Resources

 TechSafe Workplace Harassment and Technology Safety Resources

TechSafe is an online resource hub from the BC Society of Transition Houses that focuses on technology safety, privacy, cyberviolence, and technology-facilitated abuse. The collection helps users understand how digital tools can be misused through cyberstalking, online harassment, device monitoring, image sharing, and other privacy-related risks. The materials are written in accessible language and can be used to strengthen awareness of safer technology practices, personal privacy, and online communication.

This resource:

•        Offers guides and safety tips related to passwords, devices, social media, online accounts, and privacy settings

•        Explains technology-facilitated abuse, cyberstalking, cyberviolence, and online harassment

•        Provides printable safety plans, handouts, videos, and educational materials

•        Builds understanding of digital consent, privacy risks, image sharing, and safe online communication

•        Helps users recognize unsafe online behaviour and take steps to protect personal information

•        Reinforces digital literacy instruction related to online safety, privacy awareness, and technology-facilitated abuse prevention

This resource can be used in digital literacy, online safety, and community support settings to help learners understand digital privacy risks, recognize technology-related abuse, and develop safer habits when using devices and online platforms.

 Bridging the Digital Divide: Supporting Adult Learners with Low Digital Literacy

This ABC Life Literacy Canada article examines the barriers that can prevent adults from developing digital literacy skills and explores the role literacy organizations can play in promoting digital inclusion. It discusses common challenges such as limited access to technology, low confidence, lack of support, and the rapid pace of technological change. The article also highlights why digital literacy is increasingly important for employment, communication, learning, and participation in everyday life.

This article:

•        Examines common barriers faced by adults with low digital literacy skills

•        Highlights the importance of accessible, inclusive digital skills training

•        Explores how digital literacy affects employment, communication, learning, and daily tasks

•        Identifies ways literacy organizations and instructors can help learners build confidence with technology

•        Encourages learner-centred approaches that recognize different comfort levels, needs, and starting points

•        Raises awareness of the growing need for foundational digital skills in an increasingly online world

This article can be used to support professional learning, program planning, and discussions about digital inclusion for adult learners with low digital literacy skills.

 How Strong Digital Literacy Skills Can Keep You Safe Online

This ABC Life Literacy Canada article explores the connection between digital literacy and online safety. It explains how stronger digital skills can help individuals recognize scams, protect personal information, create safer passwords, and make informed decisions when using websites, email, social media, online banking, and other digital tools. The article is useful for helping learners understand that digital literacy is not only about using technology, but also about using it safely and critically.

This article:

•        Explains how digital literacy skills contribute to safer internet use

•        Identifies common online risks, including scams, phishing attempts, suspicious websites, and unsafe links

•        Outlines strategies for protecting passwords, accounts, and personal information

•        Encourages critical thinking when evaluating online messages, websites, and digital content

•        Highlights safety considerations related to email, social media, online shopping, and online banking

•        Reinforces the importance of confidence, caution, and informed decision-making in digital environments

This article can be used in digital literacy, online safety, and fraud prevention instruction to help learners understand how everyday technology skills can reduce risk and support safer online participation.

 Barriers to Digital Literacy for Older Adults: Bridging the Digital Divide

Barriers to Digital Literacy for Older Adults: Bridging the Digital Divide is a webinar from Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program that examines the barriers older adults may face when developing digital skills. Drawing on current research, the session explores how health challenges, privacy concerns, fear of scams, financial limitations, limited access to technology, and lack of technical support can affect digital participation. The webinar also highlights strategies for building digital confidence and introduces Connected Canadians as a program that helps older adults strengthen technology skills.

This webinar:

•        Defines digital literacy and explains its importance for older adults’ independence, health, social connection, and access to services

•        Examines barriers such as physical and cognitive changes, limited support networks, financial constraints, accessibility challenges, and lack of confidence

•        Discusses concerns related to online safety, privacy, identity theft, scams, and digital fraud

•        Explores how family members, community organizations, libraries, care settings, and intergenerational learning can help older adults build digital skills

•        Highlights the role of digital literacy in accessing healthcare, government services, online banking, social connection, and community participation

•        Identifies strategies such as tailored instruction, adaptive tools, hands-on learning, user-friendly design, and ongoing support

•        Introduces Connected Canadians’ programs and services for helping older adults build digital confidence and resilience

•        Offers useful information for educators, service providers, caregivers, and community organizations working to improve digital inclusion for older adults

This webinar can be used in professional learning, program planning, and community outreach to help practitioners better understand the digital literacy needs of older adults and identify strategies for supporting safer, more confident technology use.

