Digital Navigator Program

Get connected and improve your digital skills

Who We Are

In 2024 Haywood Community College received a grant from North Carolina's Department of Information Technology to assist our community members with internet access and digital skills, things people need in order to live and work in our world today.   This lack of access has been termed the digital divide.  

We can help with access to a device, coaching on finding internet access, and training in digital skills--the skills to use a device to navigate the internet effectively and safely.

Resources for HCC Students

If you are a registered student at HCC, these items are available for you while we have them available:

• Windows laptops for checkout by semester at the library in the Alder building. 
• Mobile internet hotspots for checkout at student services in Hemlock and the library. 

Also, anyone who participates in a digital literacy class taught by our Digital Navigators can be eligible for a device.  

Class Offerings

To signup for a class, please reach out to us by phone or by using one of our contact options at the bottom of the page.   You are also welcome to attend without calling!

October 8 - December 10, Wednesdays (1-3pm) at HCC's Regional High Tech Center.   (Click here for a map.)

• Instruction each week will focus on a different topic.  
• Students may qualify for a laptop upon course completion.

We are also offering a monthly class on a topic from Computer Basic Skills at the Canton branch of the public library.   The class is on the 3rd Thursday of the month beginning in December.

Northstar

Our classes are based on the Northstar digital literacy curriculum.  If you are ready to learn on your own, you can create an account on our Northstar portal.   There are classes in English and Spanish, and they are self-guided.  Take an assessment to see what you need to learn.   Badges are available for each course you complete.  

To use Northstar online you need:  a device with internet access, an email address and the skills to check your email, and the skills to use an internet browser.  Classes are most easily navigated using a desktop or laptop computer.   

Curious what Northstar is like?  You can take a practice assessment here.   

Essential Computer Skills	Essential Software Skills	Using Technology in Daily Life
Basic Computer Skills	Microsoft Word	Social Media
Internet Basics	Microsoft Excel	Information Literacy
Using Email	Microsoft PowerPoint	Career Search Skills
Windows 10	Google Docs	Supporting K-12 Distance Learning
Windows 11		Accessing Telehealth Appointments
Mac OS		Your Digital Footprint

 

Our Technology Partners

Finding Internet Service and Other Resources 

 

 

Contact Us

Call our office at 828.564.5121.
Email us at hcc-digitalnav@haywood.edu.   
Schedule an appointment with us via Microsoft Bookings.

Signup for our email newsletter to stay in touch about happenings.

Also, anyone in North Carolina can dial 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162 for a free and confidential call with a trained community resource specialist.  They will listen, identify needs and connect you to local resources.  Thanks to partnership with United Way, these agents can assist with digital resource needs, too.  

Digital Navigators