Digital and You: reflections on building digital confidence and inclusion across regional and remote Queensland

Over the past two years, we've travelled far and wide across regional and remote Queensland, delivering digital workshops in more than 100 of the state's smallest communities.

Equipped with laptops, tablets, 3D printers, drones and a host of other digital devices, our intrepid Digital Inclusion team helped thousands of locals explore new technologies, tackle practical challenges, and discover new ways to connect, create and learn.

As the Digital and You program draws to a close, we've been reflecting on the stories and feedback shared by participants along the way. While every workshop was unique, common themes emerged — people discovering new possibilities, building confidence, gaining practical skills, and enjoying the experience of learning together.

These reflections offer a glimpse of the impact of giving people the opportunity to explore technology in familiar, supportive, and welcoming environments close to home.

Reach and impact

The comments featured in this article have been drawn from feedback surveys completed by Digital and You workshop participants during the program. 

Together, these survey responses paint a powerful picture of the program's impact, with 93% of respondents reporting satisfaction with their training and 89% who said their digital skills had improved as a result of taking part.

Building the confidence to try something new

Digital confidence plays a vital role in reducing exclusion in an increasingly connected world. As technology becomes more embedded in everyday life — from accessing services and staying in touch with loved ones to learning new skills and managing work responsibilities — it can be easy to feel left behind.

For many participants, simply taking the first step was significant. Whether they arrived feeling hesitant, sceptical, or convinced technology wasn't for them, they left with greater confidence, a willingness to keep exploring, and the reassurance that it's never too late to learn something new.

‘I learned to be less fearful of new technology and how to use it easily.’

‘Helpful, as I dislike technology intensely but learnt a lot.’
Digital skills for over 50s workshop, Cooktown

‘I learned to be less fearful of new technology and how to use it easily.’
AI for beginners workshop, Earlville

‘I have never liked drones but within 10 minutes of listening to the young man’s presentation...I wanted one. I can definitely see how a drone could enhance my art practice and connection to Country.’
Introduction to drones workshop, Mitchell

‘Even though I had a bit of basic knowledge, I still managed to benefit from the information and learned new tweaks to apply to my digital marketing. More of these sessions please.’
AI for beginners workshop, Earlville

‘Had never put my drone up before and this course has given me the confidence to use it and a desire to learn more.’

‘I attended the drones course and what I learnt today is now everything I know about them as I knew nothing before. Was a great hands-on course.’
Introduction to drones workshop, Charleville

‘It was wonderful that it was free so we could try Cricut’.
Make a funky piece of framed art workshop, Goondiwindi

‘Opened my eyes to a whole new creative platform.’
Canva design and print workshop, Charleville

‘Had never put my drone up before and this course has given me the confidence to use it and a desire to learn more.’
Introduction to drones workshop, Thargomindah

‘I had a basic knowledge of AI - all self-taught - spending a large amount of time playing at AI - making mistakes/correcting mistakes, learning to get to the end of a project, and understanding how I actually got a result!! Actually having someone explain some of the aspects of AI – there’s no one in regional communities available to help/teach/guide us on new technologies such as AI. Now I will use AI with a bit more knowledge.’
AI for day-to-day practical use, online workshop

‘Really interesting, opened a new world on [my] phone.’
Digital skills for over 50s workshop, Babinda

‘I was happy to do this program because a little bit of knowing this does really help, no matter how old you are. It's still an accomplishment to know the digital world through the internet.’
Podcasting: sharing oral history workshop, Mapoon

Practical skills for everyday life

From creative tools and content creation to digital marketing and emerging technologies, participants consistently valued learning skills they could immediately apply in their daily lives.

Practical, hands-on experiences help bridge the gap between curiosity and action. By creating something tangible, solving a real problem, or discovering a new way to support work, hobbies or community activities, participants were able to see the relevance of digital skills and the opportunities they can unlock.

‘Mitch makes learning fun so you come away with new skills and a great item you have created yourself. Win win.’
Baking bytes: creating a cake topper workshop, Thargomindah

‘The workshop was very enlightening; I have worked with Canva for years but learned a few tricks and things I didn’t know.’
Canva like a pro: extra tips and features, online workshop

‘I learnt to easily create a three-shot short [film]. Straight forward, practical and hands on. Thanks for an educational and fun time.’
Content creation workshop, Atherton

‘I listen to a lot of podcasts and always wondered how people managed to make them on a low budget. I now feel like I have the knowledge to be able to make my own podcast.’

