In-Person

4 Sessions

This course is a 4-part series. We will begin with defining the modern digital environment. We will touch on areas such as the swift rise of artificial intelligence in our daily lives, how online services and devices compete for our attention and use, and technology in the workplace. We will end with a discussion on how to better implement our devices and online presence and use patterns in our daily lives.

This course will incorporate many of the points and research done by author and Georgetown professor Cal Newport, as well as others. With a specific focus on his three books, A World Without Email, Slow Productivity, and Digital Minimalism, we will apply Newport's findings and insights to our own smart devices and our digital footprint(s).

Part 1: The Modern Digital Environment. This section will provide an overview/group discussion about the many aspects of our modern digital environment. We will examine where these components show up in our lives, the effects that they can have, and what steps we can take to better understand them.

Part 2: AI Rising. This section will focus primarily on AI's role in the attention economy. We will break down how AI influences ad placement, media feeds, online recommendations, etc. We will also review the ethical questions/concerns surrounding AI, the positive aspects of its use, and how we can choose to best engage with it.

Part 3: Knowledge Work & Pseudo Productivity. In this section, we will examine how the modern digital environment exists within the workplace. We will review the benefits of automation of work tasks, consider the cons of constant connectivity/interaction with colleagues and coworkers, and give specific focus to the "hyperactive hive mind" approach to modern knowledge work concerning digital devices and tools.

Part 4: Digital Minimalism - New Approach. The final part of this course will focus on ways to move forward, adjust, or adapt to our growing digital environments. Using Newport's specific methodologies, we will begin to incorporate healthier, effective ways of both utilizing and disconnecting from our devices and the digital world. Techniques that will be discussed include: 30-day digital decluttering, high-quality leisure activities, consolidating our social/media consumption/use, etc.

Each section of this course is designed to build upon the previous section. Students are encouraged to bring materials for note-taking, ask questions, and participate in large-group discussions.

Part 1: March 4, 2025 

Part 2: March 18, 2025

Part 3: April 15, 2025 

Part 4: April 29, 2025 

10 am -12 pm

Location:  The Landing, Olsen Student Center

Tyler Provencher is the Program Coordinator for Greater Franklin (GF) County Digital Literacy. GF Digital Literacy is a county-wide, grant-funded program providing free digital support, instruction, and guidance to the community. Through partnerships with Spruce Mountain Adult Education and Franklin County Adult Education, as well as collaboration with community agencies (local libraries, Franklin Memorial Hospital, the Healthy Community Coalition, etc.), GF Digital Literacy works to decrease the digital divide between individuals and their devices.