Frequently
We Have the Answers!
digitalLIFT is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and helping communities access the internet. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about our offerings, including online courses, customized training packages, and direct services. You can also read more about our volunteer opportunities. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How CTN shares its knowledge and expertise to help organizations launch a digital equity initiative and/or take their current digital inclusion efforts to the next level.
What are the differences between the digitalLIFT packages and online learning courses?
The online courses are self-paced online training offerings for individuals (such as librarians, digital navigators, etc.). They can be purchased directly from our website.
The LIFT packages are designed to support organizations and contain access to our online courses PLUS personalized, 1:1 support from our team of digital equity experts.
Packages also include complementary resources, including a curriculum (which can be used to teach technology courses), learner workbook, and other useful materials. You can fill out our Inquiry Form to get a quote.
We’d like to discuss which training package would best meet our needs. What’s the best way for us to proceed?
Once a member of your team completes our Inquiry Form, a CTN representative will contact you within two (2) business days to begin needs assessment discussions.
Our team accidentally purchased the incorrect online course. What steps need to be taken to receive a refund?
Refunds can be processed within 48 hours after purchase and if 0% of the training is completed. Refund requests must be submitted to lift@digitallift.org.
Policy:
Community Tech Network offers a 48-hour refund policy on all e-learning material. To be eligible for a refund: (1) the refund request must be submitted within 48 hours from the date and time of purchase; and (2) the course must not be started or in progress. You can submit a refund request from the email sent to you confirming the purchase. Should you have any problems initiating this request, please contact our team at: LIFT@digitallift.org. Please note, it can take up to 10 business days for a refund to fully process.
How long will I have access to an online course once I purchase it?
For those who purchase a course online: You will have access for 90 days from the time of purchase. We encourage you to return to the content and review concepts as much as you would like during this time. Remember to save resources and bookmark links so that you can easily access them in the future.
For those enrolled in LIFT training: You have one year of access to the courses and digitalLIFT community forum.
What should we expect after purchasing an online learning product from digitalLIFT?
After each purchase, you will receive an email confirmation that includes the next steps to logging in and accessing the purchased content.
Where can my team access and review the full list of capacity-building training packages, bundles, and promotions offered by digitalLIFT?
To view our list of training packages and special promotions, click here.
Does digitalLIFT offer in-person capacity building training opportunities?
All capacity building training is currently provided in an online learning environment and is completed asynchronously, with a 90-minute collaborative, virtual workshop/debrief upon completion.
Who should we contact when experiencing access issues to the online training platform?
Please contact your LIFT Support Team regarding any issues at: LIFT@digitallift.org
Do your training courses use the framework established by NDIA (National Digital Inclusion Alliance)?
Yes, digitalLIFT’s Founder and Executive Director, Kami Griffith, was also one of the founding members of the NDIA and we work closely with the organization. Our digital navigator training in particular is based on a concept of navigators developed by the NDIA.
My organization is interested in the LIFT packages. Will CTN assess our community to help determine its equipment (devices) and connectivity needs while suggesting a process to provide these services to folks in need?
digitalLIFT’s Diagnostic Needs Assessment (DNA) will help to identify agency-based needs, if there are any.
Meanwhile, the Community Needs Assessment template, which we provide to our partners for their outreach and program development, assists them in determining their community’s needs regarding device access and connectivity. Additionally, digitalLIFT has extensive knowledge of which devices are best suited for various purposes and can advise partner agencies on selecting the right devices for their sites and services. We can also help identify resources to support low-cost internet services or provide Wi-Fi-enabled devices for clients.
How CTN supports community members with digital skills training and more.
What types of direct services does digitalLIFT provide?
digitalLIFT offers digital skills group classes and one-on-one technology tutoring (both remotely and in-person). We also provide internet-enabled devices, help low-income individuals receive discounted internet services at home, and provide tech support (by hosting in-person pop-up events with our partners and inviting learners to continue their education through virtual Q&A sessions).
I would love for my organization to partner with digitalLIFT. How can we get started?
Let us learn more about you. Fill out our brief Inquiry Form and someone from our team will reach out to you within two (2) business days.
I don’t know if my organization has the funding to pay for a program with digitalLIFT. What can I do?
Not a problem! Many of our programs are funded by government grants. We have almost a decade of experience helping organizations prepare their grant applications – at absolutely no cost to them! – and know all the tips and tricks to help submit a successful proposal.
Are digitalLIFT programs just for seniors? Who else is eligible?
Since its inception in 2008, digitalLIFT has provided digital literacy training and devices to adults of all ages in public libraries, low-income housing developments, senior centers, schools, and social service agencies. We primarily serve older adults and individuals from marginalized communities, including those who have recently experienced homelessness, are not English-speaking, or who live in high-poverty areas, such as the Tenderloin in San Francisco.
Do you provide free tablets or laptops?
Yes, we often offer devices at no cost to the learner, depending on community needs.
How many languages are your services offered in?
Over 50% of digitalLIFT’s learners speak languages other than English and we are committed to providing culturally-responsive programming. We work with local partner organizations to design personalized curriculum based on community needs, and we offer our training in ten languages: Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin dialects), English, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Lao, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. The digitalLIFT team also strives to provide volunteers and staff from the learners’ own communities.
Some of our community members are homebound or live in rural areas. Can you help them too?
