12 Nov Digital literacy program flips the script with teens teaching adults

Knowing how to navigate new technology and the online world is incredibly useful today, allowing us to access product reviews, communicate with friends and family, and find endless hours of entertainment. It’s a skill that young people have in spades, having grown up in a digital world.

A new community program is hoping to make the most of this by pairing tech-savvy youth with adults hoping to improve their digital skills. Called Youth Teaching Adults, the program offers free workshops on a variety of topics – from learning how to video-chat to how to use the couponing app, Flipp.   

A collaboration between ABC Life Literacy Canada and Youth Empowering Parents, the program provides an opportunity for youth volunteers to build leadership skills, confidence, earn volunteer hours for high school and give back to the community. Meanwhile, adult learners of all ages can develop the necessary skills to engage with computers, mobile devices and the internet safely, securely and effectively.

“We are excited to bring together youth tutors and adult learners for a rewarding intergenerational learning experience where both the tutor and adult will build confidence and skills,” says Mack Rogers, executive director for ABC Life Literacy Canada.

Anyone looking to share digital literacy education by bringing free programming to their community can host a workshop. Workshops can take place in all kinds of settings, including learning and community centres, libraries, schools, youth centres and settlement or newcomers’ organizations. Each workshop typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish, but the program is highly flexible and can be adapted to suit the participants’ needs.

Learn more information, access free lesson plans and book a workshop in your community at YouthYeachingAdults.ca.