Free Digital Literacy Resources: ABC Life Literacy Canada’s ABC Connect for Learning Program
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a national charitable organization that champions literacy by empowering adult learners, raising awareness, and supporting the adult learning sector. The organization develops and supports the use of foundational learning materials and helps to build the capacity of the sector by convening and connecting the adult literacy community and advocating for skills programming. ABC Life Literacy Canada envisions a Canada where everyone has the skills and opportunities to fully participate in learning, life, and work.
ABC Connect for Learning offers free digital literacy programming
ABC Connect for Learning is a digital literacy program that offers free resources to those looking to improve their digital skills. The program offers various pathways for learning to suit one’s comfort level and experience. Whether someone is just getting started with the internet or looking to learn about new technology, ABC Connect for Learning offers something for everyone looking to improve their digital skills. You can learn more and access free resources at abcconnectforlearning.ca
Skills learners can acquire through the program
For those just getting started online, a variety of resources are available to help build confidence about accessing the internet. People can learn about computer basics such as how to use a mouse and a keyboard, explore how to search for things on Google, and better understand how to stay safe online.
Intermediate-level internet users can learn about new technologies. With helpful lesson plans on using various websites, apps, and software on a phone, tablet, or computer, people can feel confident navigating platforms such as Facebook, Zoom, and Gmail.
Delivery of ABC Connect for Learning training sessions and available resources
Literacy organizations and community groups can sign up to run ABC Connect for Learning workshops in their communities. Participating organizations can choose to run one workshop on one topic or many workshops on multiple topics. Workshops can be delivered in person, with printed materials, or online through the ABC Skills Hub online learning portal. Each community workshop typically runs from 45 minutes to one hour.
ABC Life Literacy Canada provides free facilitator training to groups across the country who deliver the ABC Connect for Learning workshops. Training encourages workshop delivery in an inclusive and engaging manner that facilitates discussion.
In addition to workshops, individuals can learn on their own time by downloading free resources from abcconnectforlearning.ca. There are also many courses available for free on the ABC Skills Hub, an online learning portal that offers asynchronous, at-home delivery of ABC Life Literacy Canada’s many adult literacy programs. Learners can sign up at abcskillshub.ca and complete online courses at their own pace, save their work in progress, and download course content and helpful reminders of what they’ve learned.
Measuring learner success
To help measure the success of the program, participating organizations are asked to provide their feedback through surveys. This feedback provides valuable information that could lead to program improvements. Learners are also asked to complete a workshop evaluation on their perceived skill level, confidence, and intent to implement what they have learned and to continue their learning.
The workshops are presented in a way that facilitates discussion, so there is ample opportunity for host organizations to monitor and observe the progress of participants.
Connecting Career Professionals of Canada clients to ABC Connect for Learning
ABC Connect for Learning is completely free and accessible for anyone to use. Organizations that want to host workshops can simply sign up at abcconnectforlearning.ca. From there, they will be connected to an ABC regional representative, who will speak with them about their upcoming workshop, and provide all the necessary training and materials.
Call to Action: How members of Career Professionals of Canada can help promote ABC Life Literacy Canada and its programs
Let’s raise awareness of ABC Life Literacy Canada’s free resources and programming, which help to improve skills and confidence. Please share their website with your network and encourage use of ABC Life Literacy Canada’s many valuable and free resources. Let’s also bring workshops – including ABC Connect for Learning workshops – to our communities.