Recession-proofing Canada through literacy
Economic uncertainty has become a familiar reality for many Canadians. Rising costs, shifting labour markets, rapid technological change and global economic disruptions have made it harder for individuals, businesses and communities to plan for the future with confidence. While no one can predict when the next recession will occur, Canada can prepare for economic challenges […]
Emerging trends in adult literacy: How AI, micro-learning and technology are changing adult education
Adult literacy has always evolved alongside society. As technology transforms how we work, communicate and access information, the way adults develop literacy skills is changing too. Today’s learners have different needs, different schedules and different expectations than they did even a decade ago. From artificial intelligence (AI) tools that provide personalized support to bite-sized learning […]
Staying safe online in an AI-driven world
Digital literacy today means much more than knowing how to use a computer or create a strong password. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced and accessible, the internet is becoming harder to navigate safely, especially when it comes to scams, misinformation and online exploitation. For years, internet safety focused on familiar advice: don’t click […]
Bridging the digital divide: Supporting adult learners with low digital literacy
Digital skills are no longer optional. From applying for jobs and accessing healthcare to communicating with family and managing finances, much of daily life now happens online. Yet for many adult learners, especially those with low literacy, language barriers or interrupted formal education, navigating the digital world can feel overwhelming. For adult literacy practitioners, this […]
How strong digital literacy skills can keep you safe online
In today’s increasingly digital world, the importance of digital literacy cannot be overstated. But digital literacy is more than just using smartphones, social media, or navigating the Internet – it’s also about staying safe online. We break down how strong digital literacy can give you the skills you need to protect yourself from cybersecurity-related issues. […]
Supporting digital confidence for newcomers in Edmonton
Since 1976, the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) has helped immigrants, refugees and first-generation Canadians build their lives in a new country. The organization has focused on making the transition to life in Canada more accessible by offering services that support everything from language learning and employment to family programs and community connection. At its […]
Integrating technology into adult literacy programs
Across Canada and beyond, adult literacy practitioners are navigating a rapidly changing landscape. Digital tools—once considered supplementary—are now central to how adults access information, apply for jobs, manage finances and participate in society. For literacy programs, the question is no longer whether to integrate technology, but how to do it effectively. At its best, technology […]
Digital literacy in the workplace: Six competencies adults need now
For a long time, digital literacy was treated as a skill needed by office workers, required for email, spreadsheets and presentation software. Trades, manufacturing, transportation and service roles were often seen as hands-on jobs where technology played a smaller role. That is no longer the reality. Today, digital tools are embedded in almost every workplace. […]
Building digital confidence in rural Nova Scotia
From filing government forms and booking medical appointments to applying for jobs, banking online and staying connected with family, digital access is now part of daily life. But being online also comes with risk. In rural areas like Guysborough, Nova Scotia, where access to reliable transportation, community services and in-person support can be limited, people […]
ABC Connect for Learning expands digital literacy resources to help Canadians protect themselves from online scams and fraud
ABC Life Literacy Canada is rolling out a series of new digital literacy resources to help Canadians better protect themselves from online scams, fraud and unsafe digital practices. These bilingual tools will be specifically created for adults with lower literacy levels and will support adult learners in navigating today’s rapidly changing digital environment with greater […]
The future of adult literacy in an AI-driven Canada
Canada’s adult literacy and adult education sector has always evolved alongside shifts in the economy, technology and the realities of daily life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many organizations quickly pivoted to online learning—often without the infrastructure fully in place. Fast forward to today, and digital delivery is now part of the norm. With […]
Staying safe from holiday scams: What to watch out for
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for online shopping, digital communication and charitable giving. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the busiest times for scammers. December sees a sharp increase in online fraud, fake messages and misleading holiday offers. For many adults—especially those who are still building their digital literacy […]
AI and the new digital divide: Why digital literacy matters more than ever
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t coming — it’s already here. From chatbots that answer our questions to tools that can generate resumes, recipes or even art, AI is quickly becoming part of everyday life. While this technology brings exciting opportunities, it also raises new challenges, especially for those who already struggle with digital literacy. Canada is […]
