Gateway Skills
Foundational skills required to use a device and participate online.
Guiding Questions
- Am I able to operate my computer, using the mouse and keyboard as needed?
- Do I know how to save and find information on my computer?
- Do I know how to use accessibility features to make my devices easier to use?
- Do I understand what the internet is and how I can use it to find information? Am I able to connect to and navigate the internet?
- Am I able to send and receive email?
- Do I know how to create safe passwords and protect my privacy?
Context Why the skills in each domain are needed for digital opportunity, defined as "the condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology capacity that is needed for full participation in the society and economy of the United States" (H.R.3684)
While digital opportunity efforts often focus on internet and device access, effective use of these technologies would not be possible without gateway (foundational) digital skills. Yet, according to Digital US, 32 million adults in the U.S. cannot use a computer, and 50% of Americans are not comfortable using technology to learn.8
Using basic accessibility features is a particularly important gateway skill. Without these features, many learners, including individuals with disabilities and older individuals, would not be able to learn other gateway skills. In addition, certain accessibility features (such as monitor settings to reduce eyestrain) can improve almost everyone’s digital experience.
Awareness What practitioners should know before teaching each domain (e.g., related topics, factors that may affect learners)
Practitioners should be aware of the following when teaching gateway skills:
- Basic device usage: Learners may need explicit instruction on basic device functions (e.g., the power button) and related vocabulary.
- Mouse and keyboard skills: Learners with dexterity challenges may find using standard equipment difficult, if not impossible. Learners who cannot use a mouse may be able to navigate using a standard keyboard instead; learners who cannot use a standard keyboard may be able to use a modified keyboard or specialized input device.
- Email access: While some learners may be reluctant to create an email account, an email address is critical for online
life, including some professional and educational communications and account creation on other sites. - Password safety: Learners may struggle with independently remembering their passwords. As a result, they may ask the teacher or trainer to store their password or avoid creating a strong password in favor of something that is easier to remember.
- Device access: Learners may share their device(s) with family and friends, and/or may not be the primary owner of the device(s) they are using.
- Internet access and quality: Learners may struggle with independently remembering their passwords. As a result, they may ask the teacher or trainer to store their password Learners may not have access to fast, reliable internet in their homes or to any home internet connection at all. This could be for a variety of reasons, including service being unavailable, a lack of affordable options, a concerns around being locked into a contract or subscription service.
Taking Action What practitioners and programs can do to be empowering when teaching each domain
Practitioners can take action to be empowering in the following ways:
Instruction and Training
I can:
- Learn from learners and identify the challenges they may face when it comes to gateway skills.Provide opportunities for learners to create authentic digital content that is reflective of their voice, lived experiences, and/or creative interests in my instruction.
- Explicitly teach basic device usage skills and related vocabulary to learners who need the additional support.Apply best practices for making digital content accessible, such as ensuring all text is readable/scannable and adding alt text to images.
- Recognize and address the needs of learners who have difficulty using a mouse and/ a standard keyboard.Understand and provide instruction on the benefits, risks, and ethical considerations of using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the process of content creation.
- Emphasize password safety skills and safe password storage options for learners who have difficulty remembering their own passwords
- Emphasize the increased importance of device privacy skills for learners who rely on a shared device.
Program Design
Our program:
- Connects learners to appropriate, affordable internet and device options in our community.
- Regularly provides and/or shares information with staff and volunteers on training a resources on accessible features and design and assistive technology.
- Regularly provides and/or shares information with staff and volunteers on training and resources on designing accessible content.
- Supports staff, volunteers, and learners in setting goals for building foundation digital skills, including having tools for self-assessment and skill development that target the skills needed for full participation in program services.
Related Empowering Practices
See the following domains for relevant skills and related empowering practices:
Device Ownership, Privacy and Security
Citations