Digital Opportunity

Digital opportunity represents the potential for individuals to fully engage with and benefit from today's digital technologies. It encompasses affordable access to internet and devices, essential digital skills, and support for navigating online environments. By fostering these components, we aim to create a landscape where everyone can participate fully in our connected world.

However, a digital divide persists between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those who do not (NDIA). This disparity can significantly impact educational and economic opportunities, as well as overall quality of life.

To enhance digital opportunity and address this divide, higher education institutions in Louisiana have access to two tools through the Board of Regents: Northstar Digital Literacy and the Advancing Digital Opportunity: A Higher Education Toolkit.

Northstar Digital Literacy

Northstar Digital Literacy is an online learning platform focused on helping adults master the foundational digital skills needed to work, learn, and participate fully in daily life. This resource is available to all LOUIS member institutions through the Board of Regents. It includes:

• Online assessments that measure basic digital skills
• Self-paced online learning modules
• Lesson plans and curricula for classroom or one-on-one instruction
• Robust data and reporting tools

If you're interested in implementing Northstar at your institution, please contact us at digitalopportunity@laregents.edu.

Advancing Digital Opportunity: A Higher Education Toolkit

This comprehensive toolkit equips Louisiana's higher education institutions with a structured approach to bridging the digital divide, both on campus and in surrounding communities. It provides:

• Guidance for conducting needs assessments
• Strategies for developing sustainable digital inclusion programs
• Implementation support and best practices
• Curated resources on topics such as internet access, device availability, and digital skills development

News

Digital Opportunity Blog