REDE INFO+

Digital Training and Technological Inclusion for the Alegre Communityin Espírito Santo

Abstract

With technological advances, tools emerge that facilitate various daily activities, reflecting the right to access basic services. However, lack of access to them can worsen social and economic inequalities. Thus, the REDE INFO+ outreach program emerged as an initiative to promote digital inclusion and literacy in the city of Alegre, in Espírito Santo, offering free computer courses to the entire community, democratizing access to technology and preparing for employment, education and leisure opportunities. To this end, three projects were created: INFO + Third Age, INFO + Community
and INFO + Lúdico. The main objective of the INFO + Third Age project is to offer basic courses and develop teaching methodologies in the area of technology for senior groups. The INFO + Community project aims to serve the needy community through courses, seeking to promote better living and working conditions. INFO +
Lúdico covers municipal public schools and aims to foster knowledge and exploration of the educational possibilities of computer science in learning processes. The network offers in-person courses in basic computing, with theoretical and practical classes,
allowing participants to apply the knowledge acquired in real situations. The program has the participation of students from the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES) as professors who teach the classes and monitors who assist students during the activities. At the end of the course, a certificate of completion is given to students in a celebration ceremony. The results are evaluated through questionnaires and testimonials from participants, who reported improvements in their digital skills. In addition, the program demonstrated a positive impact on the self-esteem and social inclusion of participants. Thus, the INFO+ NETWORK stands out as an
important outreach initiative, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future, by enabling individuals of different age groups and social backgrounds to have access to the technological tools essential for their insertion in the contemporary world.