Resource Library

10 July 2024

PAL – A Lesson Planning Companion

PAL is for LBS practitioners who seek to plan engaging lessons that help hone learner skills by purposefully integrating technology…

22 March 2024

What is disinformation? (activities to do with learners)

Read more about disinformation and possible activities to do with learners.

20 March 2024

Open educational resources (OER) collection

Explore our fully vetted collection of workbooks, modules and activities that address a range of instructional topics.

24 March 2024

What is differentiated learning?

Read more about differentiated learning and possible activities to do with learners.

22 March 2024

What is disinformation? (activities to do with learners)

Read more about disinformation and possible activities to do with learners.

22 March 2024

How do computer basics fit into a blended learning cycle?

Where can I find computer basics lessons and activities that fit into a digital-skills blended-learning cycle?

23 January 2024

Creating a collaborative learning space

Learn how to use Google Slides to create activities that learners can do alongside each other individually or in groups.

4 December 2023

Online quizzes and formative assessment

What is formative assessment? An evaluation done during the learning process. It informs the learner and the instructor about what…

25 May 2023

What is ChatGPT?

Information about ChatGPT and other AI tools and resources for educators.

25 May 2023

What is SAMR?

SAMR is a reflection tool that can help educators think about how digital technology integration is supporting learning.

25 May 2023

How can I empower learners with choice?

Being creative and finding engaging options for learners to explore inspires teachers and learners alike.

25 May 2023

What is a HyperDoc?

A HyperDoc is a digital document where all components of a learning cycle have been pulled together into one central…

26 April 2023

Where can I find computer basics lessons and activities?

A collection of resources to support learners trying to “catch up” on some foundational digital skills.

26 April 2023

What is Magic Write in Canva?

Have you heard about AI text generator in Canva? Simply start a Doc in Canva and use + symbol to…

21 March 2023

Educator Network: Resources we love

A digital toolbox by and for Ontario literacy educators – blended learning resources, activities and tools that practitioners are recommending.

1 October 2022

How can I build community in remote learning environments?

We created this resource with the Silver Linings Café participants in June 2020. We updated it in October 2022.

23 September 2022

What are Synchronous and Asynchronous learning?

Defintions: Designing blended learning often includes choosing when to use synchronous learning and when to use asynchronous learning for the…

12 August 2022

Blended learning curriculum frameworks

The frameworks help us evaluate if the technology is enhancing, extending and/or transforming learning.

10 August 2022

Choice Boards and learner agency

Using Choice Boards as part of a blended learning approach can enhance opportunities for learner agency.

10 August 2022

Canvas How to’s

Canvas is a robust learning management system you can use for free.

10 August 2022

Jamboard Tip Sheet and samples

Jamboard is a whiteboard that has a free online version. Jamboard is closing down on December 31, 2024.

10 August 2022

Padlet Tip Sheet

Padlet is a mini interactive website where you can create online discussions and opportunities for collaborative learning.

10 August 2022

Answer Garden Tip Sheet

AnswerGarden is place where you can ask one short question online.

26 July 2022

Curated Resources: Create your own collection

We can help you collect and share resources with learners, staff or volunteers.

26 July 2022

Digital technology for learning website

Frameworks, approaches and theoretical foundations relevant to adult literacy.

26 July 2022

Curating Resources in Adult Literacy

Develop curation strategies for teaching and with learners.

26 July 2022

What is Reflective Practice?

Develop a reflective process that works for you and the people you work with.

1 July 2021

From binders to HyperDocs

A HyperDoc is a teaching and learning tool that helps you organize content and instructional activities.

31 March 2021

Post-secondary digital skills readiness assessment

An assessment to determine whether learners are ready to use digital technology in post-secondary education.

28 January 2021

Resources for Online and Offline Learning

A collection of shareable, free and high-quality learning materials. 

4 January 2021

App Store Tips

Today, there are 2 million applications available in the App Store. That can make it tough to find the right…

2 December 2020

Blended Learning and the Four Cs in LBS

An infographic describing the four Cs of blended learning: creativity, communication, collaboration and using critical thinking skills to construct knowledge…

18 December 2018

Digital technology for personalized learning

See how digital technology can enhance an instructor\’s capacity to personalize learning for diverse groups.

13 February, 2018

Number Sense and Technology

In this webinar, we looked at research about number sense, some promising practices and how digital technology can support the…

13 March, 2018

What Is Blended Learning?