‘A really good course. I’m going to apply it to help promote my art and book on Facebook. I would like to follow-up regarding a video for my children’s book to perfect it and put it on my website.’
Mastering digital tools for content creation workshop, Ravenshoe

‘Really engaging and the workshop had a great atmosphere and made everyone feel comfortable and included. The examples were really practical, and I've picked up a few tricks and ideas that I can use in my job.’
Digital Smarts: AI, ChatGPT and marketing made simple, online workshop

‘I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Digital and You for facilitating such an engaging and practical workshop. The presenter was incredibly knowledgeable, easy to follow, and shared valuable real-world experience that made the learning both relevant and enjoyable. Since completing the training, I’ve been able to confidently implement the skills and strategies I learned. The tips and tricks around online representation have been especially useful in enhancing how I present and promote the organisations I work for and with.’
Canva like a pro: extra tips and features, online workshop

‘I listen to a lot of podcasts and always wondered how people managed to make them on a low budget. I now feel like I have the knowledge to be able to make my own podcast.’
Podcasting for beginners workshop, Tablelands

‘I liked the fact that even though it was online, it wasn't statewide - local people attended. AI seems to be something we are all expected to do, but it's hard to know where to start.’
AI for day-to-day practical use, online workshop

Learning together

Participants arrived with a wide range of experiences and confidence levels, from those using technology for the very first time to others eager to expand existing skills and explore emerging tools.

What made the biggest difference wasn't just the technology itself. It was learning in welcoming spaces, alongside others, with presenters who were approachable, patient and responsive to individual needs. These shared experiences fostered connection, encouraged questions, and reminded participants that they weren't navigating the digital world alone.

‘The teachers or people running the courses are amazing, so relaxed and easy to follow, always making time for questions and making sure it’s relevant to each small group and their individual needs.’

AI for Volunteers and Community Organisations, online workshop

‘James used language that was easy to understand, both in speaking and writing. Explanations were simple. The workshop is a good starting point for using AI.’

AI for day-to-day practical use, online workshop

‘Mitch presented the workshop in a way that was easy to understand, and no one was left behind in the learning steps. I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to taste my cake topper.’

Baking bytes: creating a cake topper workshop, Thargomindah

‘A brilliant facilitator made the workshop an enjoyable and educational event. My digital skills have definitely improved since taking part in this workshop.’

'I was a little trepidatious as I am not comfortable on camera. Suzie was very personable and put us all at ease immediately. She was helpful with specific instructions and suggestions to improve content quality.’
Mastering digital tools for content creation workshop, Mossman

‘I really enjoyed learning about my family and sharing stories together.’

First Nations family history workshop, Doomadgee

‘Nicky was very friendly and helpful with what was covered today. I have high anxiety going into Zoom meetings, but her energy balanced me out quickly and I felt comfortable and made the interaction with everyone flow much easier.’

Digital marketing for local businesses, online workshop

‘[The presenter] made everything easy to understand and promoted an interactive environment. She was very clear on her explanations and answered all questions clearly and logically. A very good experience.’

AI for beginners workshop, Earlville

‘A relaxed learning environment; met new people, had a fun time, learned new skills, and came home with a lovely piece of art.’

Make a funky piece of framed art workshop, Thargomindah

‘A brilliant facilitator made the workshop an enjoyable and educational event. My digital skills have definitely improved since taking part in this workshop.’
Digital skills for over 50s workshop, Babinda

‘Living remotely, I love having the opportunity to join workshops like this online! It’s really helpful to not have to travel for training.’

Digital marketing for local businesses, online workshop

Looking ahead

While the Digital and You program is coming to an end, its impact will continue long after the final workshop.

To everyone who joined us — whether you attended your first digital skills session, discovered a new creative passion, overcame a fear of technology or simply gave something new a go — thank you for letting us be part of your digital journey. 

We also extend our sincere thanks for the local knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment of councils, public libraries, and Indigenous Knowledge Centres (IKCs) who welcomed us into their communities to deliver these experiences. 

From Cooktown to Boulia, Doomadgee to Roma, these stories remind us that digital inclusion is powered by people. The momentum set in motion through Digital and You will live on through partnerships and communities that continue to create opportunities for people to learn, connect and thrive in the digital world.

State Library’s Digital and You program is supported by the Department of Customer Service, Open Data and Small and Family Business.  

Please note: Minor edits have been made to the original quotes for clarity and readability.