Canada is a rich country with a high standard of living. Despite this, many in our society live in poverty, a condition that excludes them from participating fully in our society including in the online world. Our digital literacy rates in Canada vary based on factors such as age, education level, income, and geographical location. And most tellingly, gender. A woman who is a newcomer to Canada or from a racialized community is much more likely not only to be dependent on social assistance but also to be a victim of digital inequity.
Digital equity is important because it ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, location, or demographics, have equal access to and opportunities to utilize digital technologies and online resources. In a world in which information and services are online and digital first, digital equity aims to create a level playing field, ensuring that no one is left behind due to lack of access to technology or digital skills. Digital equity encompasses a variety of topics, including access to the internet and hardware, having the skills to utilize online resources (digital literacy) and having access to meaningful content that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
The consequences of digital inequity are stark: from employment disparities and limited economic opportunities, to social exclusion and lack of civic participation, to actual health disparities that can occur without online access; all of these can contribute to the cycle of poverty experienced by different disadvantaged communities in our country.
A key method to improve digital equity is with a focus on digital literacy but many barriers exist, starting with access to computers and the internet, but also language, cultural, age and generational barriers, even fear of technology. And girls and women face unique barriers to improving digital literacy as well, including gender stereotypes and discrimination, online harassment and cyberbullying, a lack of role models, as well as security and privacy concerns.
At iSisters, a local charity enabling disadvantaged women and gender diverse people to gain key computer and employability skills, we believe that improving digital literacy is a vital part of our mission. We deliver free programming to women in need at safe and familiar partner locations where the women are already receiving other services.
Over the twenty years that we’ve mentored disadvantaged women, we’ve learned that the most effective digital skills training programs have these elements:
- Tailored to Audience – where course material is based on a needs analysis of each particular cohort of learners.
- Hands-on Learning – where learners actively use digital tools, applications, and software during the training, often on computers that we provide to them.
- Instructor Expertise – not only of the subject matter and teaching methods, but how to most effectively reach the disadvantaged women we serve, ensuring the program is accessible to individuals with a variety of needs.
- Progressive Learning Path – a structured curriculum with a clear progression of topics helps learners build on their knowledge and skills gradually. Starting with basics and gradually moving to more advanced topics ensures a solid foundation.
- Flexible Learning Formats – various learning formats accommodate different learning preferences and accessibility requirements.
- Digital Safety and Security – including modules on digital safety, privacy, and cybersecurity is crucial to help learners navigate the online world securely and responsibly.
- Continuous Support – providing ongoing mentoring as learners transition to employment helps them in applying their digital skills in real-world scenarios.
- Collaboration and Networking – finally, all our programs foster a supportive learning community where learners can exchange knowledge, share experiences, and assist each other, building confidence each step of the way.
At iSisters, our learners often have specific barriers, including prior educational gaps, language barriers, cultural expectations and gender biases, or mental health challenges. Programming takes account of varying learning styles as well as making use of a trauma-informed approach, and many of our instructors have lived experience in these communities. Barriers are reduced by providing laptops on loan to those who need them, varying the time programs are offered (such as in the evening when a relative can provide free child-minding) or format (such as online when transportation is a problem).
iSisters courses are offered in a safe and supportive environment with one of our partner agencies, in classes of 5 – 10 learners each. To maximize successful learning outcomes, learners have access to other supports provided by those same partners, such as language training, housing, childcare and mental health services. Our curriculum contains the following programs currently:
- Basic Computing – is the first program on the iSisters ladder, designed to deliver life skills through elementary training, a key aspect to helping our learners to equip themselves for the future. Topics include Email, Computer Basics, Social Media, Internet Safety, Financial Literacy and 21st Century skills assessment. We also offer this program for women 55+, where it is known as iWisdom.
- Internet Communications Technology (ICT) Foundations – is our intermediate program providing instructional content and resources in information and communications technology and job-related skills.
- Career Connections – this course moves learners on to Career Search and Entrepreneurship, including Employment Searching, Resume Writing, Interview Techniques,Entrepreneurship, Social Media and Web Marketing.
- iAT – Assistive Technology – developed by an Instructional Designer with lived experience, these modules provide information to all learners about how technology can support their learning and make all aspects of their lives easier. This includes smartphones as well as laptops, and incorporates technologies such as AI.
- iMPACT Design – this innovative new program was designed to give learners up to date knowledge and experience in online and social media marketing and video production, including using AI to generate content and images.
- iMentor – offers one-to-one mentoring to learners seeking employment, as well as in-work support as required. Women are mentored until they feel comfortable enough to work without support. Skills are refined through coaching and workshops, including Communications and Team Skills and increased Computer Skills. Assistance is provided to build confidence and resolve challenges in the job search or workplace, including referrals to other agencies if needed.
- iNSPIRE – In this eight-week program, learners refine their business ideas with the instructor and class, build out their business plan, and explore funding and finance options. Guest speakers will enhance this experience.
New programs and modules are in design covering online safety and AI Literacy, as well.
By providing tailored education and support, our programs provide inclusive digital literacy training combining the above elements to ensure that our learners have the best possible opportunities to gain skills and ultimately improve their lives. Our programs are delivered at no cost to the women we serve thanks to generous support of granting organizations and individual donors.
To achieve digital equity for women and girls, we need collaboration between governments, private sector organizations, non-profit groups, and communities. We must continue to fund and deliver initiatives that promote digital inclusion and accessibility for all members of society. At iSisters, we’ve been doing our part for over two decades.
