Bien Hecho: Latina Teacher Helps Immigrants Surpass Digital Divide

Computers and the internet have become such a normal way of life for so many people, most of us can’t imagine our day-to-day lives without going online or using our laptops.  But for many who immigrated to this country from developing nations, computers, the internet, and the skills necessary to use them, can be foreign amenities that are confusing and intimidating.

One teacher at the Latino Economic Development Center of Minneapolis is trying to change this one class at a time.  According to Northfield Patch, Carlton College graduate Sara Lopez spends her time trying to help immigrants, some of whom still struggle with the English language, learn how to use computers and surf the internet.

According to the article, many in the class have children who have to use the internet for school and it bothers them that they can’t help them. Another major reason students enroll in the class is because “they feel like the world is leaving them behind as it embraces computers.”

While so many of us take being able to complete tasks like checking email, instant messaging, or logging on to Facebook for granted, it’s easy to forget that others find these activities to be extremely daunting.  As author James Sanna writes:

As class begins, Lopez has to take several minutes to help one student remember his password so today’s lesson on emails can start. Some students dive in, exploring Gmail through trial and error while Lopez works on the password problem, but others stare nervously at their screens and activity sheets while they wait for Lopez to finish. The scale of these students’ disconnection with the digital world is startling—it’s one reason why Lopez starts the class off with mouse aerobics and a brief lesson on the basic components of a computer.

One can imagine that the change from being computer illiterate to mastering, or at least having working knowledge of a PC and the Web would alter one’s life dramatically. Our hat goes off to Ms. Lopez and all her dedication to help close the digital divide.

Spread the word! Our weekly Bien Hecho segment, highlights the good deeds and achievements of Latinos across the U.S. If you feel that someone you know is deserving of recognition, let us know at tips@newstaco.com.