Digital Navigator Services and Resource Hub
The Digital Navigator services model was designed by Digital US in 2019 and then adapted and scaled through partners such as the National Digital Inclusion Alliance and World Education to address both digital access as well as learning and upskilling at scale. Its goal is to ensure individuals receive on-demand tech support and relevant information to secure connectivity, devices, and foundational digital skill development to meet their personal goals, whether for further learning, job training, community and family engagement, or more. This is done through just-in-time, one-to-one, and small group dedicated support via phone service, email, text, video chat, in-person, and other communication methods that work for the community. This comprehensive approach addresses multiple layers of becoming digitally included.
Design and Implementation Resources:
The Digital Navigator services model offers flexibility not only in terms of where, how, and when services are offered but also in regard to who provides the service. Digital Navigators are trained and dedicated staff that help individuals secure affordable, high-quality internet access, devices, and digital skills training so they can meet their goals. Digital navigator services can be offered at drop-in locations or by phone or virtual conferencing but are often most effective when embedded into existing services through trusted organizations at convenient locations throughout the community. Services offered by peer digital navigators also help ensure trust and language and cultural competencies in service delivery.
“Digital inclusion efforts require coordinated and intentional efforts to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional, and structural barriers,” says Angela Siefer, Executive Director, National Digital Inclusion Alliance.
With funding from Walmart, World Education collaborated with Digital US partners to design and scale Digital Navigator services; coordinate pilots to demonstrate impact and replicability; and develop training materials, an online resource hub, and a community of practice to facilitate national scaling. The project leadership continues to contribute to and learn from the Digital Navigator working group, coordinated by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. “To ensure a more equitable digital future as online learning and services are the new normal, we must work together to make sure that developing digital resilience is radically accessible to all of US,” says Priyanka Sharma, VIce President, US, World Education.
For more information about the Digital Navigators project, fill out the Join US form.