Researchers at Sacramento State, in collaboration with community partners such as Asian Resources Inc., are implementing the Connecting Minority Communities pilot program, funded by a nearly $3 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to address digital literacy gaps in underserved Sacramento neighbourhoods. This initiative employs ‘digital navigators’, including students Rey Halili and Thomas Lee, to deliver practical training focused on enhancing computer skills and understanding emerging technologies. A key component of the program involves instruction on the application of ChatGPT, presented as an advanced search tool offering a personalised, conversational interface beyond traditional web searches, as demonstrated during recent outreach efforts reaching approximately 20 attendees. The program aims to mitigate disadvantages stemming from limited access to digital resources and training, thereby promoting greater technological inclusion within these communities.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Sacramento
Sacramento State University is actively engaged in a federally funded initiative designed to address the persistent digital divide within underserved communities in Sacramento, California. The project, formally titled the Connecting Minority Communities pilot program, receives nearly $3 million in funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a branch of the US Department of Commerce. This funding supports a comprehensive program focused on equipping residents with foundational computer skills and access to modern technologies, thereby mitigating socio-economic disadvantages stemming from limited digital inclusion. The program’s methodology centres on direct engagement through “digital navigators” – students and faculty from Sacramento State – who deliver targeted training sessions within community hubs.
A key component of the initiative involves demystifying complex technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) for individuals with limited prior exposure. Recent outreach events, conducted in collaboration with community organisations like Asian Resources Inc. in the Lemon Hill neighbourhood, have focused on introducing the capabilities of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Rey Halili, a student involved in the program, explained ChatGPT’s functionality as an “advanced search tool,” highlighting its capacity for conversational interaction – a departure from the typically static results of conventional web searches. This approach aims to demonstrate the practical utility of AI, moving beyond abstract concepts to tangible benefits for everyday tasks.
The program’s emphasis extends beyond mere technological instruction; it prioritises the development of digital literacy – the ability to critically evaluate, utilise, and create information using digital technologies. Thomas Lee, another student assisting with the classes, reinforces the program’s objective of providing practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios. The initiative acknowledges that access to technology is insufficient without the accompanying skills to effectively navigate the digital landscape. By fostering digital literacy training, the Connecting Minority Communities program seeks to empower residents to participate fully in an increasingly technology-dependent society, addressing issues of equity and inclusion. Leonard Zhong, a retiree participating in the program, exemplifies this impact, demonstrating a transition from limited knowledge of AI to active engagement with tools like ChatGPT. The program’s success is predicated on a collaborative model, leveraging the expertise of Sacramento State faculty and students alongside established community organisations to deliver targeted and impactful interventions.
Empowering Communities Through Digital Literacy
The Connecting Minority Communities initiative, spearheaded by Sacramento State and funded by a $2.97 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), represents a focused effort to bridge the digital divide within underserved communities of Sacramento County. The project’s core methodology centres on delivering targeted digital literacy training, facilitated by student volunteers and faculty from Sacramento State, in collaboration with established community organisations such as the grassroots organisation, established in the Lemon Hill neighbourhood. This collaborative approach acknowledges that simply providing access to technology is insufficient; effective participation in the digital economy requires the cultivation of critical skills in information literacy, online safety, and effective technology utilisation.
The programme’s pedagogical strategy deliberately moves beyond rote instruction, focusing instead on experiential learning and practical application. Students such as Rey Halley, acting as ‘digital navigators’, facilitate workshops that demonstrate the utility of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT not merely as complex algorithms, but as advanced search tools possessing a conversational interface. This approach leverages the inherent user-friendliness of LLMs to overcome initial anxieties and demonstrate the practical benefits of AI in everyday tasks. Halley elucidates this by explaining that ChatGPT “functions as an advanced search tool,” distinguishing it from traditional search engines by its capacity for nuanced interaction and personalised results. The emphasis on conversational AI is deliberate, aiming to reduce the cognitive load associated with conventional keyword-based searches.
The programme’s impact is demonstrably visible through the experiences of participants such as Leonard Zhong, a retiree who previously possessed limited familiarity with AI. Zhong’s transition from limited knowledge to active engagement with tools like ChatGPT exemplifies the programme’s success in fostering digital inclusion. Further supporting this, student volunteers like Thomas Lee provide personalised assistance, reinforcing the programme’s objective of delivering practical skills applicable to real-world scenarios. The initiative’s design recognises that effective digital literacy extends beyond technical proficiency; it encompasses the ability to critically evaluate information, navigate online environments safely, and utilise digital tools to achieve personal and professional goals. The programme’s long-term success will be measured not only by the number of participants trained but also by the demonstrable improvements in their digital skills and their increased participation in the digital economy.
Fostering Inclusion in a Technology-Dependent Society
Sacramento State University is actively addressing the persistent digital divide through the Connecting Minority Communities pilot program, a federally funded initiative supported by a nearly $3 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This program focuses on equipping residents of underserved neighbourhoods with crucial computer skills and technological literacy, recognising that access to technology is no longer merely a convenience but a fundamental requirement for full societal participation. The program’s methodology centres on direct engagement with community members, deploying student ‘digital navigators’ – including researchers such as Rey Halili and Thomas Lee – to deliver practical training and support.
A core component of the program involves demystifying complex technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs). Halili, explaining the functionality of ChatGPT, states it “functions as an advanced search tool,” a crucial distinction from traditional search engines. This emphasis is significant; conventional search relies on keyword matching, requiring users to formulate precise queries. LLMs, conversely, employ natural language processing (NLP) – a branch of AI concerned with the interaction between computers and human language – to interpret user intent, even with imprecise or conversational phrasing. This capability lowers the barrier to entry for individuals unfamiliar with technical terminology or search engine optimisation techniques.
The program’s design acknowledges that effective digital inclusion necessitates not only technical proficiency but also the ability to critically evaluate information and navigate online environments safely. The impact of the program is evidenced by the experiences of participants like Leonard Zhong, a retiree who previously lacked familiarity with AI. His engagement with tools like ChatGPT demonstrates the program’s success in fostering digital literacy. The program’s structure, overseen by faculty at Sacramento State, prioritises practical application and personalised assistance, recognising that simply providing access to technology is insufficient. Successful digital inclusion requires ongoing support and training to ensure individuals can effectively utilise these tools to achieve their personal and professional goals. The long-term efficacy of the Connecting Minority Communities program will be assessed through metrics beyond participant numbers, focusing on demonstrable improvements in digital skills and increased participation in the digital economy, thereby contributing to a more equitable and inclusive technology-dependent society.
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