Marylanders Online Newsletter
February 2025 | Volume 3 | Issue 2
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2025 Empowering Health Conference | | |
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Save the date! On May 2nd, the University of Maryland Extension Marylanders Online program, in partnership with Family and Consumer Science, will host the 2025 Empowering Health: Advancing Access, Inclusion, & Integrity through Emerging Technologies conference. This virtual conference will explore the innovative tools and technologies that are shaping the future of health. Attendees will learn about emerging health technologies and discover how they can be leveraged to improve health, reduce disparities, and empower communities. Registration is coming soon. | | |
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2025 Digital Opportunity Day
On February 13th, Maryland Digital Equity Coalition (MDEC) members joined the Rural Maryland Council for Digital Opportunity Day in Annapolis. This event provided a platform for constituents to connect with their legislators and share their community's efforts and barriers to bridging the digital divide. Learn more.
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Advancing Digital Opportunities
To illustrate the state's progress in closing Maryland's digital divide, MDEC compiled data and information from statewide efforts into a two-page summary that was provided to legislators on Digital Opportunity Day. View it here.
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Marylanders Online in Action | | |
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UMD INFO to Present in the UK
Marylanders Online's partners at the College of Information (INFO) are pleased to announce their paper, "Beyond Barriers and Borders: Digital Literacy Support for English Language Learners via Communities of Practice," has been accepted for presentation at the 12th International Conference on Conceptions of Libration and Information Science (CoLIS) 2025 in Glasgow, UK. The paper, authored by Dr. Yeweon Kim, Alison Harding, Jane Behre, Uhjin Sim, and Dr. Mega Subramaniam, explores digital literacy support for Spanish-speaking English language learners in the US, focusing on the community of practice strategies.
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MONET Digital Navigation Toolkit
The Marylanders Online Navigator Training Toolkit (MONET) is a new module-based train-the-trainer course designed to equip digital navigators with essential skills needed to bridge the digital divide in their communities. MONET is currently accessible to digital navigators based in Maryland, with future plans for an open-source curriculum. Learn more.
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Chromebook OS Recovery
Marylanders Online's Chromebook OS video series is now available on YouTube and provides an easy-to-follow, four-part tutorial that guides users through the Chromebook OS recovery process. This resource is also available in PDF form.
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Asset Mapping Maryland
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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Navid Haidari
Digital Navigator
Navid joins the Marylanders Online team as an AmeriCorps member through the Digital Harbor Foundation AmeriCorps program. He brings a strong background in technology and digital literacy, with experience in IT support, and community engagement. With a passion for bridging the digital divide, Navid has worked on initiatives that empower individuals with essential technology skills. His expertise includes cloud computing, web development, and troubleshooting, along with a keen interest in emerging cybersecurity trends.
Originally from Central Asia, Navid is multilingual and values cross-cultural communication in his work. He is currently pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity Engineering, further strengthening his ability to address the evolving challenges in the tech industry. Welcome, Navid!
Meet the rest of the UME Marylanders Online team here.
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Digital Inclusion Resources | | |
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eGovernment Resources
To help Marylanders apply online for government services, Marylanders Online in partnership with INFO has developed a series of user-friendly eGovernment learning modules. Find simple, step-by-step instructions to apply for driver's licenses, food stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, and other government benefits. View the resources.
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Digital Equity 101 eBook
Community Tech Network has announced a free Digital Equity 101 ebook available for download. This resource provides an in-depth look at digital equity and the key steps to promote it, particularly in underserved communities. Learn more.
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Digital Equity Capacity Grant Interest Form
The Maryland Office of Statewide Broadband (OSB) is gathering information about digital equity efforts across the state to address the technology needs of Marylanders. As the entity administering NTIA Digital Equity Capacity Grant funds, OSB seeks to establish five subgrant programs that will allow for a variety of digital inclusion activities and initiatives. Complete this form by March 31st.
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February 19, 2025 | SHLB
January 27, 2025 | Southern Maryland News
January 14, 2025 | StateScoop
Jan. 22, 2025 | National Governors Association
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Windows 10 End of Life
Microsoft has set October 14, 2025, as the official End of Life date for Windows 10. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive security, support, or software updates from Microsoft, which may leave millions of devices at risk for malware or cybersecurity breaches.
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Baltimore City
The Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition will be offering a recurring series of "Coffee & Connection" every first Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is on March 4th from 10 AM to noon at Red Emma’s Cafe. Contact Lo Smith for more information.
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Baltimore County
Free Chromebook Essentials Senior Planet courses are available through the Baltimore County Department on Aging. This five-week course will be held on Thursdays from January 16 through March 13. Call 410-887-2002 or email for information.
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Mid-Shore Counties
Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot county residents are eligible to receive one of 200 free laptops on a first come, first serve basis. Call 410-758-6677 to book an appointment at the Kramer Center in Centreville, MD, and pick up the laptop the same day.
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Montgomery County
In partnership with the Latino Economic Development Center, Marylanders Online is offering basic computer workshops every Wednesday until March 19th. Call 202-858-0403 to register.
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In collaboration with the Gilchrest Immigrant Resource Center, Marylanders Online offers regular digital skills training from beginner and intermediate level eight-week courses to one-hour scam prevention. Classes fill up quickly. Sign up to be notified of new classes here. | |
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Net Inclusion 2025
The annual Net Inclusion conference will be held May 20th - 22nd at the Gila River Indian Community in Phoenix, Arizona. Lightning Round proposal submissions are due by March 7th.
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Prince George's County
In partnership with Prince George's County Memorial Library System, UME Marylanders Online will be offering technology classes on Saturdays until March 15th. Call 301-836-1070 to register.
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St. Mary's County
In partnership with St. Mary's County Library, UME Marylanders Online is hosting a variety of technology classes. View the calendar here.
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Digital Navigator 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.
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 translation to 180+ other languages upon request.
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Flyers are available in large print, English, Spanish, Korean, Amharic, Chinese, French, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Haitian Creole.
Please contact us for additional languages.
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Submit a 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.
Email us your testimonial.
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