Bridging the divide: Digital Inclusion Week
The internet may have become as critical to our modern life as electricity was to earlier generations. Improving online access for county residents was the aim of an Oct. 5 event hosted by KOOTASCA Community Action and led by Koochiching County and the Koochiching Technology Initiative, KTI. The event was one of 325 held nationwide during National Digital Inclusion Week, which was Oct. 2-6. All organizations involved seek to bridge the digital divide: the gap between those who have affordable online access, skills, and support and those who do not. About a dozen area households were provided refurbished computers that included webcams, sound bars, and Wi-Fi adapters. The pre-owned components… Read More
Continue ReadingHacked!
An ounce of prevention protects against a pound of cyber headaches By TIM GERLACH The computer screen lights up and a warning tells you to call a toll-free number to stop your computer from being hacked! In a panic, you dial that number, and a friendly voice is there to help. Except—They’re NOT there to help. It’s a conman on the line and he is NOT your friend. Thieves have always been part of society, and today they’ve moved online and have gotten ever-more creative. Your best defense against these cyber criminals and their scams, viruses, and malware is preventive preparation and common sense. What Can It Look Like? “My… Read More
Continue ReadingG2G Digital Navigators
The future looks bright It’s easy to get cynical about the future. It’s not unique, as we can probably all recall earlier generations denouncing the quality of life that will be brought on by “modern” products and proposals, such as… cell phones, sewer and garbage collection systems, computers, disposable diapers, TV remotes, women working outside their home, gas powered vehicles, etc. It helps to fight that generational cynicism by getting to know what our future generations are doing. On this end, we see hardworking, forward thinking, and kind individuals who are setting goals and achieving them and seeing needs in the community and filling them. We try to feature them… Read More
Continue ReadingWHAT IS DIGITAL INCLUSION?
According to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, digital inclusion describes “the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of technology.” ….
Continue ReadingTHE DIGITAL EQUITY ACT
The Digital Equity Act is a part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It provides $2.75 billion nationally distributed across three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. They aim to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy…
Continue ReadingKTI REGISTERS AS A DIGITAL CONNECTION COMMITTEE
In early 2023, KTI registered as a Digital Connection Committee(DCC) with the MN Office of Broadband Development. As a DCC, we have extended our group to include stakeholders through our community…
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