AlphaPlus staff worked with Audrey Gardner and Matthias Sturm on a paper that describes blended learning in literacy and basic…

11 September, 2017

DLI Tech Tuesdays: Using Google Sites

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

13 June, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Creating digital learner surveys using Google Forms

Guest presenter Charlotte Parliament, Literacy and Essential Skills Program Coordinator at Simcoe County District School…

9 May, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Supporting learners with online assessments and digital tools

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

21 February, 2017

Tech Tuesdays: Protopage (2017)

Protopage is a free and easy-to-use RSS reader, Internet start page and virtual desktop. If you have ever wished to…

14 February, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Digital Skills for Employment, Further Education Training &…

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

10 January, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Dropbox

This 2017 webinar provides an overview of Dropbox and how it can be used as an alternative for an internal…

20 October, 2015

Tech Tuesdays: Reading and Writing with Google

Tech Tuesday: Reading and Writing with Google (guest presenter Danielle Gignac)

9 March, 2015

DLI Tech Tuesday: Using Evernote

DLI Tech Tuesday: Using Evernote with low-level adult literacy students – success story

11 October, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Smart Board

SMARTBoard – a closer look at SMART Exchange, Notebook, Notebook Express and SMART kapplack – a powerful instant messaging and…

12 April, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Quizlet

Use Quizlet to create online activities and tests.

6 December 2016

Sample PS – TRE Activity for Employment Goals

These Essential Skills Ontario (the Ontario anglophone stream organization from 1987 to 2015) sample activities were developed to introduce learners…

8 November, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Remind

Remind is a free communication platform for instructors and students. Remind allows instructors and learners to communicate through text without…

13 September, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Slack (2016)

 Slack is a powerful instant messaging and collaboration tool designed for teams that offers users a streamlined solution to manage email…

10 May, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Google Drive

Google Drive is a free service from Google. It that allows users to store files online and access them from anywhere…

14 June, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Apps for teaching and learning

Wondering where to find and how to use mobile Apps in your literacy program? In this 2016 webinar, we explore…

15 March, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Using Flubaroo

Using Flubaroo to quickly grade multiple-choice or fill-in-blank assignments in Google.

16 February, 2016

Tech Tuesdays: Google Apps for Education

Tech Tuesdays: Google Apps for Education (GAFE) in your literacy program

19 January, 2016

Tech Tuesdays: iPads

Tech Tuesdays: iPads in adult literacy class: benefits and challenges with guest presenters from Hamilton Literacy Council

15 December, 2015

Tech Tuesday: Canva

Tech Tuesday: Canva – easily create beautiful designs and graphics (2015)

Tech Tuesday: Gamification

Tech Tuesday: Gamification and Technology motivating learners to overcome fear and play their way through learning

2 March, 2015

Tech Tuesday: Evernote with low-level literacy students

Using Evernote with low-level adult literacy students – a success story webinar.

18 November, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Google Chrome

Google Chrome – a web browser with apps and extensions

24 June, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Augmented Reality

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

Mozilla Open Badges Presentation (2014)

Open Badges, a new online standard launched in March 2013 by Mozilla, is open source, free software, which any organization…

18 February, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Use Apps in your literacy classroom

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

6 December 2012

Use Digital Technology (OALCF Sample Tasks)

This package of instructional resources was developed in 2012 and includes sample tasks and learning activities to support practitioners using…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Practitioner Guide to Workbooks 1 and 2

This practitioner guide gives tutors and instructors information and guidelines on how to use the workbooks and how to match…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Guide to Blended Learning

This resource is a guide to using a blended approach to learning. The guide focuses on bringing the best resources,…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Guide to Workforce Literacy

This guide provides background information on workforce literacy, ideas on program planning and examples of what other workforce-focused literacy agencies…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Workbook 2

This workbook helps learners explore employers’ expectations about reading, writing, and math on the job. They will read about the…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Workbook 1

This workbook allows learners to collect information about their employment goals and about the world of work. They identify skills…

18 June, 2024

Virtual Showcase: Planning a Lesson (PAL) project

In this showcase, we introduced the AlphaPlus PAL project.

10 July 2024

PAL – A Lesson Planning Companion

PAL is for LBS practitioners who seek to plan engaging lessons that help hone learner skills by purposefully integrating technology…

21 May, 2024

Virtual Showcase: AlphaPlus Open Educational Resources collection: What is OER…

In this showcase, we introduced the AlphaPlus OER collection.

24 March 2024

What is differentiated learning?

Read more about differentiated learning and possible activities to do with learners.

22 March 2024

What is disinformation? (activities to do with learners)

Read more about disinformation and possible activities to do with learners.

22 March 2024

How do computer basics fit into a blended learning cycle?

