ABC Internet Matters
ABC Internet Matters empowers Canadians who aren’t comfortable using the internet with the knowledge they need to get started. The program consists of a free workbook and downloadable resources to help new internet users learn how to use the internet. With ABC Internet Matters, adult and senior Canadians will develop a basic understanding of what the internet is, how to access it, and how to stay safe online.
Resources
Here are some resources to help you learn more about using the internet and staying safe online. Click on the name of a resource to open it.
- ABC Internet Matters workbook (2020) New! This bilingual workbook answers questions like: What can I do online? How can I get online? How can I stay safe online?
- ABC Internet Matters: Getting around with Google Maps New! This resource teaches you what Google Maps is and how it can help you find your way around your community.
- ABC Internet Matters: Creating strong passwords New! This resource teaches you how to create a strong password to keep your personal information safe online.
- ABC Internet Matters: Staying safe online with secure websites New! This resource teaches you how to tell if a website is secure and will keep your personal information safe.
- Youth Teaching Adults lesson plans This website has lesson plans on topics such as Skype, Zoom and Facetime to help you learn about using the internet and other technology.
- Money Matters for People with Diverse Abilities: Money Safety workbook (English only) This workbook has in-depth lessons to help you protect your money and personal information online
- Money Matters: What is e-banking? This resource teaches you how to get started with online banking and create a strong password to keep your money safe.
- Money Matters: E-transfers This resource teaches you about transferring money online, including how to send and receive e-transfers.
- Canadian Bankers Association: Your Money Seniors program This free, non-commercial financial literacy seminar program for senior Canadians helps you learn more about how to manage your money in retirement, avoid financial abuse and prevent financial fraud.
- Canadian Bankers Association: Financial Wellness resources and information The banking sector in Canada offers several programs that help you build your digital literacy skills, learn more about managing your finances and protect against fraud during COVID-19.
- Canadian Bankers Association: Cyber Security Toolkit With a cyber hygiene checklist and tips on how to spot common scams, this toolkit helps you protect against online financial fraud.
- ABC Internet Matters: Helping you get the confidence to go online (2017) This first workbook in the series provides learners with an in-depth introduction to using the internet.
Supported by:
Digital Literacy in Canada
- Estimates say that around 84% of jobs in Canada currently require the use of a computer and basic technical skills (Information and Communications Technology Council, 2016) and that even low-skilled jobs increasingly require a basic level of digital literacy (Essential Skills Ontario).
- A 2015 Ipsos Reid study found that 9% of Canadians report that they do not subscribe to or have access to the Internet at home. Canadians who do not subscribe to or have access to the Internet are usually older (over 55 years old) and less educated. They also, on average, have much lower household incomes (an average of $44,000 per year).
- Many working-age Canadians struggle with problem-solving in technology-rich environments. Among them, the proportion is higher in underrepresented groups in the Canadian workforce, such as Indigenous peoples, immigrants, language minorities, and 16-24-year-olds (Statistics Canada, 2013).
Are You a Practitioner?
Literacy practitioners in Canada can order free hardcopy workbooks for learners. You can distribute these workbooks to any individuals or organizations who would benefit from them.
Testimonials
“I think the workbooks are wonderful! I really like how it covers the important topics in a very simple way without confusing patrons with too much information…I have been hoping to hold a program where I use the Workbook as a guide to discuss the internet and internet security…I think the workbook is a very valuable tool which is going to work well with our entire community, including our seniors.” – Practitioner
“My students really enjoyed the class and noted they felt more confident not only going online but also [knowing] how to be safer online. This workbook generated many questions on their part and helped me to facilitate the course better by helping me gauge where they were at.” – Practitioner
“It’s an excellent resource for first-timers. We will be handing these out at our local community hub where people can borrow laptops and get free wifi.” – Practitioner