We’ve been tracking MIRC projects – generally by community, but today we have news to share of a project with a wider reach. Along with our community partners, the MIRC (Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities) project includes statewide partners that have been creating and/or spreading the reach of their tools based on support from the MIRC project. We are pleased to share info on one of the latest MIRC tools on the street – Digital Literacy online curriculum targeting folks who are very new to computer and may not be comfortable learning about technology in English.

We gave a sneak preview of the training last month – but we now have several online courses available. The training was developed by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to correspond to the digital literacy categories and skills defined by the Northstar Digital Literacy Task Force. It assumes no prior knowledge – and should serve as a great tool to anyone who really needs to start with the basics. It starts with How to Use a Mouse and Touchpad and includes lessons on Using a Browser and Microsoft Windows.

I encourage folks who work with or have friends (or parents!) on the far end of the digital to check it out and help spread the word.