Where can I find computer basics lessons and activities that fit into a digital-skills blended-learning cycle?

20 March 2024

Open educational resources (OER) collection

Explore our fully vetted collection of workbooks, modules and activities that address a range of instructional topics.

23 January 2024

Creating a collaborative learning space

Learn how to use Google Slides to create activities that learners can do alongside each other individually or in groups.

12 December 2023

Winter Break Activities

Here are some activities that you can do with learners before or after the winter break.

28 November, 2023

Virtual Showcase: Using smartphones with learners

In this showcase, we discussed how smartphones are changing the way we learn, teach and use technology on a daily…

16 November, 2023

Community Gabfest: Games and gambits – keeping learning fun

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

4 December 2023

Online quizzes and formative assessment

What is formative assessment? An evaluation done during the learning process. It informs the learner and the instructor about what…

24 October, 2023

Virtual Showcase: Using texting to engage with learners 

Using social media to reach, teach and connect with learners and partners

19 October, 2023

Community Gabfest: Engaged Learners

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

21 September, 2023

Community Gabfest: Emergent curriculum

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

15 June, 2023

Community Gabfest: ChatGPT

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

25 May 2023

What is ChatGPT?

Information about ChatGPT and other AI tools and resources for educators.

25 May 2023

What is SAMR?

SAMR is a reflection tool that can help educators think about how digital technology integration is supporting learning.

25 May 2023

How can I empower learners with choice?

Being creative and finding engaging options for learners to explore inspires teachers and learners alike.

25 May 2023

What is a HyperDoc?

A HyperDoc is a digital document where all components of a learning cycle have been pulled together into one central…

11 May, 2023

Community Gabfest: Resources we love

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

26 April 2023

Where can I find computer basics lessons and activities?

A collection of resources to support learners trying to “catch up” on some foundational digital skills.

26 April 2023

What is Magic Write in Canva?

Have you heard about AI text generator in Canva? Simply start a Doc in Canva and use + symbol to…

13 April, 2023

Community Gabfest: Real Talk about Digital Justice

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

21 March 2023

Educator Network: Resources we love

A digital toolbox by and for Ontario literacy educators – blended learning resources, activities and tools that practitioners are recommending.

9 March, 2023

Community Gabfest: The Personal Web

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

9 February, 2023

Community Gabfest: The Best Program

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

12 January, 2023

Community Gabfest: Blended Learning *Aspirations

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

24 November, 2022

Community Gabfest: Learner Identity and Learning

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

15 November, 2022

Virtual Showcase: App-palooza!

Expanding learning and accessibility with mobile devices and apps.

27 October, 2022

Community Gabfest: Warm ups and Motivation

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

27 September, 2022

Community Gabfest: Learner Agency

Conversations. Come to one. Come to the series. But, always, come as you are.

18 October, 2022

Virtual Showcase: Should we Kahoot it?

Using game-based learning and quizzes for fun and quick learning activities.

1 October 2022

How can I build community in remote learning environments?

We created this resource with the Silver Linings Café participants in June 2020. We updated it in October 2022.

23 September 2022

What are Synchronous and Asynchronous learning?

Defintions: Designing blended learning often includes choosing when to use synchronous learning and when to use asynchronous learning for the…

13 September 2022

Blended Learning Collection

Our Position Paper on Blended Learning online and a collection of related resources.

12 August 2022

Blended learning delivery models

These models are the curriculum planning frameworks in action.

12 August 2022

Blended learning curriculum frameworks

The frameworks help us evaluate if the technology is enhancing, extending and/or transforming learning.

10 August 2022

Choice Boards and learner agency

Using Choice Boards as part of a blended learning approach can enhance opportunities for learner agency.

10 August 2022

Canvas How to’s

Canvas is a robust learning management system you can use for free.

10 August 2022

Jamboard Tip Sheet and samples

Jamboard is a whiteboard that has a free online version. Jamboard is closing down on December 31, 2024.

10 August 2022

Padlet Tip Sheet

Padlet is a mini interactive website where you can create online discussions and opportunities for collaborative learning.

10 August 2022

Answer Garden Tip Sheet

AnswerGarden is place where you can ask one short question online.

26 July 2022

Curated Resources: Create your own collection

We can help you collect and share resources with learners, staff or volunteers.

26 July 2022

Digital technology for learning website

Frameworks, approaches and theoretical foundations relevant to adult literacy.

26 July 2022

Curating Resources in Adult Literacy

Develop curation strategies for teaching and with learners.

26 July 2022

What is Reflective Practice?

Develop a reflective process that works for you and the people you work with.

