Celebrating Adult Literacy Awareness Week 2016
Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (ETB) with Waterford Library Services saw Mayor John Hearne launch a Digital Literacy Project called ‘Keep Calm and Love Learning’ in Central Library, Waterford City.
This Digital Literacy Project will invite adult learners from across Waterford County and City Adult Learning Centres to blog about their experiences of learning as an adult. The aim of this project is to empower learners to express personal stories in their own words and to inspire other adults to join an adult education course.
In the OECD’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) 10% of Irish adults said they had no computer experience. In the 21st century, it is important to be literate with technology. The Internet is a way for people to network and learn new things, but also a potential barrier to further educational and work opportunities.
Finding work can be hard for adults with no digital literacy skills. At a very basic level, most job applications are now submitted online without ever using a piece of paper. Not knowing how to use a computer severely limits a person’s ability to find work.
Waterford and Wexford ETB Adult Literacy Centres provide a range of digital literacy classes for adults including introduction to technology, computer skills, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, and internet skills. Many of the classes include using social media for learning and teaching giving students the skills to participate in modern life. Waterford Library Services provide additional support for learners who return to education.
Learners attending classes with Waterford and Wexford Education Board are learning the Digital literacy skills that are required in the modern workplace and education environments.
For information with regard to Adult Literacy Classes please contact Joann Power in Waterford City (joannpower@wwetb.ie), Emma Coles in Tramore (emmatobin@wwetb.ie) and Nicola Hanlon In Dungarvan at nicolamccarthyhanlon@wwetb.ie.
