Alabama Cooperative Extension staff receives WirelessED training

By Carol Centrallo, Ph.D., Extension Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Just look around and you will see someone using a wireless personal data device to make a phone call, browse the Internet, send and receive e-mails, watch videos, listen to music or perform other functions. Cell phones, computers, tablets and other forms of technology have become staples in the daily lives of many Alabamians.

The widespread use of wireless devices and the potential to rack up huge monthly bills as a result, prompted the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to train its Family and Consumer Science staff to deliver wireless technology programs to Alabama consumers. Regional Extension Agents, Program Assistants and Specialists attended Wireless Ed training on April 25, 2012 in Mt. Meigs, a community in east Montgomery County, AL.

The training was conducted by Linda Williams, Consumer Outreach Manager at Consumer Action, a national consumer organization headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

Consumer Action’s goal is to develop user-friendly educational materials and train facilitators across the U.S. to educate the public on a variety of consumer topics. WirelessED, a new website and training curriculum that Consumer Action developed in partnership with AT&T, is designed to teach consumers to get the wireless service they need without running up the bill, choose a plan that meets their needs, monitor and control usage and avoid unanticipated charges.

The curriculum includes three free brochures for consumers, “Using Mobile Data Wisely,” “Roaming the World with Your Phone,” and “Choosing and Using Mobile Devices”. (Click here to view all WirelessED materials.)

During the training Williams taught key points that consumers should know when selecting wireless personal data devices and service plans. Additionally, Extension educators were guided through a hands-on exercise that demonstrated how important it is for consumers to pay attention to the details on their monthly wireless service statements. Extension educators will disseminate this valuable information to Alabama citizens through workshops, newsletters and various other educational methods.

In these times, when many Alabama families are stretched financially, Extension educators are prepared to help individuals make the most of their resources with the Wireless Ed curriculum. Alabamans can contact Carol Centrallo at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).