Marylanders Online Newsletter
December 2024 | Volume 2 | Issue 12
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Highlights from the 2024 Maryland Statewide Digital Equity Summit | |
The 2024 Maryland Statewide Digital Equity Summit, held on October 15th at the National Federation of the Blind in Baltimore, brought together over 160 digital inclusion advocates from Maryland and beyond. This second annual event focused on the theme "Beyond the Divide: Best Practices and Collaborative Strategies in Digital Equity," and showcased Maryland's commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting equitable access to digital resources and skills. Read the full press release. | |
Governor Wes Moore and Senate President Bill Ferguson highlighted Maryland's commitment to digital inclusion in their recorded video addresses. Governor Moore emphasized Maryland's potential to become a national model for digital inclusion, acknowledging the critical role of digital literacy in economic progress. He noted that while a third of U.S. workers still lack fundamental digital skills, Maryland is moving quickly to address these challenges. Moore stressed that digital inclusion is essential for health, education, and economic opportunity. | |
Senate President Bill Ferguson, representing the 46th legislative district where the summit was hosted, also shared insights into the state's digital equity efforts. His remarks underscored the legislative commitment to advancing technological access and opportunities for Maryland residents. Watch Senator Ferguson's video here. | |
Carol Beatty, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, commended UME's dedication to accessibility, in both digital and in-person initiatives. | |
Three digital equity champions were presented awards and two others received honorable mentions. Learn more. | |
Braille programs, two CART captioners, three ASL interpreters, and five on-site escorts were provided to ensure everyone's ability to fully participate. | |
2024 Cultivating Innovation in Maryland’s Agriculture and Technology Conference
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On December 12th, join UME, the Precision Agriculture Lab, and partners in Annapolis for the 2024 Cultivating Innovation in Maryland's Agriculture and Technology Conference. Register here!
This conference is ideal for farmers, agriculture industry stakeholders, USDA and government agency workers, UME faculty, and individuals who are interested in learning more about the technology that is transforming the efficiency, profitability, and future of agriculture. Learn more.
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Conference Details
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel
173 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
Cost: $120 - Online registration ends December 8th. Limited walk-up registration will be available day-of event.
CEs: 5 Nutrient Management credits and 4 Pesticide Applicator credits
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Marylanders Online in Action | | |
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Asset Mapping Maryland
UME Marylanders Online has launched an enhanced asset mapping initiative that aims to promote digital literacy, equity, and inclusion across the state by leveraging the sharing of community resources. If you are an organization that provides digital skills classes, wi-fi, tech support, training, devices, tablets, hotspots, or other digital services, please share your resources for inclusion in Maryland’s digital asset map. Submit a resource here.
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The Power of Partnership
Regina Paige of Enoch Pratt Library and Marylanders Online Instructional Designer Uhjin Sim stand with a poster at the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) AnchorNets Conference in October, where they presented jointly on the collaborative Pratt Adventure & Beyond program.
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Pratt Graduation
UME Tech Educator Naimani Staley, Marylanders Online team members, and folks from Baltimore City Information & Technology celebrated the accomplishments of 18 Pratt Adventure & Beyond program graduates on November 18th. The curriculum has been adapted to a comprehensive digital navigator training program titled Marylanders Online Navigator Training Toolkit (MONET) and is free for public use. Learn more.
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Calvert Pines Graduation
UME Tech Educator Maria Barga celebrated the achievements of over a dozen Senior Planet program graduates at Calvert Pines Senior Center on November 20th. Marylanders Online is a registered provider for Senior Planet, a training program from AARP designed to empower individuals aged 50 and older with essential digital skills.
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The Digital Equity Webinar Series | |
The Digital Equity Webinar Series, a collaborative effort between UME Marylanders Online, the Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC), and several community partners, has achieved remarkable success in exploring artificial intelligence (AI) and digital inclusion practices. With nearly 300 unique registrants and an average of 50 participants per session, the series has demonstrated strong engagement from diverse sectors, including educators, librarians, social workers, digital navigators, equity advocates, and others interested in digital equity. Session recordings are available on YouTube and provided below. Slide decks for each respective webinar are available for viewing on the website. | |
Opportunities for Partnerships in 2025 | |
UME Marylanders Online is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and enhancing digital literacy across the state, and partnerships play a vital role in achieving these goals. Special thanks to Maryland Accessible Telecommunications, Baltimore County Public Library, Maryland Center for Computing Education, and MDEC for their vital partnership in making this series possible. Organizations interested in partnering with Marylanders Online are encouraged to connect and explore collaboration opportunities. Email Marylanders Online. | |
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Digital Navigator Helpline
In November, Marylanders Online Digital Navigators answered 937 calls throughout the month, including Spanish support for 45 callers.
Helpline Stats:
Year to Date: 17,482
All Time: 23,574
Year over Year Increase: 287%
The Marylanders Online Helpline continues to be a valuable resource for Marylanders looking for computer help, tech support, or assistance with finding devices, resources, or affordable internet options. Meet our Digital Navigators or Contact the Helpline by calling toll-free 1-866-206-8467.
