Marylanders Online Newsletter
January 2026 | Volume 4 | Issue 1
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Welcome to 2026 - Where Digital Opportunities Ignite!
Marylanders Online has entered a new phase of operations this month, featuring a smaller, but just as dedicated, team working on program improvements and sustainability. While day-to-day operations will be scaled back, our commitment to supporting digital literacy efforts across the state remains strong, and we are working to ensure essential tools and services remain available to all Maryland residents and community partners.
Explore this newsletter to find links to digital resources, digital skills curricula, and training modules.
To our partners, help us help you by submitting events to our website calendar, and tag @MarylandersOnline on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for resharing.
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Emails and voicemails sent outside of business hours will be responded to the next business day. Language interpretation remains available in over 180 languages upon request.
Helpline Closures: The Helpline observes the University of Maryland holiday schedule and will be closed March 16-17, May 25, June 19, July 3, September 7, October 12, November 26-27, and December 25-31, 2026.
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Need Resources Now?
Find self-guided learning and instructional resources online - anytime. Browse the nearly 700 curated digital resources available on the Marylanders Online website by using the search feature or by visiting the Give Help page.
| | | | | Self-Paced Learning Modules | | Did you know? In addition to the hundreds of partner resources featured on our website, Marylanders Online has published several training modules that are free and available to all under Creative Commons licensure. These curricula were developed by the UME Marylanders Online program in partnership with the University of Maryland College of Information. Click the buttons below to explore them. | | 2026 Precision Agriculture Technology Conference | | | | |
Date: February 26, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Crowne Plaza, Annapolis, MD
Cost: $85 until February 13th, $120 after
This event is open to the public.
For reasonable accommodations to participate in this program, contact PAL@umd.edu by February 13, 2026.
| | What's New at Marylanders Online | | | | |
UME Receives Multiple Awards from NEAFCS
The National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) presented UME with multiple awards at the 91st annual session in October. Marylanders Online received five awards, including two 1st- and 2nd-Place National Awards in two categories and 1st- and 2nd-Place Eastern Region Awards in three categories. Read More
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CHEERS to AI Literacy
UME Tech Educator Gabriel Fumero has partnered with local organization CHEERS to launch an AI training program that teaches Community Ambassadors how to strengthen their community work through the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
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Marylanders Online Presents in Hawaii
INFO Professor Dr. Mega Subramaniam was joined by Regina Paige of Enoch Pratt Free Library to present on the collaborative efforts that created MONET at the 2026 Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences (HICSS) in Maui earlier this month. Their session was titled, “From Learners to Leaders: Scaling Digital Literacy with Digital Navigators through a Train-the-Trainer Curriculum."
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UME - UMD Partnership for Digital Literacy
On January 22, Digital Navigator Getachew Ferede delivered a presentation about Marylanders Online services and resources to staff at the University of Maryland’s STAMP facilities. The workshop shared practical tips for learning computer skills, paired with helpful reference guides to support staff in building their digital skills and confidence.
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Introducing Krishna Kishore Buddi
Data scientist and AI researcher Krishna Buddi has joined the UME Marylanders Online team as a Web Content Manager / AI Integration Assistant. In this role, he will work on an AI integration project to enhance digital literacy and improve service delivery across Maryland communities. Learn more about Krishna.
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A Powerful Testimonial on Digital Opportunities
A class participant shares how his Marylanders Online training sparked a newfound interest in learning about technology and exploring future career possibilities in AI. Click here to watch.
| | Digital Education Events & Resources | | |
Don’t Take the Bait: Scam Awareness Webinar
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 | 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Scammers are getting smarter, but you can stay a step ahead. Join the Maryland Department of Labor and consumer protection partners for a free webinar on spotting the latest red flags from crypto schemes to text message traps. Register Here
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Allegany County
Allegany County Library System offers free classes to help the community strengthen their computer skills in a relaxed, hands-on setting. All classes are free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, call the hosting library. View Calendar
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Baltimore City Free Public Wi-FI
FreeBmoreWiFi is available indoors and outdoors at recreation centers, senior centers, and specific neighborhoods throughout the city. To find out whether you are within range, check the interactive map on the Baltimore City FreeBmoreWiFi website. Learn More
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Goodwill offers free Coursera and Google digital skill training programs to help boost career readiness in high-growth tech fields. Learn More
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Kent County
Kent County Public Library is offering Tech Help Drop-In Hours on Mondays from 11 AM - 1 PM at the Chestertown Branch. Call 410-778-3636 or use the online scheduler.
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Navigating the Telehealth Neighborhood: Patient Portal Training for Digital Navigators
A free digital course on telehealth basics and virtual appointments for digital navigators from NRTRC.
Enroll Here
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Quick Links to Digital Resources
For the latest news on digital inclusion training, events, programs, and other opportunities, bookmark our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/marylandersonline.
To stay current with the latest in Maryland digital inclusion progress, be sure to follow our socials.
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