Washington’s Digital FootprintIssues & Opportunities

WIOA Technology & Access Task ForceTacoma, WAJuly 14, 2015

History of WA State UniversityProgram for Digital Initiatives

From Traditional Telecommuting to All Things Digital

From 1989 to Present

WIOA WA TATFBarriers and Task Force Focus Areas

• Access to technology tools…• Examples of accessible tools…• Mitigate barriers… • Access can include ensuring that all

Washington residents have broadband…• Ensure access to programs and services…

National Broadband MapWashington Wireline Download

Broadband Issues – Access

• Coverage data is difficult to secure• Availability in a community does not

equal access• Last mile challenges• Costs of service • Expense of equipment • Other

Broadband Issues – Awareness

Broadband Issues – Adoption/Use

• Demographic impacts• Broadband and equipment access needs• Training • Digital literacy• Workforce specific • Offer for multiple technologies• Don’t limit to online options • Non-technical training

Broadband Issues – Other

• Web resource considerations• No mandatory application/progress

reporting• Design for limited broadband

• Growth in mobile/portable technology

Critical Elements Regarding Broadband

Awareness

Access Adoption

Broadband Opportunities

• Link WIOA efforts to broadband or other related initiatives• Federal• State • Local

• Partner for access and adoption assistance• Work directly with potential users of the system

For More Information

Monica Babinebabinem@wsu.edu

425.827.8015