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On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you on a worldwide adventure courtesy of those behind what’s been dubbed “The Great Empatico Expedition.”  Learn how this free program empowers students and teachers from more than 160 countries to explore the world—creating experiences that spark curiosity, kindness, and empathy for others.

Related links:
Check out the website: https://empatico.org/
Follow on Twitter at @EmpaticoOrg and on Facebook. 

Get started with Empatico. This short video explains how:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoqsDq5-gWcThey. 

OR click here for a downloadable pdf detailing the Great Empatico Expedition.

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the authors of a new, national report that examines “learning at home while being under-connected.” The report's authors went directly to parents to learn how they coped with the unexpected challenges of COVID-19. 

Find out what the research revealed about remote learning, what it uncovered about digital inequities among our nation’s families, and what parents think schools should prioritize moving forward. 

Related links:
Connect with the study's authors on Twitter: Professor Vikki Katz and Vicky Rideout

Full report - https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/learning-at-home-while-underconnected/

Key findings - https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/learning-at-home-while-underconnected/key-findings/

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Founder and Executive Director of Computers 4 People—a nonprofit that’s putting a modern twist on the old adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” 

Learn how the group is using that idea to close the digital equity gap, the missing piece that the AT&T homework gap program provided (and THAT continues to be a need), and what the nonprofit’s founder is asking YOU to do today.

Related links:
Website – Computers 4 People
Twitter - @Computer4People
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Computers4People
Exposing the Digital Divide: how the pandemic revealed what we can all do to improve digital equity 

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind Digitunity—a national  nonprofit working to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one.   

It’s a gap that’s often overlooked – and it’s one that can be closed partly by shifting the way US companies address their supply chain. Find out how that’s possible and how those in need can leverage the program.
 
Related links:
Digitunity's website -  https://digitunity.org/

 Mapping the technology gap in your neighborhood - https://www.digitunity.org/the-issue/

 Follow Digitunity on Twitter and Facebook 

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Michigan’s Lt. Governor about the state’s recently established High-Speed Internet Office. 

Find out why the Governor and Lt. Governor believe expanding internet access to all Michiganders is critical for the state and learn why their approach is something other leaders can leverage.

 Related links
Learn more about the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office and sign up for updates: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-94422_107207---,00.html

Follow Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist on Twitter: @GovWhitmer AND  @LtGovGilchrist

Must listen podcast: Michigan’s Lt. Gov. on the power of diverse leadership and his grandma’s influence on tech today

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program with Paloma Perez, who serves as the Press Secretary for the Federal Communications Commission. The agency is overseeing the EBB Program. 

Learn why Perez calls this "a great time to be at the FCC," how her experience is helping the agency expand who it reaches, and what YOU should know about how to and who can apply to the program for discounts on internet service and equipment. 

Related links
Follow the FCC on Twitter: @FCC

Follow Ms. Perez on Twitter: @PalomaPerezFCC

To see a list of providers taking part in the EBB program head to the FCC's website here:
https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers

To apply to the EBB Program use the below USAC website OR call 1-833-511-0311
https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/

Also, Connected Nation has developed a webpage with a summary of details, promotional items, and links in one place:  https://connectednation.org/ebbprogram/

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we'll examine how America’s schools can better respond to the need for internet connectivity at home and in the classroom.  

We talk with leaders from the Utah Education Network about work done prior to 2020 that allowed them to more easily pivot to remote learning, learn how the approach is different for Tribal lands, and ask "what's next" as schools prepare for the "new normal" of learning. 

Related links:
Utah Education Network on Twitter - @uennews and on Facebook  

Tracking and improving tech for schools before, during, and after COVID-19 – April 2020 podcast 

Utah Education Network - https://www.uen.org/digital-learning/

January 2020: Utah School Technology Inventory Report 

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Farah Ahmad, who serves as the Chief of Staff in the office of the Under Secretary in USDA Rural Development who says they see their mission as "serving community first." 

We'll discuss how the agency tackles the diverse needs of rural America, share details on funding opportunities for distance learning, telemedicine, and other projects—including what staff looks for in awardees—and ask “what’s next” as the Biden Administration takes action through the infrastructure plan to help those struggling without internet connectivity. 

Related links:
Twitter: @UDSA and @usdaRD
Website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/
USDA newsroom: https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-releases
Remote learning and telehealth grants: Distance learning and telemedicine grants
USDA seeks public input to help create new rural renewable energy pilot program: head to this press release to learn more 

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the founder of Teach Cyber which provides free cybersecurity curricula to educators across 13 states.
 
Learn how these resources are being developed for and leveraged in schools, why so many companies are right now struggling to find employees who are trained to protect their networks, and what each of us can do to improve our own “cybersecurity.”

Related links:
Teach Cyber website - https://teachcyber.org/
Teach Cyber Twitter - @TeachCyber1
 
 

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Right now,  millions of COVID-19 vaccinations are being given out across the country in hopes of finally ending the pandemic – but what role does access to technology, or lack of it, play in getting those shots to Americans? 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Chief Medical Information Officer for Baptist Health about the challenges of vaccinating the public, how telehealth is being used in new ways in response to the pandemic, and the role telemedicine will likely play in a post-COVID world.

Related links:
About Baptist Health -  https://www.baptisthealth.com/
Dr. Brett Oliver's Twitter - @GeorgetownBrett
Baptist Health Louisville's Twitter - @BHLouisville