ECHO x TechUP
Tech literacy refers to a person’s ability to use the technology needed to do their work with comfort and ease. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been forced to shift to remote working and video meetings that require some tech literacy skills. There are many benefits to this such as job satisfaction, better use of data, and overall a less rigid schedule. Yet, people experiencing houselessness may not have access to the technology needed to grow these skills. Given the existing hardships and disadvantages in the job market, learning tech literacy skills would help increase the amount and types of jobs this population can apply for. This can also be applied to any population that struggles with tech literacy skills such as people from low income areas, older adults, and those re-entering into society. While growing in tech literacy cannot break down every barrier, having basic tech literacy skills brings us one step closer to an inclusive job market.
Originally founded in Baltimore, ECHO is forming a long-term partnership with TechUp to bring this service to the city of Los Angeles to combat digital inequities. ECHO members can sign up as volunteers to host weekly workshops at temporary housing shelters, community resource centers, and supportive housing sites to teach people who are currently unhoused or were previously unhoused about essential smartphone and computer skills.
You could check out more information about TechUp’s work at Baltimore on their website. Our current list of partners in the LA area include LA Family Housing, Weingart Center, Union Station Homeless Services, and County of Los Angeles Homeless Initiative. Check out our reaction to the media release by LA County to provide affordable home internet to families in need!
Sign up form is now active! If you wish to join the Techup team, please sign up with this google form. Our target start dates for sites would be Week 1 of Spring quarter. Currently, we are running a trial 4 week-long workshops at our LA sites. We are hoping to transition into 6-week-long workshops in the future.
Computer Basics
This workshop will offer instruction about how to navigate the basic functions of a computer and its relevant equipment.
Email Basics
The Email Basics workshop offers instruction on how to sign up for an email, how to send an email, how to write an email and etiquette, and online safety.
GSuite 1: Google Drive, Docs, and Calendar
This workshop provides an overview of Google Drive, Google Doc functions, and Google Calendar functions.
GSuite 2: Google Sheets and Slides
This workshop picks up from GSuite 1 with an overview of the functions of Google Sheets and Google Slides.
Zoom Basics
This workshop provides instruction about how to operate the Zoom video conferencing platform, which has emerged as the pinnacle of communication in the virtual workplace.
Internet Basics
This workshop covers the fundamental knowledge needed to use the Internet, including online searching and safe internet practices.
For any inquiries about our workshops or interests in collaborating with TechUp, please contact us at techupatlosangeles@gmail.com.