By Angela Battle // Digital Telehealth Coordinator, Roanoke Cooperative
What is something that those of us living in northeastern North Carolina have in common with residents of Los Angeles, Denver, Boston and even (especially) Fargo, North Dakota?
Digital literacy is essential to all of us. What exactly is digital literacy, you ask? Digital literacy is understanding how to effectively use digital tools such as computers, tablets and smartphones to access information online. Does this skill seem daunting to you? Don’t know where to start?
If so, allow me to help. I’m Angela Battle, Roanoke Cooperative’s Digital Telehealth Coordinator. I joined the RC team In September 2024 with one explicit goal: to help our senior population get comfortable with digital literacy and online access. More on me in a minute, but what you might like to know – and share with others who may benefit – is that I am conducting digital education workshops in Bertie, Gates, Hertford and Northampton counties – free of charge.
On July 29, I’m going to conduct a workshop in Rich Square that is geared specifically to forestland and farmland owners participating in the Sustainable Forestry and Land Retention Project. It will review portals and online resources and tools relevant to the SLFRP program. It also will address online safety and privacy, and show attendees how to access digital telehealth portals and other online resources. Seating is limited, so please don’t delay in registering if you plan to take part. Here’s the link to get more information.
Making a Difference Through the New ConnectED Program
There’s an anonymous quote that one can find online with a Google search that reads like this: “Digital education is more than just a luxury; it is a necessity for anyone wishing to learn in the 21st century.”
I’m proud to say, the better part of my career has been centered on helping others acquire and improve their digital skills. I am a technical trainer by trade with more than 30 years of experience facilitating and teaching learners how to get comfortable with digital technology. I also happen to be a Bertie County native who graduated from Bertie High School in 1991. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Temple University in Philadelphia, and I completed a Master’s Degree in Education from Holy Family University in Philadelphia. In 2019, having spent three decades facilitating and teaching learners in and around Philadelphia how to get comfortable with digital technology, I moved back to Merry Hill to be close to family.
It is a pleasure and a privilege to now be implementing Roanoke Cooperative’s new ConnectED digital education program. I feel like we are having a positive impact in an aspect of people’s lives that can be frustrating even while it grows increasingly important. It will be fun to extend this learning opportunity to the SFLRP community on July 29th. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions. My email address is abattle@roanokecooperative.com.