COMMUNITY NEWS
By Courtney Howell
Correspondent
In the wake of the hurricanes and flooding that affected North Carolina in 2024, Rebecca Jinnette, a digital skills agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, has worked to close digital skill gaps in communities impacted by disasters. Through training, technical support, and guidance, she helps residents access information and resources on disaster preparedness and recovery.
Between April 15, 2024, and May 18, 2026, Jinnette delivered 345 informational class sessions. Since becoming a licensed Senior Planet instructor in October 2024, she has taught 55 classes focused on technology and disaster readiness, including a course titled Tech Tips for Disaster Preparedness.
“Disaster preparedness has become an increasingly important part of digital skills education,” Jinnette said. “I currently teach it at least twice each year and am happy to offer it whenever communities request it. Participants learn practical skills that help them access critical information during emergencies. We discuss trusted sources such as FEMA, the American Red Cross and local emergency management agencies, as well as smartphone features like Medical ID, location sharing and emergency alerts that can assist first responders and family members during a crisis.”
Natural disasters remain a recurring threat across North Carolina, making digital literacy an increasingly important component of emergency preparedness. Residents with strong digital skills are often better equipped to access information, communicate with others and make informed decisions during emergencies.
“This topic resonates strongly in Bertie County because flooding is part of the lived experience here,” Jinnette said. “Windsor sits along the Cashie River, which historically served as a transportation route for supplies and commerce from the 17th through 19th centuries. Today, when the area receives 12 inches or more of rain within 24 hours, the river can crest its banks and inundate parts of the town. In the past 25 years, the community has experienced four catastrophic flooding events.”
For many residents, limited digital access remains one of the biggest barriers to disaster preparedness. Unreliable internet service, geographic isolation and unfamiliarity with technology can prevent people from receiving timely information, emergency alerts and recovery assistance.
“It’s important to me that I address these barriers and understand that, for some people, my class may be the first time they are learning how to use a computer or smartphone,” Jinnette said.
Whether teaching artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, smartphone skills or other digital tools, Jinnette focuses on practical applications rather than technical jargon. Her goal is to help participants build confidence while learning how technology can support everyday needs, provide access to services and improve safety during emergencies.
Believing people learn best through experience, Jinnette designs her classes to be highly interactive. Participants engage in live demonstrations, guided practice and discussions centered on real-world scenarios. The hands-on approach allows learners to apply new skills while receiving support and feedback in a comfortable environment.
“Senior Planet has been an invaluable partner in this work,” Jinnette said. “Their curriculum does an excellent job of breaking down complex topics into accessible lessons designed specifically for older adults. Through their train-the-trainer program, instructors learn not only the content but also how to use examples that are locally, culturally and generationally relevant. When people can connect a new concept to something familiar, they are much more likely to understand it, remember it, and use it.”
Although based in Bertie County, Jinnette sees similar needs throughout rural northeastern North Carolina.
“We regularly meet older adults who want to be more connected and independent but need guidance building foundational digital skills,” she said. “These classes help close that gap by providing trusted, local support and practical training that improves everyday life.”
Because the classes emphasize hands-on learning, participants first become comfortable using their devices before advancing to topics such as digital safety, artificial intelligence and digital literacy. Jinnette said understanding how to navigate technology safely and confidently is essential for long-term success.
One strategy she has found particularly effective is offering office hours before each class. These sessions allow participants to ask questions, address concerns and receive individualized support. The extra time helps build trust and encourages learners to seek guidance when needed.
Residents from across Bertie County and throughout North Carolina are welcome to participate.
“One of my strongest community partners has been the Bertie Council on Aging, led by Director Rebecca Stapleton,” Jinnette said. “In fact, I visited the Council on Aging two days before I officially started my position with NC Cooperative Extension because I already knew how important they would be to the vision I had for this programming.”
Jinnette hopes digital literacy and disaster preparedness efforts will continue to expand through partnerships between Cooperative Extension and Senior Planet from OATS (Older Adults Technology Services). Her goal is to make digital skills training a sustainable resource in all 100 North Carolina counties.
“Looking ahead, I am especially encouraged by Senior Planet’s direction and long-term vision, which aligns closely with the needs we see in North Carolina,” Jinnette said. “Their growth into more scalable in-person and online learning models, along with a redesigned digital platform, makes it possible for more people to learn regardless of geography. Equally important is their emphasis on social connection, civic engagement and reducing isolation through technology.”
Jinnette remains optimistic about the future of North Carolina communities as they navigate natural disasters, emerging technologies and an increasingly digital world. Through partnerships, outreach and shared learning models, she hopes to expand access to digital skills training so that older adults across the state can remain informed, connected and prepared for whatever challenges lie ahead.
“NC Cooperative Extension is in the middle of our 4-H summer camp busy season, so my class schedule is a little less full than normal,” said Jinnete “I am hosting an upcoming Lunch & Learn on June 18. I’ll be teaching the Senior Planet lecture, AI and Disinformation, at the Bertie Extension Center. This event is in collaboration between NC Cooperative Extension, my funders Camber Foundation & NCDIT, Senior Planet, and our local ISP, Fybe.”
Here is the Eventbrite link with all the details:
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