The University of Maryland Extension (UME) is embracing artificial intelligence to sustain and scale the successful Marylanders Online digital literacy program as it enters a new phase of operations. The launch of Marylanders Online’s new AI-powered chatbot is making resource discovery easier and providing 24/7, multilingual digital navigation support for website visitors.
In December’s project transition notice, Marylanders Online highlighted the need for a sustainable solution to making the program’s resources and digital navigation services available in perpetuity. In collaboration with the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) and College of Information (INFO), the team leveraged TerpAI, a chatbot platform powered by OpenAI that the University of Maryland Division of Information Technology introduced in January 2025.
You can find the Chatbot in the lower right corner of this page, or by clicking here.
Human & Artificial Intelligence for a More Connected Maryland
The chatbot launch is one of Marylanders Online’s many milestones that support learner-centered design and ethical AI to support communities. The chatbot will not replace the crucial role of real human digital navigators, but will address the barriers left in digital inclusion programs due to staff capacity, time, and budget constraints. As the chatbot collects information about user needs and trending questions, this data can also be used to strengthen real digital navigation programs by identifying resource gaps and opportunities for more targeted program expansion.
Previous to the chatbot, website visitors had no way to get live tech support outside Marylanders Online's call center hours. The chatbot is trained to manage routine inquiries for service hours and resource links, which can then help human digital navigators provide consistent service and faster resolutions when they’re on the clock.
With support from UME’s academic and technical partners, Marylanders Online is laying the case study framework for a sustainable, data-driven digital literacy program. Combining human-centered outreach with intelligent automation, UME is supporting a future where everyone can access digital support—anytime, in any language.
Comments or feedback about the Chatbot? Please email marylandersonline@umd.edu