AUTHOR: Bridget Schell
PHONE: 814-238-1809
AGENCY: Mid-State Literacy Council
ARTICLE:
As a millennial, I grew up being “tech savvy by default.” Computer classes started in elementary school, holiday trips home inevitably included “fixing that darn machine,” and job descriptions seemed to include de facto tech support by simply being the youngest employee in the office. These days, I complain to friends about new app updates, ask younger staff for help when I get frustrated, and watch my niece and nephew approach all things digital with intuitive ease. Technology is evolving rapidly and many, myself included, struggle to keep up.
Computers, tablets, and cellphones are daily devices more than ever before. Even for those of us who prefer to limit the technology in our lives, it inevitably creeps in. We use medical portals to schedule doctor’s appointments, get test results, and fill prescriptions. We depend upon email, search engines, and data management tools to succeed in the workplace. We socialize with others online and consume media that informs our worldviews. It’s difficult to do these things effectively, intentionally, and safely without an array of digital literacy skills and knowledge.
Mid-State Literacy Council (MSLC) supports adults learning critical digital literacy skills to navigate today’s society. Trained staff and volunteers offer one-to-one tutoring, workshops, and small classes to help adults achieve their goals in Centre and Clearfield counties. While some students are learning to type for the first time, others are learning how to recognize spam emails, browse the internet safely, use Google Drive and Microsoft Word, access online banking, understand the functions and tools of AI, and more! Digital literacy skills support upward mobility, self-sufficiency, community resilience, and a sense of belonging.
MSLC is collaborating with the Office of Aging to offer cellphone workshops at all Centre County senior centers. By building knowledge, skills, and confidence, adults will receive support to set up and use online health portals. Meanwhile, we offer an array of digital literacy presentations to adults 50 or older with support from AARP. To register for our next presentation, “Is That AI?,” on March 4th at 10:30am at the Active Adult Center in the Nittany Mall, RSVP using the contact info below.
But digital literacy isn’t only for older adults! Many MSLC students want to build technology skills to seek employment, promotion, or perform more confidently in their current job. According to the National Skills Coalition, 92% of jobs require digital literacy skills and 1 in 3 workers don’t have sufficient technology skills to enter and thrive in today’s workforce. Employees who gain digital literacy skills can better identify and apply for compatible work opportunities and communicate more effectively with co-workers and supervisors.
If you’re interested in volunteering, learning, or collaborating with Mid-State Literacy Council, learn more at www.mid-stateliteracycouncil.org and contact us at mslc@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org, 814-238-1809, or stop by 248 East Calder Way Suite 307 in State College.
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