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GREENVILLE – East Carolina University is taking a major step toward bridging the digital divide in rural and under-served communities in Eastern North Carolina (ENC) through the establishment of digital technology lending programs at local libraries, including those in the Roanoke-Chowan area.

This initiative is part of ECU’s broader Digital Equity Project, aimed at increasing digital access and literacy for ENC residents.

As part of this effort, ECU is deploying hotspots and iPads to libraries across 18 counties, providing free access to essential digital resources. These devices will allow community members to connect to the internet, access educational materials, and develop digital skills to support their personal, economic, and health-related needs.

“The issue at hand is we know access to digital technology and digital literacy is so important because it affects every aspect of our lives,” Dr. Leslie Cofie, principal investigator said. “We are trying to target communities that can benefit from these types of resources.”

As part of ECU’s Digital Equity Project, the following libraries in the Roanoke-Chowan area have received WiFi hotspots as part of the digital lending initiative:

Ahoskie Public Library

Bertie County Public Library, Windsor

Elizabeth Sewell Parker Library, Murfreesboro

Gates County Public Library, Gatesville

Hertford County Public Library, Winton

Northampton County Memorial Library, Jackson

Sally H. Jenkins Memorial Library, Aulander

These devices enable community members to stay connected, access critical online resources, and take part in the digital skills training modules, ensuring they can fully benefit from the technological tools provided.

In addition to the lending programs, ECU is furthering its commitment to increasing digital literacy by launching a series of digital skills training modules. These trainings are designed to help residents in Eastern North Carolina and beyond gain the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely and effectively.

The course modules, offered in beginner to advanced levels, provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how to utilize technology, protect their privacy online, and access telehealth services. The modules will also empower individuals to perform effective online research, ensuring they can make informed decisions when it comes to their health and well-being.

Current Training Modules:

Module 1: Beginner — Using Technology and the Potential of Digital Tools

Module 2: Intermediate — Online Safety and Privacy

Module 3: Advanced — Searching for and Evaluating Online Information

Module 4: Intermediate — Telehealth

Upcoming Modules:

Module 5: Beginner — Smartphone Basics: Introduction to using smartphones, including basic functions, settings, and how to communicate through mobile devices.

Module 6: Beginner — iPad and Hotspot Basics: Training on using iPads and portable hotspots to stay connected, whether at home or on the go.

Module 7: Intermediate — Smartphones and iPads: For those looking to enhance their skills on more advanced functionalities and apps for smartphones and iPads.

Module 8: Beginner — Word Processing Basics: Basic training in using word to create, edit, and manage documents effectively.

For more information on training sessions in your area contact Alice Richman at (252) 328-6431.