Digital
Literacy Impact for ESL Students at our Literacy Center
Altadena
Library CONNECT*: December 2016
While
the foundations of adult literacy programs are to improve reading and
writing skills, these days it includes information literacy, financial
literacy, health literacy and digital literacy.
The
University Library of The University of Illinois defines digital literacy as:
“The ability to use digital technology, communication tools or networks to
locate, evaluate, use and create information.”
At
the Branch we strive to help our literacy learners with meeting a wide range of
literacy and informational needs. We have small group ESL classes that meet
Monday through Thursdays mornings. This Fall we were able to offer a 5 week
beginners computer class to our eager ESL students. The bilingual computer
instructors taught the students much needed computer skills. For the first
time, all the students were able to sign up for their own e-mail addresses, use
Word and practice typing, and learn how to search the Internet.
Many
had expressed that they had been intimidated by the computers and that with
this exposure, they had less fear and felt more comfortable using the
computers. The students took this opportunity to practice their skills at the
library during open hours.
Most of the students do not have a computer at home
and rely on the library for internet access. Many students have language
barriers to employment and lack proficiency in computer skills. With improved
computer skills, that is one less hurdle to overcome to seeking better
employment.
According
to ProLiteracy, an organization that
advocates for adult literacy, low literacy costs the US $225 Billion or more
each year in non-productivity in the workforce and a loss of revenue due to
unemployment. According to the World Bank, only 52.5% of adults reporting
lack of computer skills were employed, compared to 72.7%. The positive effects
of improved computer skills translates to improved self sufficiency and
improved work opportunities benefiting all aspects of the students’ lives.
Lucio,
a student from the class states, “Thanks to the personnel of the Bob Lucas Library for providing the much needed
computer classes. With the lessons they taught, I am able to practice on my own
and gain confidence working on the computer. In particular, I like to practice
my typing which helps me run my small business as a washing machine repair
man.”