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Digital Equity Summit News Coverage | |
Publications & Conferences | | |
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A new fact sheet addressing the importance of digital privacy and security in farming operations is now available. Developed in partnership between UME Marylanders Online, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture and Food Systems, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Precision Agriculture Lab, this new resource is packed with essential tips to help farm and ag industries safeguard their operations in today's digital age. View it here. | | |
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UME Marylanders Online's digital inclusion work was cited in the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's recently released Digital Inclusion Program Manual. See the references on pages 41 and 68. View the manual. | | |
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Associate Dean for Faculty and INFO professor Dr. Mega Subramaniam delivered a keynote address titled "AI Literacy as Emerging Digital Literacy in Teaching and Learning" at the 7th Sunway College Conference on Teaching and Learning on September 7th. Over 300 educators from Sunway College in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and surrounding K-12 schools attended her keynote address. | | |
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UME Marylanders Online Project Director Isaias Tesfalidet presented at the 2024 Health Literacy in Action Conference on October 8th. He presented on the project's statewide digital literacy and digital navigation program, which was designed to increase broadband adoption, provide digital skills training, and ensure that all Marylanders have access to reliable internet connectivity, suitable digital devices, and the skills necessary to fully engage in the digital world. | |
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Jahnavi Mandala
Web Content Manager
Jahnavi is a Business Analytics Master’s candidate at the Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland.
Jahnavi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from VNR VJIET, India. Driven by a passion for technology and effective communication, Jahnavi skillfully bridges her foundational technical knowledge with advanced analytics to enhance user interactions on digital platforms, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience.
Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym and spending time on the basketball court, getting some shots up. Dedicated to community service, Jahnavi actively volunteers, striving to make a meaningful impact. Her vibrant energy not only enhances her professional endeavors but also infuses her personal activities with innovation and creativity.
Meet the rest of the UME Marylanders Online team here.
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UME Strategic Plan Town Hall Sessions | |
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The University of Maryland Extension is seeking public input to develop a comprehensive Strategic Plan by holding a series of town hall meetings across the state. These meetings will offer a forum for community members to share insights on local needs, discuss pressing opportunities, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback on UME’s future direction.
Marylanders Online invites all partners and stakeholders to participate in one of the upcoming town hall sessions to help shape the future of UME programs and services and guide efforts for years to come. Find a town hall.
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Upcoming UME Strategic Planning Town Hall Sessions
- December 9, 2024 - Maryland Farm Bureau State Meeting, Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort Spa and Marina, 100 Heron Blvd, US-50, Cambridge, MD 21613
- December 10, 2024 - Allegany County Fairgrounds 11400 Moss Avenue, Cumberland, MD 21502, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
- December 11, 2024 - Washington County Extension, 7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713, 12:30-2:30pm
- January 15, 2025 - UMES Research, Extension & Teaching Farm, 10789 Stewart Neck Road, Princess Anne, Md. 21853, Lunch session
- January 15, 2025 - Wicomico County Extension Office, 28647 Old Quantico Road, Salisbury, Md. 21801, Evening session
- January 16, 2025 - Wye Research & Education Center, 124 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown, Md. 21658, Lunch session
- January 16, 2025 - Anne Arundel Extension Office, 97 Dairy Lane, Gambrills, Md. 21054, Evening session
- January 21, 2025 - Baltimore County Extension Office, 1114 Shawan Road, Baltimore, Md. 21215, Lunch session
- January 21, 2025 - Baltimore City Extension Office, 6615 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Md. 21215, Evening session
- January 22, 2025 - Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794, Lunch session
- January 22, 2025 - St. Mary’s Agriculture Service Center, 26737 Radio Station Way, Leonardtown, Md. 20650, Evening session
- January 23, 2025 - University of Maryland College Park Campus, Room TBA, College Park, Md. 20742, morning session
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Tech Support Helpline
Marylanders Online is a free, statewide digital literacy project through the University of Maryland Extension (UME) in partnership with the College of Information (INFO) that offers computer help, digital skills classes, resources, tech support, and more. Learn more at www.MarylandersOnline.umd.edu.
Connect with Marylanders Online today to access free resources and support for
- Computers, tablets, and cell phones
- Getting on the Internet or Wi-Fi
- Finding digital skills classes and training
- Self-guided digital skills learning
- Applying for government services
- Digital navigator resources
- Advancing digital inclusion in your community
The toll-free Marylanders Online Helpline can be reached at 1-866-206-8467 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by emailing marylandersonline@umd.edu. Support is available in English and Spanish, with other languages upon request.
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Submit a Marylanders Online Testimonial!
Whether you are a partner organization, a community member who received training, or someone who has received tech support, your story can help spread the word about Marylanders Online and contribute to expanding digital literacy across Maryland.
Click here to share a testimonial.
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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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