 How to Spot and Avoid Scams: A Guide to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

How to Spot and Avoid Scams: A Guide to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is a video from The Smith Investigation Agency featuring founder and CEO Whitney Smith. The video gives viewers a practical screen-share tour of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website and shows how to find information about current and emerging scams. Drawing on her experience as a professional investigator, Smith explains common scam tactics, highlights the importance of reporting fraud, and encourages viewers to share scam awareness information with family members, friends, and vulnerable community members.

This video:

•        Demonstrates how to navigate the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website to find information on current scams and fraud trends

•        Highlights scam types such as romance investment scams, cryptocurrency fraud, fixed-income scams, Ponzi schemes, and phishing text messages

•        Identifies red flags in fraudulent messages, including mismatched logos, suspicious links, unusual wording, and requests for personal or financial information

•        Reinforces safe online behaviours, such as avoiding unknown links, verifying website legitimacy, and refusing to share banking information through unsolicited messages

•        Discusses why fraud is often underreported, including the shame, embarrassment, and stigma experienced by victims

•        Encourages reporting suspected scams to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre to help warn and protect others

This video can be used in digital literacy, online safety, and fraud awareness programming to help learners recognize scam tactics, use the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre as a trusted resource, and understand the importance of reporting suspected fraud.

 Overcoming Technological Fear and Resistance

Overcoming Technological Fear and Resistance is an episode of the Digital ATDN TechCast podcast series, which explores digital literacy, technology integration, and digital resilience in adult education. Hosted by Brianna Patriarca, this episode features a conversation with three adult education practitioners about the fear, hesitation, and uncertainty that can arise when educators are expected to use new technologies in their teaching. The discussion focuses on how limited exposure to technology, rapid digital change, and pressure to keep up with new tools can affect educator confidence.

This podcast:

•        Explores common reasons adult educators may experience fear or resistance when using technology

•        Highlights how limited previous exposure to digital tools can affect confidence in today’s technology-rich classrooms

•        Encourages educators to model a growth mindset by showing learners that mistakes are a normal part of learning technology

•        Recommends setting small, manageable learning goals instead of trying to master several tools at once

•        Discusses practical ways to build digital skills, including using YouTube videos, webinars, podcasts, online searches, and AI tools

•        Reinforces the importance of helping learners recognize online risks and practise safe digital habits

This podcast can be used for practitioner professional development, especially with educators who are building their own digital confidence while supporting adult learners in developing technology skills and online safety awareness.

 TiHS Episode 43: Sampada Kukade – What Can Digital Transformation Look Like If You Have Support?

TiHS Episode 43: Sampada Kukade – What Can Digital Transformation Look Like If You Have Support? is a podcast episode from the Technology in Human Services series. The episode features Sampada Kukade, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Engagement at Skills for Change, a Toronto-based settlement and employment organization. Using Skills for Change’s participation in CanadaHelps’ Charity Growth Academy as a case study, the conversation explores how nonprofits can approach digital transformation when they have access to structured support, planning, and sector-specific guidance. The episode also discusses digital equity challenges affecting newcomer clients, including access to devices, internet connectivity, and digital literacy skills.

This podcast:

•        Presents a real-world example of a settlement organization strengthening its digital capacity with external support

•        Explores how digital transformation can be embedded into organizational strategy, leadership planning, and service delivery

•        Discusses change management, staff engagement, digital champions, and long-term organizational capacity building

•        Examines digital equity barriers faced by newcomer clients, including limited device access, internet affordability, and varying digital skill levels

•        Highlights the value of communities of practice, shared learning, and sector-wide knowledge mobilization

•        Offers insights for nonprofit leaders, practitioners, and funders supporting organizations at different stages of digital transformation

This podcast can be used for professional learning with settlement, employment, literacy, and nonprofit organizations interested in digital inclusion, organizational change, and building sustainable digital capacity.