The UM System Broadband Initiative team will help train extension professionals to be effective partners in closing the digital divide in their states at a May 3-5 “Advancing Digital Access” workshop in St. Louis.
The National Digital Extension Education Team (NDEET) asked UM to provide a train-the-trainer program modeled on the Digitally Connected Community Guide, which was developed by the UM System Broadband Initiative. NDEET is based at Mississippi State University’s Southern Rural Development Center.
“It’s an honor that the Digitally Connected Community Guide was selected by NDEET to train extension colleagues across the nation,” said Alison Copeland, UM System deputy chief engagement officer. “This collaborative national training opportunity strengthens the impact of broadband expansion across rural America and other areas of need by bringing together extension professionals as co-learners and community catalysts.”
The Digitally Connected Community Guide is an online curriculum that offers a step-by-step process to engage local partners and residents to bring high-speed internet to more Missouri communities and increase internet adoption, digital literacy and the use of internet applications to improve health, education and economic opportunities.
Former MU Extension NW regional director Joe Lear will facilitate the workshop. Lear also is leading the Digitally Connected Community Guide process in the 11 Missouri counties that have adopted it to date.
