CLC Students Build Digital Literacy Skills

In early October, organizations across the country participated in Digital Inclusion Week to raise awareness about the importance of digital literacy for young people and adults. Digital literacy means knowing how to use technology to find, understand, create, and share information. It's like reading and writing, but with digital tools. These skills are needed for people to be able to learn, work, and live fulfilling lives. At the CLC, we incorporate digital literacy and skill-building into all our programs and classes.

"In our Level 3 English classes, students write their ideas using Google Docs," says Jana, a teacher at the CLC. "They get comfortable with typing and editing. They also use slides to make presentations while speaking English in front of a group."

MJ is a student from Bangladesh. She is taking English class at the CLC. "This summer, I took a special English class at the CLC," she says. "I learned how to use Chromebooks and Google classroom. In my English class now, I am learning to type and how to better use email." This week she started a weekly basic computer skills class. "I am excited to learn even more!" MJ says with a smile.

In our High School Equivalency (HSE) Credential Program and job training programs students use different online learning platforms. In the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program, students do not have textbooks. They do their course work through an online health education platform called Cinematic Health Education. They watch videos about caring for patients and take online quizzes to test their understanding. Students learn how to login, how to navigate the platform, and track their progress.

Meskerem was a nurse in Ethiopia. When she moved to the U.S., she started taking ESOL classes at CLC. Meskerem is now a student in the CNA Training Program for English Language Learners. "[Cinematic] is good for me because I am a visual learner. Sometimes the vocabulary is a challenge, but then I Google the word and find the answer," she explains. "Using Chromebooks in [the CNA program] is easy for me now because I used them for Google Classroom and Chromebooks in my ESOL class."

All CLC students learn digital skills. Skills they need for the next step in their career or education journey. Teaching digital literacy is an important part of the CLC's mission. We want to help students transform their lives through learning, skill-building, and community engagement.

Come to an information session to see what program is best for you!

For more information about the CLC, visit www.cambridgema.gov/CLC.