Digital Navigators Asynch

Digital Navigation and Telehealth Basics

​Understand the significance of Digital Navigators in bridging the digital divide and promoting digital equity.

Gain proficiency in digital navigation skills, including digital literacy, connectivity, and telehealth basics in an effort to support your community members.

Learn best practices for effectively supporting community members on their digital learning journey.

Course Objectives

​Instructional Video

Hotspot

Select the area in North Central Washington where you provide the majority of your services.

(you're going to get the answer "wrong" because the only "correct" answer is to select all of them and I can't find a way to fix it! Sorry...)

Digital Equity

A condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for:

• Civic and cultural participation

• Employment

• Lifelong learning

• Access to essential services. 

It is important to note here the use of “equity” vs. “equality.” When we use the word equity, we accurately acknowledge the systemic barriers that must be dismantled before achieving equality for all.

Digital Divide

The gap between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those who do not. As technology constantly evolves, the digital divide prevents equal participation and opportunity in all parts of life, disproportionately affecting:

• people of color

• Indigenous peoples

• households with low incomes

• people with disabilities

• people in rural areas

• older adults.

Digital Navigator

Trusted guides who assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices. Digital navigation services include:

• ongoing assistance with affordable internet access

• device acquisition

• technical skills

• application support.

Poll

Prior to starting this course, how familiar were you with the concept of the "Digital Divide"?

• Not familiar at all

• I hadn't heard of it, but I recognized some of the concepts

• I had heard the term and recognized the concepts in daily life.

• I engage in this work consistently

Poll

Prior to starting this course, how familiar were you with the concept of "Digital Equity"?

• Not familiar at all

• I hadn't heard of it, but I recognized some of the concepts

• I had heard the term and recognized the concepts in daily life.

• I engage in this work consistently

Poll

Prior to starting this course, how familiar were you with the concept of a "Digital Navigator"?

• Not familiar at all

• I hadn't heard of it, but I recognized some of the concepts

• I had heard the term and recognized the concepts in daily life.

• I engage in this work consistently

Match

Match each description with the correct term

• A guide in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, adept at helping individuals and organizations overcome digital challenges. Armed with a deep understanding of digital tools and trends, they are able to assist in optimizing digital experiences, troubleshooting issues, and providing expert advice to ensure smooth and successful journeys in the digital realm.

• The process of ensuring that all individuals and communities have access to and can effectively use digital technologies, regardless of socio-economic status or other factors.

• The socio-economic gap in access to and utilization of digital technologies, highlighting disparities in internet access, digital literacy, and technological resources among different communities.

Digital Navigator

Digital Equity

Digital Divide

• Digital Navigator

• Digital Equity

• Digital Divide

Open Ended

What is one thing you hope to walk away with by the end of this training?

• ​Search/Address Bar

• Back/Forward Buttons

• Home Button

• Refresh Page

• Bookmarks bar

• Tabs

• History

• Microphone (voice typing)

• Page Zoom

​Wayfinding and Digital Navigation

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• Consider the comfort level of your clientele

• Respect privacy

• What limitations might they uniquely have?

• How can you “meet them where they’re at”?

Scenario #1:

Zoe Clark

Open Ended

Zoe is a “coupon clipper” who lives on a fixed income. She tells you that Fred Meyer stopped printing a weekly ad in the Wenatchee World this summer, and you can only access their coupons through their app. She has a smartphone, and an email, but she doesn’t have the App, and doesn’t even know where to start to get it downloaded to her device. She explains to you that she really depended on the access to coupons to keep their monthly food budget on track.

Describe your plan to guide Zoe through the process of accessing the resources she needs and where she can find similar resources.

Gmail is a widely-used email platform developed by Google, offering a user-friendly interface for sending, receiving, and organizing emails. It provides a secure and efficient way for individuals to manage their digital communication seamlessly

Gmail

Outlook, a product of Microsoft, is a versatile email service designed for effective communication and organization. With its intuitive features, Outlook simplifies digital navigation, allowing users to manage emails, calendars, and contacts with ease.

Outlook

Open Ended

What are some of the services you can think of that require an email address? List at least 3.

These are just a few we thought of, how did your answers compare?

Educational Resources: Educational institutions often use email to share important updates, assignments, and resources. Students with email accounts can easily access and benefit from online learning materials, helping bridge the educational gap.

Job Opportunities: Many employers and recruiters communicate primarily through email. Having an email address is crucial for receiving job notifications, application updates, and interview invitations, thus enhancing access to employment opportunities.

Government Services: Access to government services, such as applying for permits, receiving official communications, or participating in civic processes, often requires an email address. This ensures that individuals can actively engage with and avail themselves of essential public services.

Communication with Service Providers: Many businesses and service providers communicate with their customers through email. This includes utility companies, banks, and healthcare providers. An email address is essential for receiving bills, statements, and important updates related to these services.

Access to Online Platforms: Registering for various online platforms, including social media, e-commerce, and community forums, often requires an email address. Having an email account facilitates participation in the digital landscape and fosters a sense of community and connection.

Emergency Notifications: In times of emergencies or crises, official notifications are often disseminated through email. Having an email account ensures that individuals receive timely information about safety measures, evacuations, and other critical updates.

Get a Free Email Address | All of UsSearch icon

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• 12 Characters

• Alpha-numeric

• Avoid Personal Info

• Random Substitutions

• Consider using phrases instead of words

​

Password Security

Test your security skills with our nightmare password generatorVox Media

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Match

Match the provided passwords with the appropriate "score". (1 being the weakest password, 5 being the strongest)

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

9

frodo

Frodo

FrodoBaggins3

S@mWasTh3RealHer0!

