For this last webinar of 2017, our team has come together to highlight their favourite easy-to-use tools. You will hear the reasons why they like them and how they make use of them. Come and learn about tools such as Padlet, Facebook Messenger, Prioritab, Google Keep and Protopage, and find out how you could use these tools in your program.

Together we will explore how Google Sites can be used to set up and manage websites. We will take a closer look at embedding videos, documents, and forms as well.

The recording is no longer available but you can view the slides.

Wondering what the research says about equitable digital access and learning opportunities for the adults we work with?

AlphaPlus recently completed a comprehensive report focused on equitable access to technology for all Ontarians. During the webinar, Christine Pinsent-Johnson, one of the authors of the report, shared some highlights and a few takeaways that programs may find useful as they develop their own digital literacy workshops, courses and overall strategies.

Topics include

• Highlights of Ontario’s new digital transformation initiative
• An overview of who is digitally disconnected and why
• A comprehensive way to look at access that goes beyond connectivity and owning a device
• Examples of innovative programs and initiatives in Ontario and beyond
• Some considerations when developing initiatives that appeal to digitally disconnected and hesitant adults
• Potential barriers and opportunities LBS programs.

Our guest presenter – Charlotte Parliament, Literacy and Essential Skills Program Coordinator at Simcoe County District School Board – shared how she uses Google Apps, such as Google Sites, Forms, Sheets and Docs, to set up and manage intake, as well as digital skills and learning styles assessments online.

During this webinar, these topics were dicussed:

• How to set up surveys using Google Forms.
• Sample surveys created by Simcoe County District School Board.
• Extracting instructor and learner feedback data.
• Tips for creating meaningful, easy-to-use forms.  

Navigating online surveys is becoming more common for learners as programs assess clients and gather feedback.

This webinar will outline a lesson plan that helps learners use survey and assessment tools to help them build their confidence and skills to complete them independently . The lesson plan integrates customizable surveys in SurveyMonkey and Google Forms. During this webinar, we will also discuss valuable information about clients’ use of digital survey tools as well as their preferences and best practices.

Quickly find and manage online resources with bookmarking tool, Diigo

Do you have a list of websites you want to reference in a Word document?

How about a bunch of links stored away in various emails in your inbox? In this webinar, we show the simple organizing power of bookmarking tool Diigo.

This tool allows you to amalgamate, simplify, organize and share your collection of links.

This webinar will also reveal useful links from the AlphaPlus Web Index, to add to your own collection of resource links.

Click the download button for Additional Resources and Tips.

During this 2017 webinar we explore the digital skills needed for employment, education and independence:

• What digital skills employers expect?

• What digital skills are essential for success in post secondary?

• What digital skills do we need to navigate the world every day?

Protopage is a free and easy-to-use RSS reader, Internet start page and virtual desktop. If you have ever wished to be able to easily collect, store and find web pages, bookmarks and notes, then Protopage is the tool for you. Learn how easy it is to stay on top of what’s happening in adult education, technology and the world. This tool also allows you to easily save bookmarks and notes all in one place and for free!

AlphaPlus technology coaches can give your old laptops new life with a Chromebooks makeover (part of the Chromium OS Conversion Project). Chromium OS is the open-source development version of Chrome OS, a Google operating system (OS) that Chromebooks use. A free Operating System, Chromium converts old PC desktops and laptops into state-of-the-art CloudReady devices that work much like Chromebooks. That means outdated systems can be retooled with Chromium OS, including powerful Google Apps and tools. Join us for a webinar that provides an overview of Chromebooks and CloudReady converted laptops put to use at adult literacy programs.