Our Bridge to Digital Learning initiative provides adult literacy students and tutors with access to technology, internet and training/support/resources to make digital learning possible. There are 3 legs to the Bridge “stool” -- a) partnering with organizations that can safely provide technology, internet and support for digital tutoring; b) training and support for tutors and development of resources and strategies for effective digital teaching; c) provision of used technology and support/instruction to access internet for remote instruction (includes used device drive).
Recent studies performed internationally regarding adult competencies found that six out of ten adults in the US, of ages 18-65, perform at or below the lowest proficiency levels with solving problems in tech-rich environments. That’s about 118 million people. This includes competencies like acquiring and evaluating information, using technology to communicate with others effectively, and performing practical tasks. These studies showcase the need for increased tech integration in adult literacy education.
Thanks to the Bridge initiative, students are also learning valuable digital and literacy literacy skills for independence in this new virtual world — to do online job search, to help their children with online schoolwork, to register online for a doctor’s appointment, and to complete online applications for financial assistance. When adults are equipped with the basic skills and training to acquire good jobs, they have the power to lift themselves up and bring about positive change for their families and our communities.
This initiative is being supported by the invaluable in-kind contributions of a team of Information Technology volunteers, in-kind gifts of used devices from community members and businesses, and generous funding from the Cares Act, Community Foundation of the NRV, and Corning Incorporated Foundation.
Our community needs free adult literacy services now more than ever. Literacy was a challenge before but it has been exacerbated by the pandemic. New data released in April 2020 revealed that 24,000 New River Valley adults struggle with basic reading and 38,000 adults cannot perform basic math calculations.
We sure do miss face-to-face tutoring but this initiative is helping our community bridge the digital divide and helping adults increase digital skills, confidence and ability to navigate our new virtual world.
