Key Takeaways
- The University of Wisconsin‑Madison Extension is launching a free, monthly workshop series aimed at improving digital literacy for Door County residents.
- Sessions are led by Paul Salm of the UW‑Madison Institute of Human Development and Relationships, with guest speakers highlighting how technology links users to essential services and community organizations.
- Each class ends with a collaborative Q&A where participants can bring personal tech challenges and work toward practical solutions.
- Workshops will be held on the first Monday and first Tuesday of each month, starting July 6 and July 7, respectively, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Learning and Innovation Center in Sister Bay.
- Interested individuals can register or obtain more information via email, phone, or the Door County Extension website.
Overview of the Workshop Series
The University of Wisconsin‑Madison Extension has introduced a new educational initiative designed to help community members become more confident and responsible users of digital technology. Recognizing that rapid advances in devices, platforms, and online communication can leave many residents feeling overwhelmed, the program seeks to bridge that gap by offering structured, accessible learning opportunities. The series is completely free, removing financial barriers that often prevent participation in tech‑focused training. By targeting Door County—a region where access to broadband and digital resources can be uneven—the Extension hopes to foster greater inclusion and empower residents to leverage technology for personal, educational, and civic benefit.
Lead Instructor and Expertise
At the helm of the series is Paul Salm, a specialist from the UW‑Madison Institute of Human Development and Relationships. Salm brings a background in human development, interpersonal communication, and technology-mediated interaction, making him uniquely qualified to address both the technical and social dimensions of digital use. His approach emphasizes not only how to operate devices safely but also how to cultivate respectful, constructive online behavior. By integrating insights from psychology and community relations, Salm aims to help participants navigate the complexities of digital etiquette, privacy, and cyber‑safety while fostering a sense of community among learners.
Guest Speakers and Community Connections
Each workshop will feature guest speakers drawn from local agencies, nonprofits, and technology providers who illustrate how digital tools can connect residents to vital services. Examples may include demonstrations of telehealth platforms, online government portals for benefits enrollment, and virtual meeting spaces used by community groups. These real‑world showcases serve two purposes: they demystify the technology itself, and they highlight concrete ways that improved digital skills can enhance access to healthcare, employment resources, educational opportunities, and civic participation. By grounding instruction in local relevance, the series seeks to motivate learners through immediate, tangible benefits.
Structure and Format of Sessions
The workshops follow a consistent format designed to maximize engagement and retention. Sessions begin with a brief presentation or demonstration covering the day’s topic—such as setting up a new smartphone, recognizing phishing attempts, or using video‑conferencing software effectively. This instructional segment is followed by an open, facilitated question‑and‑answer period where attendees are encouraged to share personal tech challenges, ask clarifying questions, and collaboratively brainstorm solutions. The interactive Q&A not only reinforces learning but also builds a supportive peer network, allowing participants to learn from each other’s experiences and troubleshoot problems in real time.
Schedule and Location Details
Classes are scheduled to meet on the first Monday and the first Tuesday of every month, providing flexibility for individuals with varying availability. The inaugural Monday session launches on July 6, while the first Tuesday session begins on July 7. Each meeting runs from 11 a.m. to noon, a time slot chosen to accommodate both retirees and working adults who may have morning commitments. All sessions will be held at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) Learning and Innovation Center, located at 2438 S. Bayshore Dr. in Sister Bay. The venue offers modern training rooms equipped with computers, projectors, and reliable internet access—ideal for hands‑on practice and demonstration.
Registration and Contact Information
Those interested in participating can reach out directly to the lead instructor, Paul Salm, via email at the address provided in the original announcement. Additionally, the Door County Extension office maintains a dedicated webpage—door.extension.wisc.edu—where a calendar of upcoming classes, detailed descriptions, and registration forms are posted. For individuals who prefer phone communication, the Extension can be contacted at 920‑746‑2260. Multiple channels of contact ensure that prospective attendees can easily obtain information, confirm dates, and secure their spot in the series without unnecessary hassle.
Anticipated Impact on the Community
By offering regular, no‑cost training that addresses both practical device operation and responsible online interaction, the Extension aims to measurably improve digital literacy across Door County. Enhanced skills can lead to greater utilization of telehealth services, reducing barriers to medical care for seniors and rural residents. Improved confidence with online job‑search tools and remote‑work platforms may expand employment opportunities, particularly in a post‑pandemic economy where digital competence is increasingly valued. Furthermore, fostering respectful online communication can help mitigate cyber‑bullying, misinformation, and privacy breaches, contributing to a healthier, more cohesive community discourse. Over time, the cumulative effect of these workshops could narrow the digital divide, promote equity, and strengthen the overall resilience of the region’s social and economic fabric.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The University of Wisconsin‑Madison Extension’s workshop series represents a proactive, community‑centered response to the growing need for digital education in Door County. With a knowledgeable instructor, relevant guest speakers, an interactive format, and a convenient schedule, the program is well positioned to engage a diverse audience and deliver meaningful skill development. Prospective participants are encouraged to visit the extension website, call the office, or email Paul Salm to learn more and register for the upcoming sessions. By taking advantage of this free resource, residents can gain the confidence and know‑how needed to navigate today’s digital landscape safely and effectively.