Technology savvy can make up a big part of independence.

In North Idaho, targeted programming through community resources such as Lake City Senior Center and the Community Library Network can make all the difference in improving digital literacy.

Chris Thielen is the adult programming specialist in the Community Library Network at Post Falls and said a pressing technology need is usually the reason people seek out his monthly cybersecurity course. 

“Maybe their need is that they don’t know what two-factor authentication is and because of this, they’re unable to access their email account,” Thielen said. “Some are coming to our programs because they just need help with general device problems. For example, maybe their laptop isn’t holding a charge and we just need to talk about how batteries need to be replaced in laptops.” 

On rare occasions, people have come to Thielen to learn how to build a civil case against a former partner through digital documentation.  

Those visits tend to require more extensive efforts, but the education of how to move files between devices and folders is a skill applicable beyond the decision handed down in a courtroom. 

Digital skills that are often asked about at CLN programs include email issues, password safety and management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, internet basics, using word processors, etc. 

Thielen said it all comes down to the needs in a specific case.  

“Some digital literacy needs are gratuitous. Some issues become issues because of how we approach our needs, how we approach the world using our technology,” Thielen said. 

The pressure to have specific technology above the actual needs of the individual is an imbalance that Thielen tries to reset within more helpful context when it crops up. 

“One thing I’ve run into is this felt concern that if you don’t get a smartphone, then you’re going to be unable to navigate your daily life. And while there are some very specific occasions when this may be true, for the most part, this is just patently false,” Thielen said. 

CLN offers the cybersecurity training from 2 to 4 p.m. every third Tuesday in meeting room one at Post Falls Library. 

Over the course of the morning at the Lake City Center, Calvin Peters helped seniors learn about using the “Hey, Siri,” function on their iPhones, helpful battery equipment and solved small issues with cellphones and iPads. 

Peters said when he began helping once a month about a year and a half ago, he considered using a presentation format on things to know, but realized quickly there were always pressing needs that made more sense to tackle for the assembly. 

“Getting into email, getting the password reset and getting back into an account is the thing I see the most,” Peters said. 

Now working as a life insurance broker, Peters used to work at Best Buy for five years and is used to thinking on his feet when it comes to solving tech woes on the fly. 

“Now I just do it as a round robin and everyone still learns that way,” Peters said.  “A lot of folks are worried about being hacked, security, that kind of stuff and there’s always malware.” 

Lake City Center in Coeur d’Alene offers cellphone assistance at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month. 

Digital resources  

Idaho Digital Skills was created by the Idaho Commission for Libraries for Idahoans to more easily identify resources that support them in their digital work and life. Whether that’s learning how to use a mouse or applying for jobs online, this resource houses a variety of tools and resources.  

DigitalLearn is a cornerstone of the Public Library Association’s digital literacy portfolio and provides self-directed courses that build digital literacy skills and confidence using technology. The online courses are available in both English and Spanish and are freely available to everyone and teach basic skills, such as email, navigating websites and commonly used apps, operating search engines, cybersecurity and more.   

Consumer.gov is a resource from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has crafted some incredibly useful infographic resources and handouts on a whole host of scams and frauds and they are all free.  

For additional digital tools, the Area Agency on Aging of North Idaho directs folks to community libraries, senior centers and Department of Labor resources for tech/digital literacy bridges. 

The Idaho Assistive Technology Project (IATP) has dedicated IATP Resource Centers in Coeur d’Alene, Moscow, Boise, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls in order to expand access to technological resources.

Each location is equipped with a lending library of AT devices, including, hands-free computer access options (head mouse, eye gaze, voice control iPad), braille displays and notetakers, augmentative communication devices, magnifiers and optical character recognition, FM and sound field amplification systems, switch activated toys and Obi Robotic Feeders.

Learn more about the IATP Resource Center at https://idahoat.org/explore-AT/resource-centers.   

    Chris Thielen
  
    Calvin Peters, center, helps Elaine Cairns, right, with a tech issue at Lake City Center. The senior center offers technology classes with help on the first Wednesday of each month.

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