Academic Technology, in partnership with the Office of Student Success, is thrilled to announce that they have been awarded another Diversity, Equity and Innovation Grant for the project "Disseminating the keys to Digital Equity 2.0: Peer-to-Peer Technology Training for Early Start Students."
This initiative will fund training for student employees to develop computer and digital literacy skills and then present them to Early Start students in the summer.The project specifically targets "non-tech" students as trainers, so that they can benefit from the training in technology.
These workshops will cover the basics of MS Suite and Canvas across multiple devices (laptop, tablet, and phones). This project will recruit undocumented students to deepen the impact on underserved student populations.
Academic Technology administered an informal survey to students in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 and found that 91% of respondents identified a need for basic computer skills. These skills included understanding how to use MS Suite, knowing the different capabilities of laptops, iPads, and phones, and understanding storage capacity of their own devices. In addition, for both semesters, students wished that they knew how to use Canvas better.
The intended outcomes include increased digital literacy and competency using learning technology among traditionally underserved students, and alleviation of the barrier to student success related to digital literacy, contributing to a reduction of the equity gap.
The effort to increase the technology and digital literacy skills of student-trainers and Early Start students aligns with CSUN's Road Ahead's goals of Facilitating Holistic Student Success and Disrupting Systemic Inequities. Providing these students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in a technology-driven world helps level the playing field and break down systemic barriers that can prevent some students from reaching their full potential.
Academic Technology and the Office of Student Success are excited to move forward with this project and make a positive impact on our student community.
Read more about Academic Technology and Digital Equity on the Digital Equity page.
