Digital Literacy in BC First Nations Phillip Djwa, FNESC April 24, 2008

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The World is Flat we are preparing students for jobs that don’t exist, using technologies that haven’t been invented, to solve problems we haven’t begun to think about. -Thomas Friedman Therefore definition of what it means to be educated in the light of the modern world has changed

"the illiterate of the twenty-first century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” - Alvin Toffler

The Issue In the Infowhelm age, learners need to work with information in all forms to fashion content products that have value, that entertain and teach. But if learners do is learn the traditional literacies –read, write, arithmetic- they may be literate by 20th Century standards but not by 21st Century standards.

The Opportunity Industrial AgeIndustrial Age 1. means of production 2. channels of distribution 3. means of marketing TODAY music examples - you can record the music on your home studio, distribute it through your website and market it through Youtube, Myspace, FacebookTODAY music examples - you can record the music on your home studio, distribute it through your website and market it through Youtube, Myspace, Facebook

What about Canada and BC? FNS resolutions re: FNTCFNS resolutions re: FNTC AFN resolutions 72 & 65AFN resolutions 72 & 65 Federal government initiativesFederal government initiatives –2007 strategy Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada’s Advantage –National Literacy Secretariat of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Provincial government initiativesProvincial government initiatives –best-educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent – Sept 2007

Our Definition of Digital Literacy The ability to use Information and Communications Technology to locate, evaluate, create, edit, and use information for the purpose of creating knowledgeThe ability to use Information and Communications Technology to locate, evaluate, create, edit, and use information for the purpose of creating knowledge

Our Definition of Digital Literacy The components are:The components are: –Connectivity –Computers –Capacity Digital literacy + Access to connected computers = Community capacity building

Digital Literacy Report In 2007, FNESC received $50k funding from NetworkBC, a project office of the BC Government to assist in the development of a report on Digital Literacy in BCIn 2007, FNESC received $50k funding from NetworkBC, a project office of the BC Government to assist in the development of a report on Digital Literacy in BC The report was complete in the Fall of 2007The report was complete in the Fall of 2007

Key Findings Digital literacy must be focused on the audience we want to serve – community members on-reserve – and must be learner- centredDigital literacy must be focused on the audience we want to serve – community members on-reserve – and must be learner- centred A holistic community approach is key, as is understanding community needsA holistic community approach is key, as is understanding community needs Sustainability is very importantSustainability is very important Strategic use of ICT = infrastructure + skills + purpose.

Key Conclusions Defining digital literacy that is appropriate for the target audienceDefining digital literacy that is appropriate for the target audience Understanding the needs and wants of the community is paramountUnderstanding the needs and wants of the community is paramount Holistic community approachHolistic community approach First Nations adults succeed with a learner-centred approachFirst Nations adults succeed with a learner-centred approach

Key Conclusions cont. Learning, not just task-based trainingLearning, not just task-based training Managing infrastructure is complicated, and distracts from core learning goalsManaging infrastructure is complicated, and distracts from core learning goals Celebrating and sharing successes is important for promoting lifelong learningCelebrating and sharing successes is important for promoting lifelong learning

Digital Lilypad Project FNESC has developed a preliminary project called the Digital LilypadFNESC has developed a preliminary project called the Digital Lilypad BC Regional approach to digital literacyBC Regional approach to digital literacy Short courses designed to teach basic user skillsShort courses designed to teach basic user skills Common curriculum sharedCommon curriculum shared Taught Online & in-personTaught Online & in-person

Thank you! Questions or feedback?Questions or feedback? Copies are available please contact us!Copies are available please contact us! Please feel free to contact SchoolNet at the FNESC office Please feel free to contact SchoolNet at the FNESC office –Phillip Djwa-