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Michigan Digital Inclusion Resources
Michigan Digital Inclusion Resources
Michigan Digital Equity and Inclusion
Today, we live in a digital world where the high-speed internet plays a critical role in how we live and interact with each other. The internet is the primary gateway to economic advancement opportunities, education, healthcare, employment, civic participation and an enhanced quality of life. Unfortunately, there is a gap between those who enjoy the benefits of connectivity and those who do not, commonly referred to as the Digital Divide. To bridge that Digital Divide, communities in Michigan must prioritize digital inclusion. Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that individuals and communities have the tools and resources needed for all people to access and meaningfully use the Internet and related technology.
What Michigan is doing for Digital Inclusion
The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) is committed to implementing strategies to bridge the Digital Divide to improve digital equity and inclusion. In support of this mission, Goal 2 of the 2021 Update to the Michigan Broadband Roadmap is to create a more digitally equitable Michigan. This goal is designed to create a more digitally equitable Michigan through proactive, intentional and sustained digital inclusion. Achieving digital equity is critical, as it creates a condition in which all Michiganders have the tools and ability to fully participate in our society, democracy and economy.
Recognizing the urgency of bridging the Digital Divide, the Michigan Poverty Task Force recommended that the state establish a coordinated strategy to help communities address the Digital Divide in its 2021 Michigan Poverty Task Force report. The report recognizes digital equity and inclusion as the pathway to lifting 1.4 million Michiganders out of poverty and reducing the state’s Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) population.
Elements of Digital Inclusion
- Reliable, affordable internet service
- Affordable internet-enabled devices
- Digital skills training & tech support
- Applications and online content
- Basic awareness of online safety
Digital Inclusion Resources
Digital Inclusion Playbook - Five Steps to Address Digital Equity in Your Community
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Engaging with your local community is critical to understanding digital inclusion needs and offering appropriate support to address digital inclusion barriers. To address digital inclusion in your community, follow this playbook:
1. Creation of a Local Broadband Team or CoalitionWhat organizations, community anchor institutions, and local leaders should be involved in the effort to improve digital inclusion in our community? How will we coordinate our activities and work together to ensure we are addressing all barriers?
Consider forming a coalition/working group that meets regularly to discuss challenges and opportunities and share best practices and local digital inclusion efforts.
- Ensure that the coalition represents the diverse stakeholders addressing the Digital Divide, including local government, community-based organizations, workforce development, community anchor institutions, K-12 schools, institutions of higher education and local community members.
- Confirm that the coalition has a designated “champion” — a leader who regularly convenes the group, distributes broadband information and advocates for the community’s broadband needs.
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2. Collect Local Data on Internet Adoption and Use
What data and information do we need to understand digital inclusion needs and how different populations might be affected by the Digital Divide?
Consider conducting local surveys that ask residents about adoption challenges and programs/support they would like to see in their community. Ensure that the surveys can be accessed in paper form and main local languages.
- Key questions should ask about the current cost of internet, available speeds, teleworking, subscription rates, digital skills, etc.
- Key data sources to learn more about the Digital Divide in your community.
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3. Perform a Digital Inclusion Asset Inventory
What are the current digital inclusion programs, offerings and resources available in our community?
- Digital inclusion resource map to understand local programs and offerings.
- Survey the coalition, and any other community stakeholders, to determine what programs are available and who is involved in this effort. Keep in mind that digital inclusion support can happen in informal or non-traditional settings.
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4. Establish Goals and Objectives for Bridging the Digital Equity Gaps
What key goals and metrics should we set to track progress on closing the Digital Divide?
- Using the collective understanding of the coalition and key data points, set two to three goals to improve digital inclusion in your community. Track progress toward those goals and update them as appropriate.
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5. Identify Local Strategies & Programs to Bridge Local Gaps
What are appropriate strategies/programs community organizations should implement to address the key priorities?
- Consider the gaps in local digital inclusion offerings based on community surveys and current programs.
- Determine which programs are currently being utilized at high rates or are oversubscribed, and ways to expand them.
- Identify potential state, local, federal and philanthropic funding streams that could support the goals and strategies of your community’s digital inclusion efforts.
Who is Providing Digital Inclusion Service in Michigan?
Do you work for or represent a community digital inclusion program in Michigan? If so, please let us know, and we will add your program to the statewide digital inclusion services map. MIHI wants to foster greater cooperation and information among organizations that engage in digital inclusion activities across Michigan, such as digital skills training, public computer access, public Wi-Fi, Affordable Connectivity Program enrollment assistance, etc. MIHI wants to raise awareness of these services, share ideas and encourage collaboration for advancing digital inclusion in Michigan.
Contact McCoyL3@michigan.gov for questions or more information
Find Digital Inclusion Services in Your Community - Digital Inclusion Location Map
Digital inclusion providers, sign up:
Nationwide Digital Inclusion Resources
Digital Inclusion Experts
- Benton Foundation
- Connected Nation
- City of Detroit
- National Digital Equity Center
- National Digital Inclusion Alliance
- NTEN
- The Quello Center (Affiliated with the Department of Media and Information in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and Michigan State University)
- WebJunction
- The Marconi Society
- EveryoneOn
- National Skills Coalition – Digital Equity @ Work
Government Agencies
- US Department of Education - Advancing Digital Equity for All – Community-based Recommendations for Developing Effective Digital Equity Plans to Close the Digital Divide and Enable Technology-Empowered Learning
- Federal Communications Commission – Homework Gap and Connectivity Divide
- U.S Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) – Internet For All
Digital Skills Training
- National Skills Coalition
- Driveyourlearning.org
- DigitalLearn.org created by the Public Library Association
- Commonsense Media
- GCF Global
- AT&T Connected Learning
- Digital Literacy Self-Paced Online Courses created by AT&T and Public Library Association
- Google Digital Garage
- Digital Literacy Curriculum for K-12
- Free Applied Digital Skills – Google for Education
- Live, Virtual Classes for Seniors
- Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Program
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Data Sources
- Digital Opportunities Compass: Metrics for Monitor, Evaluate, and Guide Broadband and Digital Equity Policy
- Pew Research Center Internet & Technology
- Purdue University’s Center for Regional Development – Digital Divide Index
- U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration – Data Central