12 Ways Being Online Can Improve Your LifeThe Connect.DC Guide to Digital Citizenship

About Connect.DC

Created by the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) in 2010, Connect.DC works to bridge this digital

divide by making technology easier to use, more accessible, more affordable, and more relevant to the everyday lives of District residents. Together with our partners, we are

working to ensure everyone in DC can take full advantage of everything technology has to offer.

Visit www.connect.dc.gov | Call 311 | Text CONNECT to 83224©District of Columbia, 2014

What is Digital Citizenship? Digital citizenship describes the ability to use technology to reach goals and respond to challenges in the most important areas of life. If you are like most people, the list of the most important things in your life would probably include one or more of the following: the well-being of your loved ones, a job that allows you to support yourself and your family, access to quality health care, good schools for your children, a safe neighborhood, and a government that provides useful services. Thankfully, access to the Internet, whether at home or through a smartphone, can have a positive impact on each of these areas of your life. That’s why Connect.DC believes digital citizenship is the one of the keys to ensuring every District resident with technology access and skills can take full advantage of everything technology has to offer.

Who Should Use This Guide?Have you ever wondered if access to the Internet is import-ant? Are you interested in using technology but not sure how it can impact your everyday life? Do you want to know more about the types of things you can do with your smartphone? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, this guide is for you.

How Should This Guide Be Used?Use this guide to see how technology can help you in the most important areas of your life. Each section includes a brief overview of how technology affects a different part of your life, 3 things you can do today with Internet access, an interesting technology fact, and one way you can get started!

12ways

1Access to the Internet can help you improve your skills and find your next job

3 Things You Can Do With Access to the Internet Search for a job Create, update, and improve your resume Find a job training program

Did You Know? 68% of job-seekers say it is important to have computer, Internet, and printer access at public libraries

How to Get Started Go to an American Job Center to start your resume and find your next job. Find one at: does.dc.gov.

Employment2

Access to the Internet helps make learning a lifelong process for adults and children

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Get your child extra help in math or science Search for adult education and training classes Read a new book in electronic form (“e-book”)

Did You Know? The Khan Academy provides free online help to students in subjects ranging from math and finance to history and art. For more information, go to www.khanacademy.org.

How to Get Started Are you looking to continue your education? Get started today by visiting the Community College of the District of Columbia (UDC-CC). For more information, visit: cc.udc.edu.

Education

3Access to the Internet can help you track important health goals, find information on diseases and treatments, and access your medical information

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet: Find information on a health condition for a relative Search for new recipes to meet weight-loss goals Use a mobile app to track a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure

Did You Know? 19% of smartphone owners have downloaded an app specifically to track or manage health

How to Get Started Do you need health insurance? To get started, visit DC Health Link at: www.dchealthlink.com.

Health4

Access to the Internet can help you find your next home or apartment

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Search for a house Apply for and rent a new apartment Find a neighborhood that meets your family’s needs

Did You Know? 60% of buyers used the Internet during their search for a new home

How to Get Started The DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) can help you buy a new home or find an apartment. For more information, visit: dhcd.dc.gov

Housing

5 Access to the Internet makes it easier to keep in touch with loved ones and find activities for your family

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Use social media to share photos with family Find a local family-friendly festival Use a free video app to talk to relatives in another state or country

Did You Know? The Internet, cell phones, and social media play a key role in the relationships of 66% of adult couples

How to Get Started PBS KIDS uses online games and activities to help empower children for success in school and in life. For more information, visit: pbskids.org.

Family6

Access to the Internet makes it easier to find and access important government services

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Find child care providers in your neighborhood Apply for and maintain unemployment benefits Find information on help with burying loved ones

Did You Know? The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows you to pay parking tickets and renew your driver’s license online. For more information, go to: dmv.dc.gov.

How to Get Started The DC Department of Human Services can help you register for public benefits like SNAP or TANF. For more information, visit: dhs.dc.gov.

