Resources

 TTSReader

TTSReader is an AI-powered text-to-speech platform that converts text, webpages, and documents into natural-sounding speech with the option to export audio files. Key features of the platform include:

·       AI-based voice synthesis, including expressive premium voices, to produce clear and natural audio from pasted text, uploaded documents, or URLs

·       Built-in text highlighting and auto-scrolling for read-along functionality that enhances accessibility, proofreading, and multitasking

·       A one-click export option for generating MP3 or WAV files, with full commercial usage rights retained by users

·       Unlimited use of standard voices, with access to premium AI voices available through a free trial or pay-as-you-go credit system

TTSReader uses AI voice synthesis to make content more accessible and versatile. It supports reading, learning, and content creation through high-quality speech output available in both free and premium formats.

 Want to Use AI as a Career Coach? Use These Prompts

This article, published in April 2025 in Harvard Business Review, outlines seven effective ways to apply generative AI for personal career coaching. It identifies key domains where AI can serve as a career development tool and provides practical prompts to guide its use in areas such as:

·       Career clarity & direction

·       Resume & LinkedIn optimization

·       Job search strategy

·       Interview prep

·       Leadership coaching

·       Personal branding

·       Resolving everyday workplace issues

This resource demonstrates how generative AI can function as an accessible, prompt-based career coach, providing individualized support across planning, resume development, interview practice, branding, and workplace navigation when guided by well-crafted prompts.

 ABC Connect for Learning

ABC Connect for Learning is a free online learning platform that helps adult learners develop digital literacy and foundational skills for work, learning, and everyday life. Through self-directed modules, videos, and interactive activities, learners can build confidence using technology while developing the skills needed to participate safely and effectively in online environments.

This platform:

•        Offers free digital literacy learning modules and interactive activities

•        Builds foundational computer, internet, and digital communication skills

•        Introduces beginner-friendly lessons focused on online safety and digital navigation

•        Provides flexible, self-paced learning opportunities that accommodate a variety of learning needs and schedules

•        Equips instructors and literacy practitioners with accessible teaching and learning resources

•        Encourages learners to develop confidence and independence when using digital tools and technology

The platform offers a variety of interactive learning activities, instructional videos, and downloadable resources that can be used independently or incorporated into literacy and upgrading programs.

 ABC Connect for Learning: Resources

ABC Connect for Learning: Resources is an online library of free digital literacy materials designed to help adult learners strengthen foundational technology skills. The collection brings together instructional guides, learner activities, videos, and practical resources that focus on online communication, internet safety, digital navigation, and participation in everyday online environments.

This resource library:

•        Offers downloadable digital literacy materials and learner activities

•        Introduces topics related to internet safety, online communication, and digital participation

•        Builds confidence for beginner digital learners through accessible, practical resources

•        Provides ready-to-use activities for instructors working in literacy and upgrading programs

•        Features learning supports designed for adult education and community-based learning environments

•        Strengthens foundational digital skills, including online navigation and safe technology use

The resource library can be used to support classroom instruction, self-directed learning, and learner engagement in digital literacy programs.

 Digital Literacy Modules

Literacy Link South Central’s Digital Literacy Modules are a comprehensive collection of free learning materials designed to help adult learners build foundational technology skills. The modules can be used individually or as a full curriculum, making them useful for both structured classroom instruction and flexible, learner-directed digital skills development. Topics range from basic computer use and internet navigation to online safety, digital communication, online forms, online banking, and evaluating online information.

This resource:

•        Offers free digital literacy modules that can be used individually or as a complete curriculum

•        Builds foundational skills in computer use, internet navigation, email, online forms, and digital communication

•        Addresses online safety topics such as passwords, spam, computer viruses, personal information, and digital footprints

•        Includes practical modules on everyday digital tasks, such as online banking, online shopping, using Zoom, WhatsApp, calendars, cloud storage, and USB drives

•        Provides materials in multiple formats, including PDF, Word, and interactive versions for selected modules

•        Features adapted resources for Francophone populations and learners with diverse learning needs

•        Includes curriculum planning tools, a suggested order of topics, glossary materials, and practitioner supports

The modules offer flexible, ready-to-use materials that can help literacy practitioners plan digital skills instruction while supporting learners as they build confidence using technology safely and independently.

 Digital Skills Guide

Get Started: Digital is a learner-friendly guide from UP Skills for Work that introduces adult learners to the importance of digital skills for work, learning, and daily life. Written in clear, accessible language, the guide explains what digital skills are, why they matter, and why learning new technology can sometimes feel stressful. It uses practical examples, reflection questions, and simple activities to help learners identify the digital skills they want to build and create a plan for continued learning.