Of course! In addition to in-person classes, CTN also offers remote technology training through our Home Connect Program. Learners connect via phone call with their instructors, who can see their device screens through a platform called AnyDesk. No previous technology experience is required! Learn more about Home Connect.
Do you work with individuals or just organizations?
Unfortunately, individuals cannot sign up for our technology programs at this time if they are not affiliated with or referred by one of our partner agencies.
How long does one of your programs last?
All programs are designed in tandem with the partner organization and are based on community needs. Some of our programs have lasted just a few months, while others, like SF Connected, have been ongoing for years!
How YOU can transform community members’ lives by helping them access technology
Who is eligible to volunteer?
Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to volunteer. Our volunteers range in age from 18 to 65+.
No particular educational background or experience in teaching is required. Volunteers must have at least intermediate-level technology skills.
Remote volunteers must be US residents. This does not apply to in-person volunteers.
What is the time commitment?
Just one hour per week! We’re very flexible, and you can create your own schedule.
What are the responsibilities of in-person volunteers?
In-person volunteers typically host drop-in hours and offer tech support at our partner community centers. We work with you to figure out the best placement for you based on your location and schedule.
What are the responsibilities of virtual volunteers?
Remote volunteers can become digital coaches. They’ll be paired with an older adult and meet weekly over Zoom for between one to three months (depending on the learner’s needs).
These learners have already acquired basic technology skills through CTN’s Home Connect program and are looking for specialized technological support based on their interests. For example, some folks might want to learn how to use social media to keep in touch with their family and friends. Others might be looking to learn how to access certain educational or entertainment resources online. Digital coaches adapt their lessons based on the learner’s interests.
Does digitalLIFT offer school credit for volunteering?
Yes! Let us know what your school or organization’s requirements are and we will be happy to work with you.
Will I be able to connect with other volunteers?
Yes! By becoming a digitalLIFT volunteer, you’ll join a community of other volunteers. The volunteers support each other and often become good friends. In fact, we host monthly (virtual) meetups for all of our volunteers! Volunteering with digitalLIFT will connect you with like-minded people.
How will I know what technology skills to teach?
Once you’ve been approved to volunteer, our staff will walk you through our digital training resources, including sample curriculum. However, there are no set topics that you must teach. Your role as a volunteer is to address the needs of the learners, which will vary.
How do I apply?
The steps for becoming a digitalLIFT volunteer (as outlined in more detail in this blog) are as follows:
- Submit a volunteer application. The form is very simple and shouldn’t take you long to fill out.
- Complete online training. You’ll learn tips for working with older adults, and you’ll get trained to recognize and report elder abuse. You must also complete an information security training. We’ll email you the links.
- Participate in a phone interview with our Volunteer Coordinator.
- Consent to a background check.
How soon can I start volunteering after I submit my application?
Once we receive your application, you can sometimes begin volunteering within just two weeks!
What about corporate volunteering?
Does your group have a corporate social responsibility objective? You and your coworkers can volunteer as a group with digitalLIFT! Best of all? You can personalize the experience to best fit your needs. Select the:
- Location: Both in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities are available. If you want to give back to a particular community, we serve seniors from all over San Francisco, such as the Mission, Tenderloin, and Ingleside districts (and many more).
- Opportunity Type: Lead an info session on a specific topic (such as how to buy groceries online) or provide basic tech support at a workshop.
- Language: Many of our learners speak languages other than English, so you can choose to volunteer in a spot where you know you’ll be able to put your team’s language skills to use!
I still have questions about volunteering. Who should I contact to learn more?
For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact info@digitalLIFT.org
More information on how you can equip trainers with ready-to-use, culturally tailored curriculum designed to empower learners to confidently navigate their devices.
What is included in the curriculum download?
The curriculum includes two PDF files: a 60-70-page Learner Booklet and a separate Trainer Guide with tips, practice activities, and additional resources to support digital literacy instructors.
We also share some excellent free online educational resources focused on internet safety, which can be used to supplement or extend digital skills training.
What skill level is this suitable for?
This curriculum is designed for beginners, particularly adults with limited experience with the given device.
How long does it take to teach the curriculum?
The curriculum can be adapted to various timeframes, depending on the pace of the learners and the class structure. For learners with some experience, specific topics can be skipped. For beginners, this curriculum will likely take 5-10 hours to teach.
How is this curriculum meant to be used?
We recommend printing Learner Booklets to distribute to your learners. The instructor can print or use the Trainer Guide digitally (recommended). In a classroom setting, the trainer will ideally have an instructional device, share the screen to a TV, and demonstrate skills while learners follow along on their own devices. The Trainer Guide includes suggestions for other teaching formats, such as one-on-one remote lessons.
Is there a limit to my use of this curriculum?
You and your organization can use these downloaded files as long as you want, with as many digital literacy learners as you want. Though your access to this course will expire after one year, you should download all files to your own server and can continue using them indefinitely.
What if the curriculum becomes outdated?
Operating systems and apps are regularly updated, so specific instructions and screenshots may change. When significant updates occur, digitalLIFT will update the curriculum files here and notify enrollees.
What if I need to teach additional topics, a curriculum for a specific device, or a curriculum in a language not available here?
digitalLIFT can create, customize, and translate curriculum to meet any need. Reach out to bizdev@digitalLIFT.org for a quote.