One of the most frequently asked questions we receive about digital navigators is, “Where can I find training for them?” Luckily, various options are available through NDIA, digitalLIFT, Marylanders Online, World Education, and Goodwill Industries International, affiliate members of the community.
NDIA
NDIA has provided training and support to digital navigator programs across the country for the last five years, helping new programs by providing formative training to their new digital navigators through our consulting services. While that work has previously been on a contract basis with individual organizations, we’re happy to announce that we’re bringing that same training to everyone through a live webinar format!
The 8-hour online, live training is spread over two days and covers:
- An introduction to digital inclusion and the digital navigator model
- Knowledge management and creating a resource guide
- Basics of broadband
- Device options, including considerations for accessibility
- Digital skills terminology, best practices, and resources
- Assessing client needs and goals
- How to set healthy boundaries with clients and navigate them to other community resources.
Sessions will be held every other month, and our first session will be July 15 and 16, 2025. It costs $185 per person (Affiliate+ members receive a 15% discount) and is capped at 20 participants. Register here. If you have questions or want to discuss customized training, email [email protected].
digitalLIFT
Formerly known as the Community Technology Network, digitalLIFT provides courses that include flexible options for trainers who are looking to understand adult learning principles and instructional methods, managers who are looking to manage digital navigators, and specialized training courses that take your learning even further.
These courses include the following, just to list a few:
Digital Navigator Overview: This free overview course explores the role of digital navigators in bridging the digital divide, and their essential responsibilities and skills.
Digital Navigator: Advanced: This advanced course offers a comprehensive and practical approach to digital navigation and inclusion and provides valuable resources for current and future digital navigators.
Managing Digital Navigators: This training equips nonprofit managers of digital navigators with the essential skills and knowledge to lead effective digital navigator initiatives within their communities.
World Education and Goodwill Industries International
World Education and Goodwill Industries International created a self-paced 15-hour digital navigator training program that provides participants with the skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively design and implement digital navigation services. This training, developed with support from AT&T, was built from the skills and interventions outlined in the Digital US Digital Navigator Playbook and introduces learners to Goodwill® career navigation principles. The program can be audited on Coursera at no cost, and with a subscription of $49/month, participants are eligible to earn a Goodwill® Digital Navigator Certificate upon completing all of the required activities. For more information about the course content and format, contact Sandy Goodman, [email protected], or register directly here.
Marylanders Online
The Marylanders Online Navigator Training Toolkit (MONET) is designed to train digital navigators and public-serving agencies to confidently deliver digital skills training within their communities. MONET curriculum covers various foundational digital literacy topics, including basic computer skills and operating systems, internet browsing and online communication, online safety and cybersecurity, telehealth and remote work support, and device selection and troubleshooting. Currently a series of self-paced modules, new modules, certification, and instruction are coming soon. Organizations interested in offering a customized version of MONET are invited to contact [email protected] for further information.