How your local library can help you improve your literacy skills
Libraries have always been places where people go to learn, explore, and grow. Today, they are more important than ever—especially for adults who want to improve their reading, writing, or digital skills. If you’re thinking about upgrading your skills but don’t know where to start, your local library is a great place to begin. Libraries […]
How to stay safe while banking online
More and more Canadians are managing their money online. Whether it’s checking your bank account, paying bills, or sending money to a friend, online banking makes everyday tasks faster and more convenient. But it also highlights the importance of knowing how to protect your personal and financial information. Strong digital and financial literacy skills are […]
Resources aim to protect seniors from online fraud
June 15th marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to acknowledge the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. In Canada, about 10 percent of Canadian seniors are victims of crime every year, according to the Department of Justice, with fraud being the number one crime against older Canadians. The most […]
7 ways to avoid financial scams
Financial scams have been around for decades, but in the age of the Internet, they’re becoming even more common. Thanks to technology, criminals can now attempt to scam you from anywhere in the world – they don’t have to be local. And they’re getting smarter about it too, by finding new and creative ways to […]
How strong literacy skills can safeguard seniors from financial abuse
Every year, June 15 marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a global initiative to raise awareness and promote action against all forms of elder abuse. Among these, financial abuse is the most common. Elder financial abuse involves the unauthorized or improper use of an older adult’s funds, property or assets. It can take many forms, […]
Essential apps and software everyone should know how to use
There’s no denying that we increasingly live – and work – in a digital world. We use video conferencing to stay in touch with friends and family, websites to pay our bills and stay on top of the news, and various social media platforms for entertainment and education. Here are some key tools that you […]
3 tips to improve your digital literacy skills
No matter what your age, enjoying all today’s world has to offer involves going online and using technology. But if you don’t feel comfortable or confident with all things digital, it can be hard to participate and feel connected. To start honing your skills, try these key tips: Start with a small goal. Don’t set […]
3 essential digital skills for landing your next job
There are few jobs today that don’t require some sort of digital tools to get the work done. Some may require you to spend most of your time on a computer. Others might have a specific program or tool you need to master, such as the program a restaurant uses to enter customers’ orders or […]
How one organization is striving to bridge the digital divide
The COVID-19 pandemic shined a spotlight on the digital divide across Canada, and one organization in Nova Scotia has been taking charge to help bridge the gap. Colchester Adult Learning Association (CALA) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for all adults to pursue their learning goals. CALA helps adults in Truro and […]
Tips for successfully navigating social media
Social media can be equal parts fun, informative and frightening. While the various platforms have become part of our daily lives as ways to connect with friends and family, stay on top of current events and be entertained, there are some downsides to using social media. Here are four ways to protect yourself when using […]
3 ways to weed out fake news
The internet quite literally allows us to have all the world’s information at our fingertips. Unfortunately, much of the material we find online is error-filled or outright wrong. Here are three ways to ensure that the things you’re reading online are real. Use trusted sources If something sounds too good – or too outrageous – to […]
How to make good on your New Year’s resolutions
The start of a new year brings together many annual traditions: gathering with friends and family for a year-end party, counting down the clock to midnight and making New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, many of us end up breaking our resolutions within days or weeks of turning the page on a new calendar. Here are four […]
How to stay safe online
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national campaign to generate awareness on how to protect yourself from online scams. Cyber criminals try to trick users into giving up personal information, tamper with their devices, and can even steal their identities. When cyber attackers are successful, victims can find themselves in a situation where they lose […]
Empowering seniors with technology through digital literacy
At the Quebec City Reading Council (QCRC), lifelong learning is at the heart of its mission, especially for seniors aged 50 and older. Catherine Hawker, the organization’s program coordinator, leads innovative programs that offer educational experiences designed to enrich the lives of seniors while fostering community engagement. One of the most popular programs has been its Lifelong Learning program. […]
Untangling online misinformation through media literacy
