Spark. Transform. Mobilize.
Digital Literacy Trainings and Workshops
If you are interested in any of the trainings listed below check out our calendar to learn more. Contact our Training Director, Rob Podlasek, at rpodlasek@literacymn.org with any questions. For other helpful information visit our Educator Resources page.
Presenter: Rob Podlasek
You don’t need to be a computer expert in order to teach computer skills! Come learn how to help students build their digital literacy skills using Northstar Digital Literacy.
In the webinar, participants will learn:
- The features of Northstar Digital Literacy.
- How to help learners set digital literacy learning goals.
- How to help learners navigate Northstar Digital Literacy assessments.
- How to guide learners through the Northstar Digital Literacy Online
- Learning Modules.
The training will be appropriate for tutors working one-to-one with learners or assisting in a computer lab.
Presenter: Meghan Boyle
Join this hands-on session to learn and practice essential Zoom skills for the virtual classroom that may not be in your repertoire if your experience with the platform is limited to meetings with friends and colleagues at work.
The workshop will cover:
- Turning off participants’ cameras and microphones.
- Re-naming participants.
- Sharing your screen.
- Annotating your screen.
- Setting up and visiting breakout rooms.
Presenter: Meghan Boyle
During the early days of the pandemic, remote instruction was a necessary evil that many begrudgingly endured. But as the options for in-person instruction opened up, many learners chose to continue to learn in an online environment. Join this session to learn and see modeled tips and strategies for teaching and tutoring online, and determine how to bring them back to your context. This session is appropriate for educators working with both English language learners and adult education students. (Note: This session does not include technical how-to skills for using Zoom or other platforms.)
February 2024
https://www.literacymn.org/digital-skill-video-tutorials-teacher-guide
Looking to incorporate more visual resources into your digital literacy teaching? Created as part of the Content-Integrated Language Instruction for Adults with Technology Support, or CILIA-T Project, these free tools are a step towards removing the digital divide through clear and concise video tutorials.
February 2024
https://www.literacymn.org/routines-to-build-essential-digital-literacy-skills-in-esl-classrooms
Planning opportunities for beginning level ESL learners to build basic computer skills doesn’t have to be complex! These resources were created to support instructors to integrate computer skills into beginning level (and above!) ESL instruction.
November 2022
https://www.literacymn.org/pandas-guide-to-digital-accessibility-tools
Welcome back to our series focused on accessibility and inclusion for learners with disabilities! This month we’re sharing a final resource from our friends at PANDA, a curated list of technology tools for the classroom that have been tested and vetted by Minnesota ABE teachers.
October 2021
https://www.literacymn.org/digital-navigation-training-toolkit
Digital Navigators mentor digital literacy learners in using technology, building skills and setting goals. Implement digital navigation in your program to help remove tech barriers for students so they can better pursue their educational and career goals.
August 2021
Presenter: Jason Brazier
We are all aware of gaps in digital equity but we may not know how to close those gaps. This session will provide you with some guidance on areas of focus and provide a template to start creating a plan for your program.
Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/SKML4zpyP21i
Handout: https://tinyurl.com/DEPP2021
August 2021
Katherine J. Erickson, Adult Options in Education
COVID 19 forced many in education to get creative and teach online, but how do you teach digital skills online? This video will cover some of the different strategies I used as a CTEP member at Adult Options including tech help schedules and taking advantage of Google Drive.
June 2021
https://www.literacymn.org/remote-tutoring-resources
Are you using Zoom, Google Meet or WhatsApp to teach or tutor learners online? Are you a teacher trainer or program coordinator leading webinars for volunteers? The following resources will help tutors, teachers, and learners navigate the features and functions of these digital platforms on computers or mobile devices. The step-by-step checklists outline how to join and schedule meetings, send invites, join breakout rooms, share screens, and more. The in-depth webinar guides detail best practices, in-meeting controls and settings, and host responsibilities.
June 2021
Led by moderator Gwenn Weaver
Supporting digital equity as a bridge out of poverty is particularly timely in light of the impact of the pandemic on adult learning opportunities, as well as many other aspects of life. This discussion will center around digital equity across different type of organizations at various governmental and/or geographic levels i.e. state, local, and national. The webinar will consist of a panel of three experts, each of whom will provide insight on digital equity and partnering from a different perspective.
April 2021
Sarah Pradt, Hmong American Partnership
Learn how to use the ed tech tool Classkick to teach and reinforce basic computer skills, virtually or in person.
Video: https://flipgrid.com/s/k8Xr4Sk4GRzM
Handout: Intro to Classkick for ABE
2021
https://www.literacymn.org/trainings-for-educators
The purpose of this professional development (PD) initiative is to build the capacity of MN ABE consortia to develop a Digital Equity plan (DL) for their ABE program based on established best practices.
Digital Equity Course Content:
Participants will work with colleagues within their agency (teams generally consist of one admin/manager and at least one teacher/staff per agency) to develop a program/site plan that addresses the five elements of digital equity including:
- Robust, affordable broadband Internet service
- Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user
- Access to digital literacy training
- Quality technical support
- Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage
- self-sufficiency, participation, and collaboration.
February 2021
https://www.literacymn.org/use-digital-literacy-standards-to-guide-your-instruction
The Covid-19 Pandemic has accelerated the already rapid need to develop digital literacy skills. Over the past 10 years, Northstar Digital Literacy has developed comprehensive lists of standards describing the specific digital literacy skills adults need. These standards provide a guide for determining what to include in your digital literacy lessons.