14 June, 2022

Virtual Showcase: Using YouTube and TikTok videos to engage learners

Using YouTube and TikTok videos to engage learners

17 May, 2022

Virtual Showcase: Digitizing and organizing your activities and learner files

Digitizing and organizing your activities and learner files

18 December 2021

Remote Learning Resources

Resources to support a remote learning option for learners.

14 September, 2021

Virtual Showcase: LMS in LBS

LMS in LBS: Figuring out if a learning management system is the right fit for your program

17 August, 2021

Virtual Showcase: Digital resource collections

Digital resource collections: Extending learning and critical thinking beyond virtual meetings

20 July, 2021

Virtual Showcase: Online tools to the rescue

Online tools to the rescue: Engaging learners to collaborate together remotely

1 July 2021

From binders to HyperDocs

A HyperDoc is a teaching and learning tool that helps you organize content and instructional activities.

22 June, 2021

Virtual Showcase: Fighting the Zoombie fatigue

Fighting the Zoombie fatigue – making online learning more “human” for teachers & learners

22 June 2021

Virtual Showcases

Each session features guest presenters who share their approaches, strategies and tips followed by a Tech Q&A to explore some…

31 March 2021

Digital Technology Readiness

A resource for learners who are getting ready for post-secondary education. Plus some basics.

31 March 2021

Post-secondary digital skills readiness assessment

An assessment to determine whether learners are ready to use digital technology in post-secondary education.

28 January 2021

Resources for Online and Offline Learning

A collection of shareable, free and high-quality learning materials. 

4 January 2021

App Store Tips

Today, there are 2 million applications available in the App Store. That can make it tough to find the right…

2 December 2020

Blended Learning and the Four Cs in LBS

An infographic describing the four Cs of blended learning: creativity, communication, collaboration and using critical thinking skills to construct knowledge…

18 December 2018

Digital technology for personalized learning

See how digital technology can enhance an instructor\’s capacity to personalize learning for diverse groups.

13 February, 2018

Number Sense and Technology

In this webinar, we looked at research about number sense, some promising practices and how digital technology can support the…

13 March, 2018

What Is Blended Learning?

AlphaPlus staff worked with Audrey Gardner and Matthias Sturm on a paper that describes blended learning in literacy and basic…

12 December, 2017

Tested Tools to Add to Your Digital Toolbox in 2018

Learn about tools such as Padlet, Facebook Messenger, Prioritab, Google Keep and Protopage, and find out how you could use…

11 September, 2017

DLI Tech Tuesdays: Using Google Sites

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

10 October, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Creating and administering online assessments using Google Apps

Our guest presenter – Charlotte Parliament, Literacy and Essential Skills Program Coordinator at Simcoe County…

13 June, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Creating digital learner surveys using Google Forms

Guest presenter Charlotte Parliament, Literacy and Essential Skills Program Coordinator at Simcoe County District School…

11 April, 2017

Managing online resources with Diigo

Quickly find and manage online resources with bookmarking tool, Diigo Do you have a list of websites you want to…

9 May, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Supporting learners with online assessments and digital tools

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

21 February, 2017

Tech Tuesdays: Protopage (2017)

Protopage is a free and easy-to-use RSS reader, Internet start page and virtual desktop. If you have ever wished to…

14 February, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Digital Skills for Employment, Further Education Training &…

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

10 January, 2017

Tech Tuesday: Dropbox

This 2017 webinar provides an overview of Dropbox and how it can be used as an alternative for an internal…

14 March, 2017

Chromebooks Webinar

AlphaPlus technology coaches can give your old laptops new life with a Chromebooks makeover (part of the Chromium OS Conversion Project).…

12 February, 2013

What does it take to be a digitally-enabled teacher?

What does it take to be a digitally-enabled teacher? This 2013 presentation explores the characteristics, attitudes and skills of tech-savvy…

20 October, 2015

Tech Tuesdays: Reading and Writing with Google

Tech Tuesday: Reading and Writing with Google (guest presenter Danielle Gignac)

9 March, 2015

DLI Tech Tuesday: Using Evernote

DLI Tech Tuesday: Using Evernote with low-level adult literacy students – success story

11 October, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Smart Board

SMARTBoard – a closer look at SMART Exchange, Notebook, Notebook Express and SMART kapplack – a powerful instant messaging and…

12 April, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Quizlet

Use Quizlet to create online activities and tests.

