REFINE YOUR TECHNOLOGY SKILLS. Digital literacy is a challenge that has been exacerbated by the pandemic, according to local officials, and Eau Claire County is looking to bridge the gap in digital literacy skills through a new program. (Photo via Unsplash)

The internet can be a formidable space. Yet the skills necessary to navigate the internet are critical in an increasingly digital landscape. 

And many individuals in the Chippewa Valley struggle to learn these skills on their own, leading to challenges connecting to vital resources in our community.

In the face of the large digital literacy gap that the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated, Eau Claire County recently introduced a learning program for those ready to take on the growing demand for technological tasks.

Don Mowry, Eau Claire County Supervisor and member of the Eau Claire County Broadband Committee, is committed to coaching others how to access technology for medical appointments, classes, purchasing groceries, and other digital skills required for living throughout this ongoing pandemic.

“Digital inequity is one of the biggest challenges facing our society," Mowry said in a media release, "and having a Digital Literacy Coach/Navigator program is a step toward making sure that everyone can benefit from access to high-speed internet."

Any Eau Claire resident wanting to learn more about the technology or digital literacy is encouraged to participate. Provided by the Literacy Coaches & Navigators Program, the program partners participants with UW-Eau Claire undergraduate students to work together through a multitude of digital literacy skills. The free program guarantees a one-on-one learning experience that will quickly sharpen any skills, basic to advanced, and help reduce the growing technology skills gap within our community.

“Areas of learning could be anything from using a mouse and keyboard, to accessing an internet browser, setting up and using an email account and the basics of security and finding trusted sources on the web,” according to the media release from Eau Claire County. 

For more information about the program, visit co.eau-claire.wi.us.