DigitalLiteracy = digital tool knowledge + critical thinking + social engagement. The need to integrate digital education at early stages is now more important than ever.
Had a great time moderating the ECofCanada “Disrupting Higher Education” panel today. DLDayTO iPrSz2jwxb
— Abdullah Snobar (@asnobar) May 29, 2018
To have “digital literacy” essentially means being able to know how to use and engage with digital tools effectively. For some, doing this is second nature; but considering not everyone works in heavy-tech industries, the City’s plan is a move to help bring everyone up to speed.
Tomorrow is the Digital Literacy Day in TorontoComms! From creating a tweet to identifying biase content, digital literacy is an important skill to have in today’s technology based world! DLDayTO MARK1051
— Ashley Kitsuda (@AshKitsuda_gbc) May 30, 2018
35 local companies and organizations are set to host over 110 free events across the city. Events include talks about cybersecurity and digital banking, a primer in Java, a UX design class and a workshop where kids can learn how to code.
READ MORE: Big plans for Digital Literacy Day
The day is championed by City Councillor for Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest and Toronto’s Chief Advocate for Innovation Economy, Michelle Holland. She hopes it will “start the conversation [and] collaboration between public [and] private sector to address job transformation in the innovation economy.
Absolutely thrilled to launch the first Digital Literacy Day in Canada to start the conversation & collaboration between public & private sector to address job transformation in the DLDayTO ~ ty Move_the_Dial hollandmichelle) April 27, 2018
Placing importance on digital literacy for everyone, not just those who interact with it daily, is key for ensuring that all of society progresses together. In an effort to do this, some of the events happening tomorrow are aimed at seniors, like the Internet Safety for Seniors workshop.
It’s not only about digital literacy, it’s communication, writing, speaking, selling; all of these are transformational elements needed to evolve the existing curriculum ECofCanada Chalico (@carloschalico) May 29, 2018
Toronto isn’t alone in its digital literacy initiative. Other cities have started to offer similar programming. YMCA Sudbury, for example, recently launched a digital literacy program that’s teaching teens how to code in an effort to tackle underrepresentation in math and science. And last December, the Kitchener Public Library received a grant to expand their digital studio space.
