Meeting Changing Needs: Digital Literacy and Career Website Partnerships in Minnesota

Meeting Changing Needs: Digital Literacy and Career Website Partnerships in Minnesota The world is changing quickly Governments topple, international relations transform Key to this: Social networking, based on digital literacy Numerous Minnesota projects to increase digital literacy and related skills Northstar Digital Literacy Standards Learner Web Partnership: A Multi-State Support System for Broadband Adoption by Vulnerable Adults Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities Next, we'll look at the Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (often called the Blandin MIRC Project) Let's start with the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards These standards were developed last year through a collaborative process involving libraries, ABE programs, non-profits, WorkForce Centers, and others, facilitated by the St. Paul Community Literacy Consortium. The primary focus is to help people gain basic digital literacy skills needed to search for, obtain, and succeed in entry-level jobs. Once adults master the skills, they can receive a Certificate of Basic Digital Literacy Skills (in process), which can be used with employers when applying for work. The standards include basic computer digital literacy standards in five main areas - Basic Computer Use, Internet, Windows Operating System, Email, and Word Processing (Word). We have obtained grants to develop an online assessment for use with the standards. This should be done summer 2012. Need to work toward Integrating tech skills into learning tasks/projects. Provide ample opportunities for learners to practice real world tech skills in a supportive environment. Why? The Obama Administration’s National Education Technology Plan: re-invent the education system, using technology to provide opportunities for “personalized learning and to enable continuous and lifelong learning." Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities (MIRC) Partners: -Intelligent Community Forum -Minnesota Learning Commons -University of MN Extension -MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) -Minnesota Workforce Council -Minnesota Renewable Energy Marketplace -Regional Development Commissions (10 Regions) -Demonstration Communities (11) -PCs for People Teach Skills and Concepts for: -Mouse/Touchpad -Basic Computer -Internet -Windows -Email -Word Processing Within -> -www.MinnesotaWorks.net -www.CareerOneStop.org -www.ISEEK.org -and other existing tools Here is a brief overview of "Learner Web Partnership: A Multi-State Support System for Broadband Adoption by Vulnerable Adults" Involves five states. Minnesota sites include WorkForce Centers in Ramsey County/St. Paul, Minneapolis, Mankato, and New Ulm; Project for Pride in Living; McDonough Public Housing Learner Web Online learning system supported by trained Community Technology Tutors Three learning plans: Basic Computer Skills How to be an Informed Broadband Consumer Introduction to Career Pathways The learning plans incorporate the Northstar Digital Literacy Standards and materials developed through the Blandin Project Full participation in economic & civic life. Hamline University/ATLAS 2008 Instructional Practices Alignment Survey found that 70% of MNSCU faculty use online learning as a required part of instruction. "Digital Bridges to Sustainable Communities" Using -> Using -> Use Case Scenarios and Learner-centric Scenario-based Training learnerweb.org/infosite Applying for work, daily communication, organizing information, attending school, managing finances - digital literacy is key FastTRAC The project will enable WorkForce Centers to serve many adults who they cannot now serve well, due to the lack of basic digital literacy skills. The literate person must have digital literacy skills Collaboration between libraries, schools, adult basic education programs, literacy organizations, workforce centers and non-profit community centers Minnesota Response How long could you do your job without a computer, or live your life without a cell phone? http://www.commerce.gov/news/fact-sheets/2011/05/13/fact-sheet-digital-literacy Questions? * Tom Cytron-Hysom, thysom@real-time.com * Laura Nedved, lnedved@comcast.net * Martha Hardy, Martha.Hardy@metrostate.edu * Kit Hadley, kit.hadley@stpaul.mn.us * MaryAnn Vancura, Maryann.Vancura@state.mn.us