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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, January 10, 2014 | 6 It's important to be literate -- in technology You cannot get by in the world without literacy skills -- and today, the literacy experts will tell you that includes uency with technology. Last fall, the Oakville Public Library penned a column in this newspaper saying it is dedicated to promoting 21st century literacy skills -- which includes assisting members of the community in growing their digital and media literacy. Now, as we read today's guest column, the Oakville Literacy Council has taken up the same philosophy and is partnering with the public library to deliver technology skills. Children absorb the technology that surrounds them and accept it as a currency of the new world they have recently entered. Students, too, have the opportunity to enhance their digital skills and knowledge within a variety of learning environments. Adults, however, may be on their own to get a grip on technological advances or have to learn through their workplace environments and on-thejob training opportunities. Digital literacy may be even more dif cult for those who are not in the workforce, not exposed to technology, don't have the funds to dabble or spent most of their lives in a world that pre-dated the Information Age. In days past, it was seen that one couldn't function in life without being able to read, now the same applies to being able to use technology. A very high proportion of Canadians engage with information and communications technology, compared to other developed countries, according to a new study conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The study is a product of the OECD Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Here are a few facts from the Statistics Canada 2010 report, Intensity of Internet Use in Canada and Ontario Literacy Coalition 2010 report on Digital Literacy and Essential Skills. · About 80 per cent of jobs are now listed online -- those outside the digital bubble are increasingly at risk of being cut off · More than half of today's jobs require technology skills, and it is estimated nearly 80 per cent of jobs in the next decade will require digital skills · Nearly 48 per cent of Canadians score at level one or two on the ve-level prose literacy scale, and do not have the digital literacy skills to fully participate in the economy As a result of this digitization, `of ine' Canadians are missing out on opportunities in education, healthcare and employment. No one should miss out on the opportunities around them. We applaud the local library and literacy council for providing means to get those ofine people, online for opportunity. For more information, visit www.opl.ca or oakvilleliteracy.ca. Editorial F R O S T B I T E "Connected to your Community" 447 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 52 | Number 5 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor A handful of people ventured out onto the frozen section of Bronte Harbour to get in some ice shing for rainbow and brown trout. Here, Allen Czerwinski works two shing poles, while staying warm with multiple layers including a survival suit. Always check the thickness of the ice before venturing out. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production Guest Column SANDY PARE MARK DILLS Today literacy includes technology In today's technology-rich world, knowing how to use a computer is essential. That's why Oakville Literacy Council (OLC) is introducing a smallgroup, basic computer class for adults to improve their skills. "Becoming familiar with computers has a tremendous impact on a person's life," said Ann Bowman, OLC President. "These skills help people nd jobs and retrain. Even looking and applying for jobs requires computer skills. Paper job applications barely exist anymore." Bowman also said being at ease with computers removes geographical barriers. Learning how to use email, for example, enables people to stay in touch with friends and family members. The course will cover all the basics, including keyboarding, the Windows® operating system, MicrosoftWord®, le management, email, and internet searching. Classes are two hours each and run for 10 weeks. A daytime and evening option is available, and the fee is $100, including a handbook. "This is a logical step forward for us," Bowman said. "Teaching computer literacy is another way to get people `Learning for Life,' and it is something our volunteer tutors have already been doing on a one-to-one basis with some of our reading, writing, and math students. Now we are widening our reach and tailoring our programs to the needs of even more adults through small group classes." A very high proportion of Canadians engage with information and communications technology, compared to other developed countries according to a new study conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The study is a product of the OECD Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). Participants of the Oakville Literacy computer class may attend a course at either the Central or Iroquois Ridge branch of the Oakville Public Library. Charlotte Meissner, library CEO, says OLC is the perfect partner. "It's nice to be able to partner with a community organization that shares our mission to encourage lifelong learning and give people a comfortable, engaging setting where they can develop their skills. We are always happy to see our computer labs used by more people in Oakville." OLC is a charitable organization providing personalized tutoring to adults in reading, writing, and math. To learn more, call 905-469-8528, visit oakvilleliteracy.ca, or follow OLC on Facebook or Twitter (@OakLiteracy). "We hope people will take advantage of this chance to build essential skills," said Bowman. 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