Digital Literacy
Digital literacy provides the roadmap for the Internet highway, but what if there is no roadmap (or GPS) to navigate the Internet highway? Just like getting from one physical location to another, a roadmap (or digital literacy training) is necessary to get to your destination. The Internet contains so much information with the ability to access critical services, but, unless you are able to navigate your way through the maze of websites, you will likely get lost and not find the information you are looking for. The people who successfully navigate their way around the Internet have (i) established on-line businesses, (ii) created social media platforms, (iii) taken advantage of educational opportunities, (iv) kept up with medical and mental health care, (v) entertained themselves with video and other information services, and (vi) stayed connected with others. People who are not able to successfully navigate their way around the Internet are missing out on all things Internet (IoT).
One of the missions of Native American YesWeCan Foundation is to provide digital literacy training and information to empower Native Americans to take advantage of the opportunities created by the Internet. To do so, it takes Access, Affordability, and Awareness (the Three A's),
- Access to Internet service is provided by local telephone companies, wireless carriers, cable operators, and competitive providers.
- Affordability of service is critically important; otherwise, access is meaningless.
- Awareness of the options for Internet service and digital literacy training is the final leg of the Three A's stool.
Native American YesWeCan Foundation has established an Internet Library and Technology Center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation that provides residents with free access to computers, the Internet, and digital literacy training. We just opened a state-of-the-art digital literacy training center that provides educational services, including on-line classes to obtain degrees, business start-up training, and personal and professional development. Now for the first time, Tribal residents are able to access critical digital literacy training to obtain a GED, start an online business, and access important educational and medical services.
