Hello Internet! - An Online Starting Point For Adult Digital Literacy Learners

Abstract

While physical access to information technology is critical to actively engaging and participating in an increasingly digital society, having physical access alone is not enough as people need the skills necessary to use the technology to reap its benefits. Teaching adults how to use technology is a challenge that public libraries in the United States are currently confronting through various methods. This paper explores how American public libraries can use an online starting point to help adult patrons learn and practice basic Internet skills. In the case study presented in this report, an online starting point called <italic>Hello Internet!</italic> was created and tested over the course of three stages at the District of Columbia Public Library.