6 December 2016

Sample PS – TRE Activity for Employment Goals

These Essential Skills Ontario (the Ontario anglophone stream organization from 1987 to 2015) sample activities were developed to introduce learners…

8 November, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Remind

Remind is a free communication platform for instructors and students. Remind allows instructors and learners to communicate through text without…

13 September, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Slack (2016)

 Slack is a powerful instant messaging and collaboration tool designed for teams that offers users a streamlined solution to manage email…

10 May, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Google Drive

Google Drive is a free service from Google. It that allows users to store files online and access them from anywhere…

14 June, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Apps for teaching and learning

Wondering where to find and how to use mobile Apps in your literacy program? In this 2016 webinar, we explore…

15 March, 2016

Tech Tuesday: Using Flubaroo

Using Flubaroo to quickly grade multiple-choice or fill-in-blank assignments in Google.

16 February, 2016

Tech Tuesdays: Google Apps for Education

Tech Tuesdays: Google Apps for Education (GAFE) in your literacy program

19 January, 2016

Tech Tuesdays: iPads

Tech Tuesdays: iPads in adult literacy class: benefits and challenges with guest presenters from Hamilton Literacy Council

15 December, 2015

Tech Tuesday: Canva

Tech Tuesday: Canva – easily create beautiful designs and graphics (2015)

25 November, 2015

DLI & AlphaPlus Milestones and digital technology Presentation

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

Tech Tuesday: Gamification

Tech Tuesday: Gamification and Technology motivating learners to overcome fear and play their way through learning

23 September, 2015

Tech Tuesday: Evernote Knowledge Sharing

Learners, instructors and coaches share how they use Evernote to manage resources and effectively support learners in a multi-level classroom.…

2 March, 2015

Tech Tuesday: Evernote with low-level literacy students

Using Evernote with low-level adult literacy students – a success story webinar.

18 November, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Google Chrome

Google Chrome – a web browser with apps and extensions

24 June, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Augmented Reality

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

26 March 2014

E-Learning on the Goal Paths

The E-Learning on the Goal Paths e-bulletin is focused on activities that instructors and learners can use to find information about each…

Mozilla Open Badges Presentation (2014)

Open Badges, a new online standard launched in March 2013 by Mozilla, is open source, free software, which any organization…

18 February, 2014

Tech Tuesday: Use Apps in your literacy classroom

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

10 April 2013

OALCF Goal Paths and E-learning

In this OALCF Goal Paths and E-learning e-bulletin form 2013, we take a look at the transitional competency requirements in each of…

6 December 2012

Use Digital Technology (OALCF Sample Tasks)

This package of instructional resources was developed in 2012 and includes sample tasks and learning activities to support practitioners using…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Practitioner Guide to Workbooks 1 and 2

This practitioner guide gives tutors and instructors information and guidelines on how to use the workbooks and how to match…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Guide to Blended Learning

This resource is a guide to using a blended approach to learning. The guide focuses on bringing the best resources,…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Guide to Workforce Literacy

This guide provides background information on workforce literacy, ideas on program planning and examples of what other workforce-focused literacy agencies…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Workbook 2

This workbook helps learners explore employers’ expectations about reading, writing, and math on the job. They will read about the…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Workbook 1

This workbook allows learners to collect information about their employment goals and about the world of work. They identify skills…

18 June, 2024

Virtual Showcase: Planning a Lesson (PAL) project

In this showcase, we introduced the AlphaPlus PAL project.

10 July 2024

PAL – A Lesson Planning Companion

PAL is for LBS practitioners who seek to plan engaging lessons that help hone learner skills by purposefully integrating technology…

23 September 2022

What are Synchronous and Asynchronous learning?

Defintions: Designing blended learning often includes choosing when to use synchronous learning and when to use asynchronous learning for the…

13 September 2022

Blended Learning Collection

Our Position Paper on Blended Learning online and a collection of related resources.

12 August 2022

Blended learning delivery models

These models are the curriculum planning frameworks in action.

12 August 2022

Blended learning curriculum frameworks

The frameworks help us evaluate if the technology is enhancing, extending and/or transforming learning.

26 July 2022

Digital technology for learning website

Frameworks, approaches and theoretical foundations relevant to adult literacy.

2 December 2020

Blended Learning and the Four Cs in LBS

An infographic describing the four Cs of blended learning: creativity, communication, collaboration and using critical thinking skills to construct knowledge…

13 March, 2018

What Is Blended Learning?

AlphaPlus staff worked with Audrey Gardner and Matthias Sturm on a paper that describes blended learning in literacy and basic…

31 March 2010

Skills at Work: Guide to Blended Learning

This resource is a guide to using a blended approach to learning. The guide focuses on bringing the best resources,…