Meet OAI's Digital Inclusion Specialist
OAI's Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie Burgess, is paving the way for a more connected Howard County. As the Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie advocates for increased access to technology and build out the skills to use it. These efforts are part of the Transform Howard Initiative, and align with Howard County’s move toward being an Age-Friendly community, addressing challenges noted in the Age-Friendly Howard County Action Plan.
Senior Planet
Howard County’s Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) is a proud partner of the Senior Planet program. Senior Planet is the flagship program of the national nonprofit Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP that harnesses technology to enhance the way we age.
The Office on Aging and Independence will offer a variety of courses, programs, and activities to help older adults learn new skills, save money, access health information, make new friends, and so much more!
How Safe is Your Data?
How To Spot Fake News?
Date: Thursday, February 16th
Time: 11:00am – noon
Location: Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS), 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr. Room 346, Columbia MD 21046
Description: This presentation will provide a helpful explanation for the increase in the use of the term fake news, as well as give you some tools to evaluate news sources. We’ll also review popular fact-checking sites.
Cost: FREE
Protecting Your Personal Information Online
Date: Monday, March 6th
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Howard County Library Systems (HCLS) Central Branch, 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia MD 21044
Description: This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online. We’ll cover tips for staying safe in cyberspace, like creating strong passwords, managing spam, how to recognize email and text scams, and when it’s OK — or not — to share your personal information online.
Cost: FREE
Finding Information Online
Date: Wednesday, March 22nd
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm
Location: Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS), 9830 Patuxent Woods Dr. Room 337, Columbia MD 21046
Description: This hands-on workshop will review helpful tips for using effective search terms, evaluating your search results, and searching within a reliable site for accurate information. (Note--This class is limited to the first 8 registrants.)
Cost: FREE
To register for a class, please call OAI’s Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie Burgess at 410-313-6542.
Are you great with technology and have a passion for community service? Apply to become a 'Senior Planet' trainer today!
Use this interactive map to local free wi-fi hotspots around Howard County.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
Transform Howard was launched on May 24, 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the initiative is to transform Howard County into a national model for innovation and digital inclusion by ensuring all residents can access the digital world and the opportunity it brings.
Please contact OAI’s Digital Inclusion Specialist, Malarie Burgess at 410- 313-6542 (voice/relay) or [email protected].