News – Koochiching Technology Initiative

Free Laptops and Free Classes!

2024-10-072024-10-07Cori Horton

Do you know someone who needs a new laptop? Or maybe needs some help learning basic computer skills? If yes, then we have you covered. KTI, in partnership with AARP, is offering free Digital Skills Workshops and free laptops! All you have to do is sign up for one workshop, attend both classes (two days, 4 hours total), and you get to go home with a new laptop and the confidence to use it! Provided laptops are certified refurbished and run Windows 10. Contact Cori Horton at 218.666.8604 to sign up or if you have questions. Cori Horton is an ACC AmeriCorps Member serving Koochiching County.

Hacked!

2024-03-07Jaci Nagle

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

G2G Digital Navigators

2024-03-07Jaci Nagle

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

KTI REGISTERS AS A DIGITAL CONNECTION COMMITTEE

2023-04-262023-05-15Jaci NagleNo Comments

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…

Some exciting news to share!

2024-06-272024-06-27Jaci Nagle

🎉We are thrilled to share that we are one of 343 grantees selected to receive a 2024 AARP Community Challenge grant from @AARPLivableCommunities and @AARPMinnesota ! We are incredibly proud that AARP selected us for this investment to make Koochiching County more livable for residents of all ages. Through this grant we will partner with ConnectedNation, PCs for People and local teens to offer digital skills training and laptops to help bridge the digital divide.

Need a Computer? How are your skills? Your local ACC Member is here to help!

2024-04-252024-04-25Jaci Nagle

Bridging the divide: Digital Inclusion Week

2024-03-07Jaci Nagle

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

WHAT IS DIGITAL INCLUSION?

2023-04-262023-04-26Jaci NagleNo Comments

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.” ….

THE DIGITAL EQUITY ACT

2023-04-262023-05-15Jaci Nagle

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…

Areas of Koochiching County to Receive High-Speed Internet

2020-02-03adminNo Comments

Some Koochiching County homes and businesses are closer to getting high-speed internet thanks to a $2,562,916 grant recently announced by the State of Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. The Paul Bunyan Communications – North Central Minnesota Fiber Project will upgrade approximately 914 unserved and 439 under-served locations in parts of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and rural portions of Cass, Itasca, Koochiching and St. Louis counties. “Service is expected to be available in all of these areas by the spring of 2022” says Steve Howard, Paul Bunyan Information Technology and Development Manager. In a funding partnership with the State of Minnesota, Minnesota Iron Range Resource & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), Koochiching… Read More