Why Technology Integration Matters

Building digital skills within meaningful, real-world learning

Digital skills are no longer optional for adult learners. They're essential for learning, working, accessing services, and fully participating in everyday life. Whether learners are navigating online job applications, using a smartphone to connect with their child's school, or completing a remote class assignment, digital literacy is part of their success.

Instructors don't need to be tech experts to make a big difference. What's needed is an intentional approach to integrating technology that teaches digital skills within the context of meaningful, real-world learning.

💡 Core Ideas

Digital inclusion is a matter of equity. Many adult learners face barriers to digital access, including lack of devices, low digital literacy, or limited internet access. Integrating tech instruction helps bridge that gap.

You can teach digital skills as part of academic content, not in isolation. For example, a lesson on writing can also involve using Google Docs, formatting, or collaborating online.

Start with what learners already use or want to use. Smartphones, email, online forms, messaging apps, and basic navigation are often the most immediately relevant starting points.

🛠️ Tips for Using Technology in Your Classes

📋 1. Use Everyday Tech Tasks as Lessons

Build lessons around tasks learners already want or need to do, such as writing an email or submitting an online form.
Example: In a reading class, ask learners to visit a real website to look up specific information.

📱 2. Leverage Smartphones

Many learners rely on smartphones more than computers. Teach how to use features like text-to-speech, translation, or voice typing.
Develop activities that use phone apps like text messages, search tools, translators, or notes.

🖱️ 3. Model and Narrate Every Click

Adult learners benefit from hearing and seeing each step. Say aloud what you're doing when navigating digital tools: "I'm clicking here to open the next tab," or "This icon takes us to the main menu."
Screen share if remote, or display a projection if in person.

🤝 4. Integrate Digital Collaboration

If teaching online, use shared documents (Google Docs) or polls to build in low-risk ways to participate digitally.
Create low-stakes opportunities for learners to practice everyday communication in digital spaces, such as participating in the chat, using the "raised hand" feature, and muting/unmuting themselves.

🔄 5. Create and Reuse Routines

Set up classroom tech routines like logging in, saving work, or checking messages. Repetition builds confidence.
Focus on just a few digital tools and use them consistently. Prioritize quality and comfort over variety.

🔒 6. Teach Digital Safety & Navigation

Incorporate basic lessons on privacy, passwords, and identifying scams.
Use real-world examples (like phishing emails or pop-ups) to build awareness and critical thinking.

💭 Food for Thought

Think about your own comfort level with technology.

What challenges do you anticipate when helping learners use digital tools?
What digital skills do you use regularly that your learners may need too?
What one small thing could you do to build digital literacy into a lesson this week?

🤔 Reflection Activity

Think about one of your current or upcoming lessons and explore how you could deliver or enhance it using a digital tool.

What digital skill(s) could naturally be integrated?
What would success look like for learners with limited tech experience?
What supports (e.g., visuals, modeling, peer help) would you need to provide?

📚 Continue Learning

To learn more about integrating technology into your classes, we recommend completing the Pathway Program: Digital Skills pathway.