Digital Literacy Education

Overview

As a Digital Literacy Assistant at LFC Tech, a nonprofit computer store and education center, I spent the summer of 2022 developing and delivering digital literacy lessons to seniors and healthcare workers. My role involved creating engaging lessons, tutoring individuals one-on-one, and giving presentations on tech skills, with a special focus on accessibility and common troubleshooting. The goal was to equip participants with essential tech skills and improve their confidence in using digital tools.

The Challenge

• Connecting with Seniors: Adapting teaching methods to engage seniors, many of whom were unfamiliar with digital tools.
• Spanish-Speaking Participants: Navigating language barriers, as many participants spoke Spanish, which required extra consideration in lesson planning and communication.
• Tailored Content: Creating lessons that catered to both basic tech skills and more specific concerns like phone customization and social media misinformation.

The Solution

• Engaging Lesson Creation: Developed interactive lessons using Google Slides, focusing on practical skills such as Google Drive, social media literacy, and phone settings.
• Personalized Tutoring: Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions to seniors, ensuring they received tailored attention and support.
• Community-Centered Presentation: Delivered a group presentation at a senior center on Android phone settings and customization, making sure to interact with individuals during the session to provide extra help.
• Adapting to Language Barriers: Although I didn’t speak Spanish fluently, I leveraged my understanding of the language to observe and learn from others who conducted Spanish-language presentations.

Results & Key Takeaways

• Increased Confidence: Seniors reported feeling more comfortable with their devices, particularly in personalizing phone settings and using Google Drive.
• Positive Feedback: Participants expressed gratitude for the one-on-one attention, noting how it improved their ability to use tech for daily tasks.
• Language Barrier Challenges: Although I wasn’t able to fully communicate with Spanish-only speakers, the experience reinforced the importance of considering language diversity in future lessons.
• Personal Growth: Strengthened my ability to create accessible educational content and adapt my teaching methods to suit different needs.

This project enhanced my skills in teaching tech literacy, creating accessible content, and delivering educational presentations. It also deepened my appreciation for inclusivity and how to navigate language barriers in a learning environment.