DigIT (Digital Literacy)
Note: This program and its associated resources are no longer being actively maintained, but the materials listed below are free to use.
Program Summary
In our fast paced world, digital skills are increasingly relevant—at home, at school, and at work. This is true for Canadians of every age, background, education level and employment status.
Foundational digital literacy skills are developed by learning to use the Internet on computers and mobile devices safely, securely and effectively.
Learning these skills and understanding digital technologies not only reduces barriers to accessing valuable information and resources but also opens up opportunities for all Canadians to succeed.
The DigIT program provides free computer basics sessions at a variety of locations designed to help you build skills and confidence for participating in today’s online world.
DigIT
Workshops
Computer Basics: Getting Started
Workshop Summary
This session is designed to build foundational skills to help you succeed on your digital skills journey. We will help you understand and identify the various parts of a computer. You will learn how to power your device on and off, as well as how to use the keyboard, mouse and trackpad. We will explain the computer desktop and the tools you will find there. Finally, we will talk about opening web browsers and other programs. Whether you are a computer beginner or have used one for years but have questions about how to do more and just want a refresh, this class is a safe place to do that.
Computer Basics: Using the Internet
Workshop Summary
The ability to search for information online is one of the most important digital literacy skills you can have. In this session we will learn about getting online safely. We will talk about connecting to wifi networks to get you on the internet. We will identify web browsers and how to navigate them. We will learn about searching for information online and finally, understanding and evaluating those results. Skills learned in this session will help you feel confident that you can access information and resources safely and efficiently.
Computer Basics: Email
Workshop Summary
This session is all about email. We will show you how to log in to an account and then look at your inbox layout and how to keep it organized. You will practice composing, sending and receiving emails, as well as sending and receiving messages with attachments. We will also discuss how to recognize scam and phishing emails. We will be working in Gmail and there will be an opportunity to sign up for your own account.
Computer Basics: Internet Safety and Security
Workshop Summary
The Internet makes communication and access to information quick and easy. In this session, we will learn how to participate in today’s digital world safely and securely. We will discuss the benefits as well as the potential dangers and how to avoid them. We will learn about the importance of strong passwords and using multi-factor authentication, risks such as scams, phishing and viruses, and identifying whether a website is secure or not. Learners will become more confident in ways to protect themselves and their personal information.
iPad Basics: Getting Started
Workshop Summary
This session will introduce you to the basic functions of the iPad. During this class we will talk about how to power your iPad on and off, put it to sleep, as well as how to connect to wifi. We will review basic navigation skills and talk about where on your screen to use different gestures for great results. iPads have many screens to be aware of and in this class you will learn the names of them and the unique role of each. Time will be spent touring the Status Bar, App Library, Dock and Control Center and the App Switcher. By the end of this class you will have greater confidence getting around on your iPad.
iPad Basics: Settings and Personalization
Workshop Summary
This course will introduce you the Settings Menu on an iPad. We will learn different ways to find this menu then spend time touring the different categories we find there. Time will be spent talking about Apple IDs and why it is important to keep your account information and password safe and accessible. We will also take time to explore how to use Settings in a fun way to customize the look and function of iPads that you can apply to your own device.
iPad Basics: App Toolkit
Workshop Summary
In this class we will be talking about apps on our iPads. Apps can help you stay connected, informed and entertained. We will show you how to search for and look at reviews for apps you are interested in, identify ads and the difference between paid and free apps, and then how to install them. We will highlight a few of our favourites and give you some suggestions for others you might like.
