Byte by Byte: Building a Stronger Community Through Tech Support (Non-CE)

Overview

As technology reshapes our world at an unprecedented pace, digital literacy isn't just advantageous—it's essential. Join us for a unique panel discussion featuring local providers whose missions range from providing personalized technical assistance to leading community-wide digital equity initiatives. Discover the services they're offering, explore the challenges they face amid rapid technological change, and discuss the strategies to break down barriers. This isn't just another event; it's an interactive experience that invites you to engage directly with the panel and one another. Whether you're a human service provider eager to better serve your clients, a student or a community member passionate about digital inclusion, this is your chance to be part of a timely conversation. Together, we'll explore how to collectively elevate digital literacy for everyone, ensuring that our community is equipped with the skills for the digital age. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and champion a more digitally inclusive community.

Objectives

1. Understand the variety of technology support services offered by local organizations to support your clients
2. Explore real-life examples and the tangible impacts of these services on individuals, families and the community
   
3. Identify how these services improve digital literacy and inclusion in the community
   

Registration and CE Information

• Register here for the Non-CE version.
• Please see the CE version if you need CEs
• The live webinar will be held December 6, 2024, from 12:00pm - 1:00pm
• Once registered, you will be able to access the course site to complete the Zoom registration to receive the link for the webinar.

Presenter: Jared Dunn

Jared Dunn has worked at the intersection of community and technology for over two decades, first as a nonprofit technology consultant helping community organizations navigate data, IT, and emerging social media issues. Later he worked on community broadband adoption and digital literacy projects as a graduate assistant in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois, and on community engagement and technology support for the CU Community Fab Lab. In his current position he is building a community coalition for digital equity in Champaign County, and working to provide access to broadband internet, affordable computing devices, and digital literacy education throughout Champaign County.

Presenter: Susan Winkler

As the Technology Librarian at the Champaign Public Library, Susan Winkler creates and teaches workshops on topics ranging from phone and tablet basics to online tools like Google Docs. She coordinates technology workshops taught at the library by other experts. She develops and oversees training for library staff and members of the public in the use of equipment in the library's Studio maker area. She has held many roles in various libraries during her eighteen years in the profession and has a life-long passion to explore technology and provide instruction in its uses to others.

Presenter: Joel Spencer

Joel Spencer is a native of Champaign, Illinois. Joel graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in history in 2008, and a master’s in library and information science in 2010. While in library school Joel focused on community engagement and teen services, and is now a Patron Services Librarian at The Urbana Free Library. Much of Joel’s work at the library centers around outreach and engagement, particularly through project-based technology instruction.