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Welcome WNC Communities Digital Leaders Class of Madison County

  Welcome to Fast Internet With the advent of new fiber optic broadband connectivity in communities, particularly those in more rural or underserved areas, there opens a vast horizon of opportunities for growth, learning, and communication.  One key element in harnessing the full potential of this high-speed connectivity is the understanding and adoption of Google Apps productivity suite. This suite, encompassing tools like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and more, stands as a cornerstone for fostering digital literacy, enhancing community engagement, and driving economic development. Why Google Apps? Google Apps productivity suite offers a comprehensive set of tools that facilitate collaboration, communication, and information management in an efficient and accessible manner.  Here are a few reasons why understanding these tools is crucial for communities: Enhanced Communication Gmail and Google Meet break down geographical barriers, enabling community members to communicate wit
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About the Digital Literacy Network

  Digital Literacy Network - DigLit.Net Digital literacy includes skills required to use technology safely, effectively and responsibly at digital citizens.  As technology continues grow into daily life, the importance of learning digital skills is important for life including volunteering, employment, healthcare, education, and more. DigLit.Net is an online toolset to support in-person instruction.   The Digital Literacy Network includes: Websites that are simple and effective Professional email for scalable communication Productivity suites including: Google Workspace Microsoft 365 Hardware support of operating systems that include: Apple Chromebook Windows 11 Social media  Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/p/Digital-Literacy-Network-100069223597413/ LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-literacy-network/ YouTube Channel -  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC23Nt_cxoKroM6Z1yjsdc6Q/videos Author and videographer, Marc Czarnecki. Marc@DigLit.net 828-367-7570
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Web Tech Czar’s 1st Tech Journey to Madison County

On March 15th, Asheville 'Meet the Geeks' Marc Czarnecki embarked on a journey to the Laurel Community Center in Madison County to instruct on Gmail use on Windows 11 laptops. Madison County, NC is northwest of Buncombe County and paints a history rich in the meanings of Western North Carolina. Tech Journey to the Laurel Community On Friday March 15th ‘Meet the Geeks’ Marc Czarnecki takes a journey to Madison County.  The objective of this journey is to provide instruction on the use of Gmail on newly acquired Windows 11 laptops.  This journal-post references some of the experiences of Marc's tech journey. It all starts on Friday morning, March 15 at 8:00 a.m. from Asheville, North Carolina.  The spring day is an unusual day in  March where there's a light rain starting and unusual thunder and lightning.  The drive from Asheville to Madison County leverages the use of Google Maps navigation on Marc's phone.  The journey took a surprise turn when Google Maps notifie
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Bridging the Digital Divide: Enhancing Digital Literacy in Western North Carolina

  In the heart of Appalachia, Western North Carolina (WNC) is known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities. Yet, amidst its natural beauty lies a challenge that is increasingly significant in our digital age: the digital divide.  As a Business Services Representative focusing on workforce development in the region, I've seen firsthand the impact that limited access to high-speed broadband and digital literacy can have on individuals and small businesses alike.  Addressing digital literacy in WNC is not just about providing internet access but empowering our communities with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a digital world. Why Digital Literacy Matters Digital literacy goes beyond the ability to use a smartphone or navigate social media platforms. It encompasses a range of skills that are essential for participation in today's economy, from accessing government services online to utilizing digital tools for education and business.  For small businesses, dig
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Apple Device SIG - Workshops at OLLI

Apple  Shared Interest Group At the University of North Carolina at Asheville, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides 'Shared Interest Groups' or SIGs for the 50+ community. Members of the Apple SIG at UNCA OLLI provide those who are new or seasoned users of all things Mac and Apple including laptops, desktops, watches, iPhones, iPads and iPods, with updated information, tips and tools for getting the most out of the devices and their associated applications. This is a forum for learning and practicing best uses for Apple products. On December 8th at 2:00 p.m., Marc Czarnecki - alias Web Tech Czar will introduce 2 topics:  YouTube Creation on Apple Devices ChatGPT app on iPhone More information:  https://www.campusce.net/olliasheville/course/course.aspx?C=1439&pc=119&mc=0&sc=0
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Looking for remote or hybrid jobs? Asheville #2 in 'Top large metros '

As George Anders asks,  Where should we expect to work in the years to come? A flurry of U.S. corporate leaders are arguing that the pandemic-era embrace of remote and hybrid setups has run its course. As they see things, it's time for a return to the office. Yet a major slice of the U.S. workforce is pushing back. A new study by LinkedIn's Economic Graph research team identifies the 20 U.S. metropolitan areas where the appetite for remote or hybrid work is keenest. Findings are based on an analysis of more than 260 million U.S. job applications in the past year. If remote work is top of mind for you, you'll find a stronghold of like-minded thinkers in Bend, Ore. In that community, remote-work opportunities attract 73.5% of job applications on LinkedIn. More at:  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/looking-remote-hybrid-jobs-20-us-cities-set-pace-george-anders/  
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What are NC’s Most Popular Areas to Work from Home?

Growth in Share of At-Home Workers Is working from home in the mountains of North Carolina attractive? According to data from the US Census Bureau, the share of the US workforce that worked the majority of the week at home rose from 5.7% in 2019 to 17.9% in 2021 – an increase in the number of at-home workers of more than 200%. Growth in At-Home Workers  Share of At-Home Workers in 2021 by NC Counties > Buncombe County NC’s Most Popular Areas to Work from Home. Nc.gov. Published May 2023. Accessed May 2, 2023. https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-feed/nc-most-popular-places-work-home ‌
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