• 9

• frodo

• Frodo

• FrodoBaggins3

• S@mWasTh3RealHer0!

• Consider the comfort level of your clientele

• Respect privacy

• What limitations might they uniquely have?

• How can you “meet them where they’re at”?

Scenario #2:

Sarah Thompson

Open Ended

Sarah Thompson is a 62-year-old retired school teacher; she treasures the simple joys of rural living but has begun to feel isolated due to her lack of internet access. Sarah's son lives in a distant city, and she longs to video call her grandchildren and connect with others who share her passion for traditional weaving techniques.

Sarah's lack of internet access limits her opportunities for communication, information, and participation in modern society. As a digital navigator, your role is to devise a plan to help Sarah overcome this challenge while respecting her preferences and the unique circumstances of the rural environment. In your plan, include at least two of the resources that have been covered in this course so far.

Additional Digital Navigation Resources

• Digitallearn.org

• Digital Literacy Assessments

• Washington State Library Digital Literacy Resources

• NCW Connectivity Data

• Connectivity Resource Exploration

• NCW Tech Help

• Case Study

​

Connectivity

• Chelan County: 19%

• Douglas County: 20%

• Grant County: 17%

• Okanogan County: 17%

• Statewide: 12%

Households without internet service

• Chelan County: 22%

• Douglas County: 22%

• Grant County: 28%

• Okanogan County: 28.8%

• Statewide: 15%

Households without a laptop or desktop

NCW Connectivity

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NCWTechHelp.org

​

NCW Tech Help

Match

Match the following resources with the services they provide

• ACP

• GFC Global

• NCWTechHelp.org

• Community Help Desk

Low cost devices and broadband access

Training on essential digital skills

NCW Digital Navigation Resources

On Demand Tech Support

• Low cost devices and broadband access

• Training on essential digital skills

• NCW Digital Navigation Resources

• On Demand Tech Support

Dropdown

The ACP, with stand for ​the

Select answer

​

Select answer

​

Select answer

, is a great way for people to get ​

Select answer

devices and broadband

• Consider the comfort level of your clientele

• Respect privacy

• What limitations might they uniquely have?

• How can you “meet them where they’re at”?

Scenario #3:

Mark Rodriguez

Open Ended

Mark Rodriguez, a 35-year-old father of two: he's a skilled carpenter and is now seeking stable employment to support his family. However, his lack of digital resources – no internet at home, no personal device, and no email address – is proving to be a significant barrier in his job search. The nearest library or community center with internet access is several miles away, making it challenging for him to regularly travel to apply for jobs online.

Mark's situation highlights the importance of digital inclusion in accessing job opportunities. Help Mark to find a solution that enables him to overcome this obstacle and apply for jobs effectively, while taking into account his limited access to digital resources.

In your plan, include at least two of the resources that have been covered in this course so far. If you would like, you can upload screenshots to this submission.

• What is Telehealth?

• NRTRC

• Digital Literacy Assessment

• Telehealth basics

​

Telehealth

Navigating the Telehealth Neighborhood: A Guide to Telehealth Access for Digital Navigators - NRTRC

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Home | Northstar Digital Literacy

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• Quiet non-public space

• Use headphones if possible

• Find out if the provider has a space

Privacy

• Gather medications

• Write down questions

• Set up and connect ahead of time

• Computer at eye level

• Close all extra windows

Preparation

• Speak up!

• Can't hear? Can't see? Say something!

Advocacy

Multiple Choice

If a client is experiencing poor video quality during a telehealth session, what should you advise them to do first?

• Move to a different room.

• Close any unnecessary applications or browser tabs.

• Switch to a telephone call.

• Restart their device.

Categorize

Options (11)

Use headphones

Find a secluded space

Prepare questions ahead of time

Keep the camera at eye level

upload any important documents to the patient portal

connect device to the internet well ahead of your appointment

speak quietly so as not to be overheard

If you're having technical problems, keep them to yourself

Keep your camera off to protect your privacy

Make sure to give your login information to the doctor

As long as you have an internet connection, anywhere is fine for your appointment.

Organize these telehealth tips into the appropriate category.

Good advice

Bad advice!

• Interpersonal Skills

• Technology Guidance

​

Digital Navigator Best Practices

Digital Navigator Best Practices

• Relationships, relationships, relationships!

• Encourage persistence and exploration

• Value prior experience

• Provide a takeaway

• You don't need to know everything

• There is no self-destruct button

Tech Help Best Practices

• Hands Off!

• Model on your own device

• Privacy

• Model Failure

• Consider the comfort level of your clientele

• Respect privacy

• What limitations might they uniquely have?

• How can you “meet them where they’re at”?

Scenario #4:

Emily Brooks

Open Ended

A service professional in Wenatchee is concerned about the relocation of the Chelan PUD to Old Station. She currently goes down to the main branch in downtown Wenatchee on the first Tuesday of each month to pay her electric bill in person. She explains to you that they don’t always staff the office to receive payments, but that there is a staff person in their reception area on Tuesdays. On other days she needs to use a kiosk that asks her to input her bill information, and she doesn’t feel comfortable using the computer. She also doesn’t have an email address to be able to set up bill pay online. She is worried that the bus route may not get her to the new location and that the PUD may not provide staff the same way in their new location and she doesn’t know how she would pay her bill.

Create a plan for Emily to access digital resources to be able to pay her bills in the event something goes wrong with her current system.

In your plan, include at least two of the resources that have been covered in this course so far. If you would like, you can upload screenshots to this submission.

• NCWTechHelp.org

• tinyurl.com/DigiNavGuide

​

​Wrapping Up

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