In reviewing the BC’s Digital Literacy Framework document, I found that my adult EAL students can fit into almost every section and every grade recommendation – depending on how much experience they already have with digital literacy in their own language, as well as their English level.

For example, Section 4 under Privacy and Security, states “….knows strategies for creating and keeping strong, secure passwords (Gr K-2).” Many of my learners still have trouble remembering their district Microsoft username and password, and I have seen them keep it written in numerous places including recipe cards, the front of their books, on a paper tucked into their phone case, etc. When having trouble logging onto the Wi-Fi or into their Team, they often help each other, revealing their passwords. So, they still need reminders of the importance of keeping their password safe. They often also do not know the difference between their district usernames and passwords, and those of another program like Quizlet or Ellii that we often use.

In another example, under the same section 4, Relationships and Communication: “…can identify and participate responsibly in online networks that foster positive community (Gr 10-12)”. Though my students’ English level would generally be somewhere around the middle school level, Gr. 6-8, most of them have no problem participating in online chats and posts in our Team. They usually support each other, and the community is very positive.

So What Do Teachers Need?

Support! When it comes to supporting EAL students with digital literacy, I think first and foremost teachers need to know about the digital literacy framework. I may have been given this document before, but if I was, it has gotten lost in the shuffle of information emails. And I definitely would have benefited from a training session on it. I think this framework contains very important online safety strategies that students need to digest stage by stage. Then, teachers need to know what their students know and, maybe more importantly, what they don’t know. Teaching adults by English level and with varied digital skills, poses the challenge of having to keep the whole range of the framework in mind.