We live in a country that’s one of the most connected in the world, with 92 per cent of Canadians being Internet users. From watching the news on TV to scrolling social media on our smartphones, media presents us with countless messages that inform, entertain and sell. However, while the media can provide accurate information, […]
ABC Skills Hub
The ABC Skills Hub is a learning portal that offers free online courses from ABC Life Literacy Canada’s many adult literacy programs. It was created specifically for adult learners and is easy to use and navigate, and helps users to improve their money, work, health, digital, and math skills all online. With the ABC Skills […]
ABC Connect for Learning
ABC Connect for Learning is a digital literacy program that offers free resources to those looking to improve their digital skills. Whether you’re just getting started with the Internet or looking to learn about new technology, ABC Connect for Learning offers something for everyone. Learn about the program Download free digital literacy resources Visit Program […]
Empowering learning: Leveraging technology in adult education
For some, attending school was not a positive experience and posed several social pressures and learning challenges. This could lead children and youth to develop a dislike for education. When we decide to improve our knowledge as adults, we have plenty more obstacles to navigate. At this stage, family and career responsibilities often impact our […]
How to keep your aging parents safe online
Technology seems to change at the speed of light, and many older people find it hard to keep up. Seniors are also aggressively targeted by scammers looking to profit from their victims’ lack of knowledge. Here are three ways you can help protect your elderly parents when they’re online. Password protection Almost every website or […]
Cybersecurity for beginners: How to use the Internet safely
As technology becomes more and more a part of our everyday lives, it’s important for everyone to understand the basics of cybersecurity to protect themselves from potential threats. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the online world or looking to enhance your digital security knowledge, here’s an overview of essential cybersecurity concepts and practices […]
3 ways to avoid online scams
No one wants to be scammed, but it can happen to anyone. As online scams continue to grow more sophisticated, here are three ways to help you avoid them. 1. Look carefully While it’s not always obvious, there can be signs that give away many scammers. Look at a website address or email address and […]
How to create a strong password to stay safe online
March is Fraud Prevention Month, an annual awareness initiative started by the Competition Bureau to help Canadians recognize, reject and report fraud. Fraud can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, education levels or economic background, which is why it’s important to educate yourself on ways to stay safe online. Yet according to CPA Canada, many […]
How to leverage technology to find your next dream job
In the fast-paced job market of today, technology has become an invaluable tool for job seekers, offering several resources and opportunities to streamline the job-hunting process. From online job searching platforms to networking tools, technology has changed the way Canadians search for and secure employment. One of the most revolutionary changes to job searching is […]
3 ways to become more tech savvy
Whether you’re looking to catch up with old friends, keep up with your kids’ lives or do just about anything these days, it often seems like you have to embrace technology. Even if that makes you want to hide under a rock, it’s never too late to brush up on your digital skills. Here are […]
Digital literacy program helps build learner confidence
ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC) is pleased to announce its latest digital literacy program, ABC Connect for Learning. This program brings together all of ABC’s free digital literacy programming and offers various pathways for learning to suit one’s comfort level and experience. Whether someone is just getting started with the Internet or wants to learn […]
A guide to boosting your digital literacy skills
Living, learning and working in today’s increasingly digital environment requires a particular skill set – digital literacy. Developing strong digital literacy skills helps us to find, evaluate and communicate information, and stay up-to-date with technological changes. Strong digital skills can improve the productivity of almost everything we do daily. From researching a product or service […]
The impact of digital literacy in the workplace
There’s no doubt about it: Automation is changing how we work. In just three years, the digital process automation market is expected to increase by 106 per cent from where it was in 2020. It’s not industry-specific, either – rapid automation growth is happening everywhere. According to the World Economic Forum, automation will create a […]
Bringing digital literacy programming to the most rural Canadians
According to Statistics Canada, in 2020 approximately six per cent of Canadians did not have access to the Internet at home. Out of these, 39 per cent cited cost (either Internet service or equipment) as the main reason why they didn’t have Internet. Canadians pay some of the highest Internet and cell phone rates in […]
7 ways to improve digital literacy skills on a budget
Digital literacy skills have become essential. Computers and other digital devices are increasingly part of everyday life; they’ve changed how we do things, and they’re going to keep changing how we do things. To keep up, we need to keep learning so that we can continue to thrive at home, at work, and in the […]