PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Pilot Incentive, supported by AT&T

PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T aims to foster public library adoption of DigitalLearn through Digital Navigators*. This is a small pilot designed to investigate how DigitalLearn materials and courses can be utilized by Digital Navigators*.

DigitalLearn is a free platform focused on providing basic digital skill resources. Content is available as self-paced modules and workshop materials. Incentive requirements can be met by using DigitalLearn for one-on-one support, conducting workshops, and other activities. Digital Navigators* can utilize the trainer materials and/or self-paced modules. Libraries may choose from any or all 8 core digital literacy topics.

AT&T and PLA are pleased to offer this new pilot opportunity. This incentive is part of AT&T’s Connected Learning initiative and AT&T’s $5 billion commitment to addressing the digital divide through investments in internet accessibility, affordability, and the safe adoption of technology.

*The National Digital Inclusion Alliance defines Digital navigators as “trusted guides who assist community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices, and digital skills.”

They may be a person who staffs a tech help desk. This person may be a volunteer, staff member or part of another program. Feel free to reach out to discuss your specific questions, DigitalLearnHelp@ala.org .

35 Libraries will be awarded $4,000 to reach 15 learners

Payments will be issued by check or ACH direct deposit as a lump sum once the selected library formally accepts the award. If selected, you will receive an online packet to complete. We anticipate payment processing to take up to 60 days.

Funds awarded are to be used to support the DigitalLearn topics by Digital Navigators and to promote the AT&T co-created digital literacy courses.

In regions where AT&T employee volunteers are available, participating libraries are encouraged to engage AT&T employee volunteers in supporting the workshops when possible. Example roles for participating/volunteering AT&T employees may include: providing welcome remarks to attendees; serving as training “floaters” helping to answer learner questions; general event set-up/breakdown/support. In many regions, local AT&T employees can help promote workshops using a toolkit provided by PLA. In these regions, participating libraries will comply with PLA and AT&T’s promotional requirements as noted in the toolkit.

Members of the cohort will be supported through the following resources: (Available in November 2024)

• Portal: Central online location with all incentive details, resources, and links to reporting forms and other information.
• Webinars: In November PLA will host a series of training webinars covering the following topics: How to use DigitalLearn, How to use Project Outcome to collect data, Tech Instruction Basics, Community Partnerships and Promotion and Marketing programs. All webinars will be recorded and shared with the cohort.
• Handbook: A printable handbook will be available on the portal which will detail the requirements of the incentive and related resources. This is content from the portal in a different format.
• Cohort Community: PLA will provide opportunities for awarded libraries to connect and support each other.

• Independent evaluator: PLA will engage with an independent evaluator who will periodically reach out to selected libraries to gather information as part of their evaluation of the overall program. As a pilot this qualitative data collection is essential.

• Attendance numbers: Using a short webform Digital Navigators will submit a monthly report of the number of learners served by one-on-one sessions or workshops which utilized DigitalLearn. If you have a patron who attends multiple sessions, you may count them more than once.

• Project Outcome Surveys: Each library is required to set up an account and survey in Project Outcome. A short standard survey will be created with a specific link tied to your account. At the end of each interaction or workshop, provide a link to the survey and encourage participants to share their feedback. These surveys are optional.

• Final Report (survey): After the conclusion of all DigitalLearn activites, you will have 2 weeks to complete the comprehensive online survey, which will serve as your final report.

• (Optional) Workshop Schedule reporting: Applies only to Digital Navigators who host workshops. To help track progress, libraries must share the dates, times and locations of their workshops at least one week before hosting. A link to this form will be posted on the Portal. You will be able to see and edit your submissions.