support is becoming increasingly more apparent, navigators may be found in healthcare settings, libraries, non-profit organizations, community centers, public computer labs, schools, etc.

Navigators do not have to be subject matter experts, but they do need a specific skill set that enables them to be proficient coaches. They research and learn right alongside their clients, and know how to answer questions. Navigators provide foundational technical support to those in need and are trained to help folks sign up for low-cost internet through programs such as the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Digital navigators have lived experience in their own communities and are trusted, reliable resources for the people that they serve.

As part of this package, enrollees will receive access to four online, self-paced courses. In total, the LIFT Navigators package is 12-15 hours of training.

Part One: The Digital Navigators Overview teaches your team everything they need to know about the digital divide and the important role of digital navigators.

Part Two: The Advanced Digital Navigators Training equips your team to help folks from a wide variety of backgrounds gain access to the internet, devices, and additional resources they may need.

Certificates will be awarded upon completion. Both trainings are self-guided and can be completed at one’s own pace. 

Note: Part One is a prerequisite to Part Two. 

Part One:

You’ll learn how to:

You will understand the important distinctions between the following: digital divide, digital equity, and digital inclusion.

As a digital navigator, this understanding will enable you to communicate effectively and respectfully with your learners.

This training provides detailed information about digital navigator roles, responsibilities, skill sets, and places within the digital inclusion ecosystem.

After reviewing key concepts of adult learning principles, you will be equipped with strategies to help you teach others.

You will learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and its guidelines, enrollment criteria, and application process. Additionally, you will be able to help identify local ISP programs that offer affordable options.

This lesson provides information about safe and responsible use of the internet.

This training provides real-life examples of digital navigators at work, case studies illustrating digital inclusion principles, and information about shadowing others in the field.

You will get access to a wide variety of useful links to government and non-profit resources, research, educational materials, and more. 

Part Two:

You’ll learn how to:

Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of increased digital connectivity, using a strengths-based perspective that honors the experience and resources of less connected communities.

Clearly define the role of digital navigators and their responsibilities, skills, workflows, and place in the digital inclusion ecosystem.

Conduct an intake interview to identify a learner or client’s current digital skills and resources, identify goals, and make a preliminary assessment of eligibility for programs such as the ACP.

Identify best practices in online safety and digital citizenship to encourage safe and responsible use of the internet by digital navigators and their learners.

Maintain case notes and other records to support learner progress and impact reporting.

Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and refer learners or clients out to other support resources for needs beyond the scope of the Digital Navigator role.

Locate and consult additional resources to remain up to date on best practices in the digital navigator community.

Your team also receives access to:

This course teaches your team everything they need to know in order to fully understand what the Affordable Connectivity Program is and how it benefits the clients and communities they serve.

Watch two remote training sessions that present a variety of real-life digital inclusion scenarios. These videos are designed to further assist you with identifying common challenges that may arise in a session, and developing your own coaching strategies.

Plus:

Special access to:

Learners ask questions and identify practical ways to apply lessons to their daily digital inclusion work. The debrief provides a cohesive, engaging, and robust wrap-up for the client.

This guide promotes Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety.

Learners get access to a team of subject matter experts in digital literacy and andragogy.

The course provides regionally-specific resources where appropriate, and CTN’s proprietary Resource Package includes pre- and post-survey templates, media release forms, informational documents, and more.

This membership connects you with like-minded organizations and digital navigators from across the nation for ongoing learning and collaboration.

For more information

For more information or to build your customized training program, reach out to us today: LIFT@communitytechnetwork.org

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