What is the Digital Inclusion Learning Circle?
In 2023, KC Digital Drive published a Funding Landscape Analysis White Paper, which highlighted the importance of “participation in digital life” as our daily lives have moved to be increasingly more online and identified the essential need for digital skills classes and their role in the development of this pillar of digital inclusion. In response, KCDD set out to create a space for digital skills instructors to come together, learn from one another, easily swap stories and share their advances in programming in order to increase their effectiveness and efficiency as well as build a community of practice.
A number of digital skills trainers teach classes at a variety of nonprofit organizations, libraries and educational institutions in the Kansas City metro area, and many of these institutions have similar goals in helping develop basic digital skills for their clients/students. Some have been successfully operating for years in this space and have developed a strong digital curriculum, while others are emerging and need different types of support or guidance. The Learning Circle aims to connect organizations and resources by socializing gaps, needs and surplus capacity through collaboration and convening with digital skills instructors and adjacent professionals. We are always asking–how might we better fill these gaps? Who might be part of this community? That’s where the Learning Circle fits in.
The Digital Inclusion Learning Circle enriches the ecosystem for digital skills trainers by:
- Creating space for networking, sharing stories/curriculum, and presenting on current/upcoming programs
- Encouraging growth and collaboration of all digital skills classes in the region
- Fostering collaboration across state lines
- Encouraging engagement and utilization of Digital Services and Support Center at LAMP campus
A look back at 2024
KC Digital Drive has held 13 Learning Circle sessions since September 2023. Each session includes one or two curated presentations where organizations share their digital programs, what challenges they face when building their curriculum, and their goals and aspirations moving forward.
2024 Presentations:
- Nov: Ability KC’s Adaptive Computer and Communication Technology (ACCT) and Gaming
- Oct: Rockhurst Occupational Therapy Capstone Project cont.
- Sept: digiSTORY KC & KC IMAGINE; Rockhurst Occupational Therapy Capstone Project
- July: Rockhurst University Occupational Therapy & Assistive Technology Demo site; The Toolbox KC
- June: Latinx Education Collaborative (LEC)’s EducaTech; Hispanic Economic Development Corporation (HEDC)
- May: Guadalupe Centers; KC Digital Inclusion Fund
- April: Literacy KC; Goodwill MOKAN
- February: Catholic Charities Northeast KS; Kansas City Public Library Tech Access
- Jan: KC Digital Drive’s Cut the Cord Workshops; Carol’s Corner Computer Classes
The Learning Circle includes more than 30 organizations and attracts about 15 regularly in each monthly session. Past attendees include staff from:
- Ability KC
- Black Family Technology Awareness Association
- Catholic Charities of Northeast KS
- digiSTORY + KC IMAGINE
- Goodwill MOKAN
- Guadalupe Centers
- Hispanic Economic Development Corporation
- I.c.stars
- Jewish Vocational Services
- Kansas City Public Library
- Latinx Education Collaborative
- Literacy KC
- Missouri Assistive Technology
- Parkville Living Center
- PCs for People
- Per Scholas
- Rockhurst University
Impact
Attendees of the Learning Circle filled out a feedback form at the end of 2024, and shared how impactful their experience has been. They expressed their motivations for joining to include collaborating and networking with peers, learning about how other nonprofits are training underserved populations, and staying relevant on emerging technology in the realm of digital inclusion.
Learning Circle attendees shared that they have gained many valuable experiences from being involved in this group. This includes being able to promote their programs, gain resources to bring back to their clients, professional development opportunities, an impactful peer group, and that it is a good way to connect to the Digital Inclusion ecosystem.
Ron Green (digiSTORY KC and KC IMAGINE), a frequent attendee of the Learning Circles, shared that he made time to attend because of “the Learning Circle helps leaders and members of non-profit programs learn more about how various programs are solving the digital access needs of Kansas City’s citizens. Through demonstrations and discussions, non-profit leaders are able to connect and share their learnings with others who are committed to address the needs of Kansas City’s underserved populations.”
Gabriel Fumero, Digital Skills Trainer at Hispanic Economic Development Corporation, stated that “[The Learning Circle is] a dream come true. I am very happy to see that our organizations have started, thanks to [KC Digital Drive], an activity for the exchange of ideas and experiences, which will benefit all of us who participate.”
“It’s been great to meet and talk with others doing the same work as we are. We’ve been able to learn how others approach similar challenges.” ~Mary Kay Morrow, Literacy KC
“Participating in the Learning Circle has been such a valuable experience for me. I’m incredibly grateful for the space it provides to connect with other organizations who are also committed to making a difference in the community. Through these discussions, I’ve gained new insights, expanded my network, and found inspiration to continue pushing forward in my work. It’s been a true privilege to be part of such a collaborative and supportive environment.” ~Lisbeth Sandoval, Guadalupe Centers
Finally, attendees explained that they received a lot of value out of participating in the Learning Circle. Attendees shared their curriculum or other resources or received someone else’s information an average of 1-3 times, showcasing the opportunity for collaboration and their willingness to do so.
One participant explained that “it’s helpful to know what other organizations are doing to meet the digital access needs for their stakeholders. This helps avoid overlap in services and lets organizations know where they can best specialize their services.” Another said “I was often enlightened and surprised in a positive way about all the things happening in the metro area.” Carol Meyers, Digital Skills Trainer at KC Digital Drive, said “I always learn something new.”
A look ahead at 2025
Digital Inclusion Learning Circle meetings will continue in 2025. We expect to focus some energy around the need for networking and collaboration among organizations doing digital skills training, and avoiding fragmentation, silos and overlaps. Our focus remains on how we can continue to support the region’s digital skills ecosystem.
For organizations or individuals looking to join the Learning Circle, please email Leah Henriksen at lhenriksen @ kcdigitaldrive dot org.