CULLMAN, Ala. – Wallace State Community College is launching a new, free digital literacy course designed to help adults feel more confident using technology in their everyday lives. The course, developed in partnership with the Cullman Electric Cooperative and the Cullman County Public Library System, will begin July 29 and run through Sept. 30, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Wallace State Training Development Center. Classes are free with a seating limit of 15 participants per class. The Co-op will provide light refreshments during some of the classes.
“I believe that digital literacy empowers community members of all ages by bridging the digital divide by giving access to essential services, economic opportunities and continuous learning,” said Patti Wilkins, director of adult education at Wallace State. “The class is important in fostering critical thinking, online safety and using digital devices to engage with friends and family.”
April Metrock, adult education instructor at Wallace State, will lead the 10-week course, tailoring instruction to meet the specific interests of participants. The course is designed for individuals who feel left behind by modern technology, particularly those aged 50 and older, and will cover basic computer skills, email and internet use, smartphone navigation, social media safety, telehealth access and beginner lessons in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Sessions will include hands-on instruction and guest-led topics from the Co-op and CCPLS. The Co-op will cover topics like streaming services, while the library will lead sessions focused on online safety, including how to safely use the internet, email and Facebook. The class may also take a field trip to the library to explore the free databases available to them.
For more information or to register, contact Lisa Payne at lisa.payne@wallacestate.edu or call 256-352-7859.
