WINDER, Ga., Dec. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of
AT&T's continuing efforts to boost internet adoption, AT&T
and Georgia 4-H announced today a
new technology program that bridges the generations and helps
enhance connections across Georgia.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals that
understanding the relevance of the internet and learning how to use
the internet are the two biggest obstacles to adoption.
From 2014 to 2016 alone, AT&T invested more than
$5 billion in our wireless and
wireline networks in Georgia. As
private industry continues to invest to close the limited,
remaining connectivity gap in rural areas, a key focus of the new
statewide technology initiative is on increasing internet
adoption.
To help boost internet adoption rates, the new technology
program pairs Georgia 4-H student
trainers with senior users and uses AT&T's Digital You
curriculum to share how to have a safe and secure online
experience. The personal one-on-one training results in benefits to
all participants. Seniors enjoy an increased understanding of
technology. And, student trainers sharpen invaluable leadership and
interpersonal skills, helping prepare them to graduate career and
college ready.
"As the way we communicate continues to evolve, more and more
consumers of all ages are moving to newer technologies and devices,
and for some, there is a learning curve," stated Agriculture
Commissioner Gary Black. "I applaud
AT&T and our Georgia 4-H
students as they work to ensure this transition is effortless for
seniors across Georgia, especially
in the more rural parts of our state."
"With support from AT&T and Georgia 4-H, more of Georgia's seniors are being enabled with
important digital tools that assist in monitoring and managing
nutritional and medical needs and increasing interaction with the
ones they love," said State Representative Terry England. "A special thanks to AT&T and
our Georgia 4-H students for
working with our seniors, especially in our rural Georgia communities."
"High-speed internet has quickly become a preferred way to
access information and communicate," stated Bill Leahy, President of AT&T Georgia. "We
believe that enabling dedicated students to engage and inform
Georgia seniors on the many
benefits of digital literacy will help boost internet adoption
rates and further connect our state."
"Our amazing Georgia 4-H
students are working directly with seniors to illustrate the
importance of digital literacy and safety for all generations,"
stated Arch Smith, Director of Georgia 4-H. "Our Georgia 4-H students are
instructing seniors on an array of digital tasks – everything from
learning how to video chat with friends and family, program
security locks and codes to protect devices and personal data, post
photos on Facebook and use calendar and reminder apps for things
like doctor's appointments. Georgia 4-H is proud to collaborate with
AT&T and excited to launch this training initiative, enhancing
support in our communities – urban and rural."
The Barrow County Center, the Elbert County Senior Center, the
Jasper County Senior Center, the Monroe County Senior Center and
the Moultrie Senior Center are the senior centers hosting the
#GACyberSeniors pilot program in December.
"Technology is no longer something seniors avoid, and this
statewide program aims to help our seniors safely embrace the many
benefits of digital literacy," stated Pat
Graham, Chair of the Barrow
County Commission. "Improving the digital skills of everyone
is key to Georgia's future."
Through Digital You, AT&T has collaborated with prominent
national organizations such as Common Sense, The OASIS
Institute, and AARP to increase digital literacy as well as local
organizations across the country to assemble and promote expert
online safety information in a number of formats.
For more information on the resources available, check out
digitalyou.att.com.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at
AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is committed to advancing
education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through
its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing
in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic
and economic achievement; or address community needs. The company's
signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives
innovation in education to promote student success in school and
beyond. With a financial commitment of $400
million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology,
relationships and social innovation to help all students make their
biggest dreams a reality.
About Digital You®:
Digital You® is an AT&T campaign to provide tips, tools and
information to help consumers get online safely and securely.
Created in collaboration with Common Sense Media and other
experts, the Digital You® website and training sessions around the
country are resources that provide parents, youth, digital
newcomers, people with disabilities and community leaders with
information on the devices they use and how to maintain privacy,
safety and security in an increasingly connected world. The website
addresses topics such as preventing cyberbullying, managing your
online presence and parenting in the digital age.
View original content with
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-statewide-technology-training-initiative-announced-300564705.html
SOURCE AT&T Inc.