The N.C. Department of Information Technology is making moves to ensure North Carolinians aren't left behind in the digital age. Today, the department's Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity rolled out a new educational weapon in the ongoing battle against the digital divide: The North Carolina Digital Skills Standards. Designed to arm residents with the know-how to navigate and succeed in a digitally-driven landscape, these standards zero in on areas essential to engaging in today’s society on all fronts.
As stated in a recent release by the NCDIT, Deputy Secretary for Broadband and Digital Opportunity Annette Taylor emphasized the state's commitment to digital literacy as more than just providing internet access. "The introduction of the North Carolina Digital Skills Standards marks a significant step toward closing the digital divide and empowering our residents with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world," Taylor said. Ostensibly, the standards comprise six areas crucial for participating fully in contemporary civic, economic, and social life, ranging from maintaining a digital identity to preparing for emerging technologies.
In a collaboration that stretches across the educational landscape, the new standards were developed with the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation at NC State University and gained input from a diverse array of 25 other organizations and state agencies. "This framework is designed to be an easy-to-use and helpful resource for practitioners," Emma Braaten, director of digital learning at the Friday Institute told the NCDIT, reflecting on the partnership and the state coupled with grassroots expertise that fueled its creation. The first to implement these standards will be N.C. Extension in their NC Digital Futures Program's digital literacy curriculum.
According to Kenneth Sherin, Ph.D., N.C. Extension Community and Economic Development Program Manager, who discussed the human side of the digital equation, "These standards are not just about technology—they’re about enhancing quality of life for all North Carolinians," as reported by the NCDIT. He shared this noting in particular the significance of telehealth in connecting rural communities to broader resources. With digital health access as a key element, the standards ensure that all citizens are equipped to navigate telehealth platforms, manage their health records, and secure personal health information online.
Across the state, organizations and government entities are stepping up, offering free or low-cost training opportunities to get residents up to speed. NCDIT isn't just stopping with the publication of these standards; they're also working on crafting tools, resources, and opportunities that foster collaboration.
