MONET Digital Navigation Training Cohort for Baltimore Digital Inclusion Leaders
The University of Maryland Extension (UME) Marylanders Online program, in partnership with the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition (BDEC), is now accepting applications for the Baltimore Marylanders Online Navigator Education Toolkit (MONET) training cohort. Designed specifically for Maryland residents and those serving Maryland residents, this no-cost hybrid train-the-trainer program will equip community partners to deliver essential digital navigation services in their communities.
Running from August 18 to November 22, 2025, the Baltimore MONET cohort will be offered in a hybrid training format, including self-paced asynchronous modules, required in-person workshops, and optional virtual office hours. With space for 100 participants, the training is entirely free and provides a certificate of completion to those who successfully finish all components.
The MONET training is ideal for individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing digital literacy and expanding digital skills within their communities. Priority will be given to applicants who live or work in Baltimore City or Baltimore County. Registration closes August 17, 2025.
Register for the Baltimore MONET Cohort
About MONET
Marylanders Online Navigator Education Toolkit (MONET) is a comprehensive digital navigation train-the-trainer course developed by the University of Maryland Extension (UME) Marylanders Online program in partnership with the University of Maryland College of Information (INFO). The MONET curriculum comprises 12 modules and a scalable framework that empowers digital skill educators and public-serving agencies with the skills necessary to bridge the digital divide in their communities. Learn more about the MONET curriculum.
Required Baltimore MONET Training Cohort Schedule
August 18 – September 8: Asynchronous Modules
- Module 1: Computers & Operating Systems
- Module 6: Safe Online Practices
- Module 8: Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Module 9: Mastering Digital Skills for Everyday Life
Virtual Office Hours (Optional): August 27 | 10 AM - 11 AM
September 11: In-Person Session | Location: TBD - Baltimore City | 1 PM - 3 PM
September 12 – 25: Asynchronous Modules
- Module 2: Mobile Devices
- Module 4: Email and Communication
- Module 5: Productivity & Collaboration
Virtual Office Hours (Optional): September 17 |10 AM - 11 AM
September 25: In-Person Session | Location: TBA – Baltimore City | 1 PM - 3 PM
October 1 – 15: Asynchronous Modules
- Module 3: Internet and Web Browsing
- Module 7: Telehealth
- Module 10: Remote Working and Learning
October 23: In-Person Session | Location: TBA: Baltimore City | 1 PM - 3 PM
October 27 – November 7: Asynchronous Modules
- Module 11: AI Essentials
- Module 12: Applications
November 13: In-Person Session| Location: TBA: Baltimore City | 1 PM - 3 PM
Virtual Office Hours (Optional): November 19 | 10 AM - 11 AM
Participation Requirements:
To earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must:
- Complete all 12 MONET asynchronous modules
- Attend all required in-person sessions
- Submit pre- and post-training surveys
Once registered, participants will receive:
- Confirmation email from Marylanders Online
- Access instructions for the MONET training in the UMD Open Learning platform
- Location details for in-person training sessions
- Orientation materials and support contacts
For questions, accessibility requests, or other assistance, please email marylandersonline@umd.edu or call 1-866-206-8467 during business hours.
For continuity with the cohort, attendees are expected to attend all sessions. If you are unable to attend any of the in-person sessions due to extenuating circumstances, please contact instructor Lo Smith to make arrangements.
About the Trainer
Lo Smith (they/them) serves as the Executive Director of the Baltimore Digital Equity Coalition, where they lead efforts to connect community members, and organizations and strive for a shared vision of low-cost, high-speed internet access, digital skills education, and appropriate digital devices available to all Baltimoreans.
Lo has trained over 1,000 digital navigators nationally, and worked with countless more programs to develop and design community-based digital navigator roles. Before joining BDEC, they were a Faculty Librarian at the University of Baltimore, a Senior Programs Manager at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, and the inaugural Coordinator of Digital Equity at the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
Outside of their work in digital equity, Lo can be found volunteering, gardening, teaching yoga or partner acrobatics classes, and practicing their teamwork and communication skills on the roller derby track.
Accessibility & Equal Opportunity
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact marylandersonline@umd.edu at least two weeks before the training.
Statewide MONET Training Cohort
A second MONET training cohort will be offered for individuals outside of Baltimore City and County. This training will coincide with the 2025 Maryland Digital Opportunity Summit. To be notified when registration opens, please sign up for the UME Marylanders Online newsletter by clicking here.