Government Services

7Access to the Internet is changing how everyday citizens engage with their local communities and elected officials

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Email your councilmember about an important issue Create a petition to address a neighborhood issue Join a neighborhood email list (listserv) to find out what’s happening in your community

Did You Know? You can go online to report broken meters and damaged sidewalks or find information about services like trash pickup. For more info, visit: 311.dc.gov.

How to Get Started The Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) is the body of government with the closest official ties to the people and activities in a neighborhood.To get more information about your ANC, visit: anc.dc.gov.

Civic Engagement8

Access to the Internet can help you start a new business or grow the one you already have

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Start a business Use a tablet to accept credit card payments Create a website or use social media to reach new customers

Did You Know? 60% of residents in large cities use cell phones and tablets to find information on restaurants and other local businesses

How to Get Started The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) can help you start your business. For more information, visit: www.dsbld.dc.gov.

Small Business

9Access to the Internet can help keep you and your family safe

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Get updates on weather warnings and Metro delays Receive neighborhood crime alerts Access tools that help you protect your personal information when you’re online

Did You Know? Smart 911 allows you to create a safety profile for your household that includes important details that can be used in the event of an emergency. For more information, visit: www.smart911.com.

How to Get Started Sign up for public safety alerts and create an emergency plan for your household. Visit: alert.dc.gov

Public Safety10

Access to the Internet helps you stay informed about what’s going on in your community, the country, and the world

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Read an online version of your favorite newspaper Follow a major news story in another country Find or create a blog focusing on an issue that concerns you

Did You Know? Nearly 47% of Americans use mobile devices to access information and news about their local community

How to Get Started Do a web search to see if your favorite local paper, radio show, or magazine has its own website. You can also listen to National Public Radio at www.npr.org.

News

11Access to the Internet makes it easier to have fun, whether you’re at home or on the go

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Listen to your favorite artist or radio station online Watch your favorite movie or tv show online Find deals on sites that save you money on sporting events, restaurants, or movie tickets

Did You Know? Approximately 78% of all US adult Internet users watch or download online videos

How to Get Started You don’t have to be a visitor to enjoy what DC has to offer. For more information on events in the city, visit: http://washington.org/topics/arts-culture.

Entertainment12

Access to the Internet can help you manage your time, save money, and organize your life

3 Things You Can Do with Access to the Internet Find bus and metro schedules for your daily commute Deposit a check using your smartphone Save money by shopping online for household appliances, toys, or groceries

Did You Know? 51% of U.S. adults bank online

How to Get Started Plan your next trip on Metro to make sure you get to work or school on time. For more information, visit: www.wmata.com.

Everyday Use

References

Jobs and Employment:(http://libraries.pewinternet.org/files/legacy-pdf/PIP_Libraries%20in%20communities.pdf)

Health and Wellness:http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/health-fact-sheet/

Housing:http://www.pewinternet.org/2008/05/18/the-inter-net-and-finding-place-to-live/

Family:http://www.pewinternet.org/2014/02/11/cou-ples-the-internet-and-social-media/

Small Business:http://www.pewinternet.org/2011/12/14/where-people-get-information-about-restau-rants-and-other-local-businesses/

News:http://www.pewinternet.org/files/old-media/Files/Reports/2011/Pew%20Knight%20Local%20News%20Report%20FINAL.pdf

Entertainment:http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/10/10/main-findings/

Everyday Use:http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/08/07/51-of-u-s-adults-bank-online/

FeedbackPlease let us know if this guide has been useful. Reach out to us (@connectdotdc) on Twitter using the hashtag #dcdigitalcitizen or via email at connect@dc.gov.

Discounted OffersWhile it may seem like the whole world is connected, many people cannot afford to pay for Internet access and computers in their homes. That’s why we offer District residents discounted Internet and low-cost computer offers. To For more information, visit connect.dc.gov or text CONNECT to 83224.

Public Computer Access and TrainingWe know that people who don’t have access to the Internet and don’t know how to use it are at a great disadvantage in an increasingly digital age. We also know that not everyone has Internet access at home. That’s why we created a Tech Locator to help people find public computer access and tech training in the city. To find the nearest facility, visit connect.dc.gov or text FIND to 83224.