January 2024
Volume 2 | Issue 1
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A Year of Growth and Progress: 2023 in Review | | |
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As 2024 begins, UME Marylanders Online reflects on a previous year marked by notable achievements and milestones that have characterized the digital literacy initiative since its inception two years ago. In 2023, substantial growth was experienced across all dimensions of the program. The addition of several new staff members, many new and innovative programs, and the curation of hundreds of resources have collectively contributed to a significant expansion of the program. Marylanders Online's dedicated team and esteemed partners have played an indispensable role in this success, and these efforts have solidified UME Marylanders Online's leadership in advancing digital literacy, equity, and inclusion across the state. | |
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Here are a few noteworthy accomplishments from 2023:
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Over 240 digital literacy events were supported statewide, including ACP sign-ups, device distributions, and digital skills classes
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Nearly 570 digital skills resources were curated, including 403 Give Help resources and 166 Get Help resources
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Over 6,000 Digital Navigation Helpline calls,12% of which were Spanish
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Nearly 7,000 users visited the Marylanders Online website
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What's New with Marylanders Online? | |
The First Annual Marylanders Online In-Service | |
The UME Marylanders Online team, consisting of the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Tech Educators, Digital Navigators, and the College of Information Sciences (INFO) curriculum team, gathered on January 4th for the first annual Team Review and Planning In-service. The team expressed their enthusiasm for the program, and several members led skill-building sessions in which the team contributed useful tools, feedback, and insights that led to an enriching dialogue. The In-service afforded the team a chance to reflect on the significant achievements of 2023 and strategically plan for a successful year ahead. | |
Accessible Devices and Training: MAT Partnership | |
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In 2023, UME Marylanders Online joined forces with Maryland Accessible Technologies (MAT) to address the unique digital inequity challenges faced by individuals with low vision and blindness. This innovative partnership resulted in a multi-month Talk Text Train virtual training series featuring digital accessibility vendors such as Hable, BlindShell, and RAZ Mobility. The series was very well received and certified around 30 participants, many of whom are blind. This certification empowers these individuals to enter the workforce and teach others to use these accessible digital devices effectively. View the Talk Text Train videos on UME's YouTube channel here.
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Marylanders Online Meets at the White House | Also in December, Isaias Tesfalidet, Digital Literacy Project Director with the University of Maryland Extension, had the exciting opportunity to tour The White House during a visit arranged by Digital Harbor Foundation President and CEO Andrew Coy and the Domestic Policy Council. | |  |
Maryland Association of Counties Conference | Members of the Marylanders Online team attended the 2023 Maryland Association of Counties winter conference in December, where they engaged with state legislators who commented on their frequent collaboration with UME, commending the strong working relationships UME has with each of their respective counties. | | |
Maryland Stakeholder Needs Assessment Result | |
In 2022, the Marylanders Online curriculum team conducted a stakeholder needs assessment survey study to learn more about the landscape of digital literacy programming throughout the state, the digital literacy needs of Marylanders, and the perceived barriers that inhibit Marylanders from accessing the information and training that they may want or need. A total of 196 stakeholders at the local, state, and national levels responded to the survey. The results of this needs assessment were presented at our Digital Literacy Summit in October 2022. Access the summit summary here.
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Do you have a resource that supports digital equity and inclusion in Maryland? Share it here. | |
Naimani Staley
UME Tech Educator
Introducing Naimani Staley, a University of Maryland Extension Tech Educator serving the Northern Maryland cluster of Baltimore, Harford, and Carroll counties. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Notre Dame of Maryland University and recently earned her CompTIA A+ certification. Her dual passion for teaching and technology drives Naimani to excel in her role.
Off-duty, you'll find Naimani either on the basketball court cheering for the Lakers or in the kitchen indulging her love for cooking. Naimani is eager to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the team and make a positive impact in Maryland.
Marylanders Online is appreciative of Naimani's expertise and contributions!
Learn more about the UME Marylanders Online team here.
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We're Growing Our Team!
The University of Maryland Extension is seeking more great people to join our team. Bilingual and statewide positions are available. Please email for additional information.
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Tech Extension
Educator / Navigator
Cecil / Kent / QAC / Caroline
Apply Here
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Tech Extension
Educator / Navigator
Prince George' / Anne Arundel
Apply Here
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Tech Extension
Educator / Navigator
Carroll / Frederick Counties
Apply Here
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Tech Extension
Educator / Navigator
College Park
Apply Here
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Wicomico Device Distribution Events
Wicomico Partnership for Families and Children
Thursday, January 11th
9 AM -11 AM and 5 PM - 7 PM
Thursday, January 18th
9 AM -11 AM and 5 PM - 7 PM
Thursday, January 25th
9 AM -11 AM and 5 PM - 7 PM
Thursday, February 4th
9 AM -11 AM and 5 PM - 7 PM
Learn more
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Marylanders Online Helpline | |
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University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact your local University of Maryland Extension Office.
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