by Lori Shriner, For the Seward County Independent
Editor’s note: This is the first article in our series on digital literacy in Seward County.
Sally Viets found herself stuck when her computer screen froze while she was checking her bank account. A pop-up message warned her that there was a problem and urged her to click on it to fix the issue.
At 77, Viets is no tech novice. She often uses the internet for genealogy, emailing family, and keeping in touch with friends. Before retiring, she worked in student accounts at Concordia University.
Knowing this situation was unusual—and with her bank account open—she turned to Andrew Hanus, the owner of Hanus Tech Solutions in Seward. She sent him a screenshot of the pop-up to see if it was a scam attempt, a trick often called spear phishing.
Hanus reassured her that she had made the right choice by not clicking on the suspicious link and advised her to restart her computer to safely log out of her account. Viets felt relieved; it was nice to have expert confirmation.
“I know my stuff, but new situations throw me off a bit,” she admitted.
Technology has advanced rapidly. Today’s doorbells boast features that overshadow the capabilities of many home computers from just a few years ago.
Keeping pace with this technology is vital. Lora Ives, assistant director for continuing education at Southeast Community College, believes digital literacy is now as crucial as literacy itself was a century ago.
Once seen as essential only for certain jobs, digital skills are now needed in everyday life. For example, truck drivers now use tablets for reporting. People need online access to apply for jobs, manage benefits, and even check crop prices.
The pandemic made many realize how much they rely on digital connections. Nowadays, Seward County residents book appointments online, check in at kiosks, and communicate through emails and video calls.
Starting can be tough. Adult learners come from many backgrounds. Some have never touched a computer, while others are trying to learn the latest apps.
It’s important for anyone, especially seniors or newcomers, to know they are not alone in their learning journey. Seward County Community College (SCC) now offers digital literacy classes at various levels, hoping to expand to more locations based on interest.
Ives describes digital literacy as “the ability to do what it takes to live in a digital world.”
Some key skills taught include:
• Basic computer operations, like navigating the internet, using power sources, understanding cybersecurity, and keyboard skills.
• Internet navigation skills, which cover using email, setting up accounts, and making online appointments.
• Operating system knowledge, including software like Windows and programs like Word and Excel.
Learning about technology begins early, but not everyone can keep up with every new trend and update. Ives emphasizes that life-long learning is essential as technology evolves. “We all need to stay curious and engaged,” she noted.
Alison Rook, director of Seward County Aging Services, recognizes the growing need for educational resources around digital literacy. Many products today are “smart” and require internet connectivity for updates, which can be confusing.
The rapid pace of tech changes can overwhelm even the most confident users. “Technology evolves so quickly,” Rook remarked. “Many just get used to one thing, and it changes again.”
While some seniors are fully tech-savvy, others may find the constant shifts challenging.
Last summer, Seward County residents took part in the Broadband Challenge, reporting their internet access and speeds. About 5,000 locations faced issues that might categorize them as lacking adequate internet service.
The Seward County Broadband Task Force is actively seeking state and federal grants to enhance internet access in these areas. Recently, improvements were made in the northeast part of the county.
The task force comprises local leaders and residents focused on expanding access to essential services like telehealth, education, and communication.
Next week’s topic: Addressing needs for cybersafety.
Check out this related article: How Ulta Beauty is Leveraging Technology for Its Next Growth Surge
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