DigitalSmarts
Digital literacy is a vital tool for education, employment and economic participation, civic engagement, and even health and wellness. It reinforces existing inequalities based on socioeconomic status, ethnicity, education, immigration status and gender.
Given the importance of digital literacy skills to under-represented populations, MediaSmarts and YWCA Canada have partnered to develop and deliver DigitalSmarts, a digital literacy skills program.
Seven YWCA Member Associations are delivering this training in their communities: Community YWCA Muskoka, YWCA Halifax, YWCA Hamilton, YWCA Lethbridge & District, YWCA Moncton, YWCA Prince Albert and YWCA Thompson.
The DigitalSmarts program is a series of eight hour-long workshops designed to teach important everyday digital skills. The workshops include hands-on activities and videos and cover topics such as:
- protecting privacy and security online
- job searching
- shopping and banking online
- using social media
- searching the internet effectively
- managing screen time for kids
The program is made possible thanks to funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Digital Literacy Exchange Program.
If you're interested in hosting a DigitalSmats workshop in your community, or for more information, please contact info@mediasmarts.ca.
DigitalSmarts Program Resources
The Facilitator’s Guide includes background information about the workshop, advice on preparing and presenting the workshop, a supporting script, Frequently Asked Questions and handouts for participants.
There are eight workshops in the DigitalSmarts program. The workshops are divided into three skill levels: Discover, Explore and Navigate.
The Discover workshops are made to help people who are just getting started with digital technology. They focus on the most basic skills of using the internet.
Discover Online Basics
This workshop introduces the most fundamental digital skills: visiting websites and using search engines. It also introduces participants to voice-operated search and voice assistants, two features which have been identified as being valuable accessibility tools for beginning or reluctant internet users.
PowerPoint Slideshow (PPT)
Workshop Script (PDF)
Practice Sheet (PDF)
Discover Online Safety
Discover Online Safety covers topics including making strong passwords, downloading apps safely, and avoiding online scams.
Slideshow (PPT)
Script (PDF)
Practice Sheet (PDF)
Work Sheet (PDF)
Work Sheet (PDF)
The Explore workshops are made to help people who are already using digital technology get more out of it. They focus on building your confidence and broadening your horizons.
Explore Online Basics
Explore Online Basics covers navigating websites, setting up accounts and filling out forms, and finding essential services online.
Slideshow (PPT)
Script (PDF)
Practice Sheet (PDF)
Work Sheet (PDF)
Explore Online Privacy
Explore Online Privacy looks at safe use of social networks, using privacy settings, and making good decisions about sharing other people’s photos online.
Slideshow (PPT)
Script (PDF)
Practice Sheet (PDF)
Explore Online Shopping and Entertainment
Explore Online Shopping and Entertainment covers buying and returning things online, spotting reliable sellers, and finding free music and video content.
Slideshow (PPT)
Script (PDF)
Practice Sheet (PDF)
Explore Digital Parenting
Explore Digital Parenting looks at managing kids’ screen time, helping to keep your kids safe online, and setting household internet rules.
Slideshow (PPT)
Script (PDF)
Practice Sheet (PDF)
Work Sheet (PDF)
The Navigate workshops are made for active internet users who are running into new challenges online. They focus on helping you be a smart and safe internet user.
Navigate Online Information
Navigate Online Information covers advanced search skills, how to choose different online sources of information for different needs, and how to verify information you see online.
Slideshow (PPT)
Script (PDF)
Navigate Online Privacy and Security
Navigate Online Privacy and Security looks at how to secure your accounts and devices, how to keep your devices safe from malware, and how to prevent and deal with cyberstalking.
Slideshow (PPT)
Script (PDF)
Practice Sheet (PDF)
Evidence Chart (PDF)