This guide:

•        Introduces digital skills through everyday examples, including computers, smartphones, tablets, scanners, printers, and workplace devices

•        Explains how digital skills are used at work, at home, and in daily communication

•        Helps learners reflect on their comfort level with technology and identify devices they already use

•        Addresses common barriers to learning digital skills, including stress, fear of making mistakes, and lack of confidence

•        Encourages learners to set personal goals and focus on digital skills that matter to them

•        Includes learner activities, self-checks, reflection questions, examples, and discussion prompts

•        Reinforces practical learning strategies such as starting with simple tasks, asking for help, practising regularly, and making a learning plan

The guide is available as a downloadable PDF and can be used in literacy, upgrading, and workforce preparation programs to introduce beginner digital learners to technology in a supportive and accessible way. It also includes a video:

 DigitalSmarts

DigitalSmarts is a free digital literacy workshop program developed by MediaSmarts in partnership with YWCA Canada to support under-represented groups in building practical digital skills. The program consists of eight one-hour workshops organized into three skill levels: Discover, Explore, and Navigate. Each workshop combines facilitator-led instruction, hands-on activities, videos, and practice materials that can be adapted for community-based learning environments.

This resource:

•        Offers eight structured, one-hour workshops designed to teach everyday digital skills

•        Organizes learning into three levels: Discover, Explore, and Navigate

•        Introduces beginner skills such as visiting websites, using search engines, creating accounts, and completing online forms

•        Addresses online safety topics, including privacy, security, malware, cyberstalking, and safe sharing of personal information

•        Explores practical online tasks such as job searching, shopping, banking, social media use, and managing screen time

•        Builds critical thinking skills through activities focused on evaluating online information, searching effectively, and verifying sources

•        Equips facilitators with free workshop materials, including PowerPoint slideshows, scripts, practice sheets, worksheets, videos, and handouts

DigitalSmarts can be used by literacy programs, community organizations, and facilitators seeking ready-to-use materials that promote digital inclusion, online safety, critical thinking, and confident participation in digital environments.

 Learning Tool

Learning Tool is a free online collection of digital literacy guides and tutorials from TechGuides, an organization that offers workshops on digital safety, online privacy, and AI literacy for seniors, families, and community members in Toronto. The platform is designed to help learners build confidence with everyday technology by offering clear, practical guidance on using devices, websites, online services, and digital communication tools.

This platform:

•        Introduces learners to common digital tools, online services, and technology concepts

•        Builds beginner skills for navigating websites, using devices, and participating online

•        Demonstrates practical uses of internet-based tools, communication apps, and online platforms

•        Encourages independent and self-directed digital learning through clear tutorials and guides

•        Helps learners strengthen confidence when using technology for daily tasks

•        Offers accessible instructional materials that can be useful for adult learners, older adults, families, and community-based programs

The platform can be used for independent learning or as a teaching resource in digital literacy programs that focus on practical technology use, online safety, and confidence building.

 How to Identify Fake Online Jobs

This Settlement.Org resource helps job seekers recognize fraudulent online job postings and avoid employment-related scams. Written with newcomers in mind, it explains how scammers may use job boards, social media groups, text messages, and fake company identities to collect personal information or steal money. The resource offers practical warning signs, verification tips, and next steps for people who may have been targeted by an online employment scam.

This resource:

•        Identifies common warning signs of fake online jobs, including vague postings, suspicious recruiters, and companies with little or no online presence

•        Encourages job seekers to research recruiters, verify company information, and compare wages before applying

•        Explains why job offers received by text message, social media, or messaging apps should be treated with caution

•        Highlights red flags such as requests for payment, cryptocurrency, gift cards, personal banking information, or equipment purchases

•        Reinforces safe job search practices, including checking official company websites and asking trusted people or employment supports for advice

•        Outlines steps to take after a scam, such as changing passwords, contacting financial institutions, and reporting fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

This resource can be used in employment readiness, digital literacy, and online safety programming to help learners evaluate job opportunities more carefully and protect themselves during an online job search.

 Safely Applying for Jobs Online

Safely Applying for Jobs Online is a Skills for Success curriculum resource from Community Literacy of Ontario designed for adult learners in Ontario’s Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program. Created for learners with Level 2 skills, the resource helps them recognize job-posting scams and apply for jobs online more safely. It focuses on common employment-related scams and gives learners practical strategies for protecting their personal and financial information during the online job search process.

This resource:

•        Introduces common online job scams, including fake job listings, fake cheque scams, phishing emails, data entry scams, and online reshipping scams

•        Builds awareness of warning signs learners may encounter while searching and applying for jobs online

•        Strengthens learners’ ability to evaluate job postings, emails, and online employment opportunities more critically

•        Reinforces safe practices for sharing personal information during the job application process

•        Connects digital literacy, reading, writing, and employment readiness skills through practical learning activities

•        Offers curriculum materials designed for adult learners working at Level 2

The resource is available as a downloadable curriculum PDF in English and French and can be used in LBS, Get SET, employment readiness, and digital literacy programming to support safer online job searching.