At this year’s BC TEAL Conference, Shayna Jepsen from Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) had the opportunity to join colleagues Kelly Clark (CBAL), Sarah-Ann Wijngaarden (Archway Community Services) and Vesna Radivojevic (New Language Solution) for a panel discussion on using Avenue with literacy and low-level language learners. Together, they explored an important question many instructors are asking: How do we build digital literacy skills when learners are still developing foundational language and literacy skills?
Shayna shared that working in rural British Columbia has taught her that digital literacy is language learning. Through CBAL’s LINC Online program, learners are supported across more than 77 rural and semi-rural communities throughout the Kootenay-Boundary region and beyond, covering a geographic area of more than 80,000 square kilometers. For many newcomers, attending an in-person class may require travelling long distances—sometimes over mountain passes – making online learning not simply a convenience, but their only viable option for language learning.
The presentation at BC TEAL focused on practical strategies for reducing overwhelm, building confidence, and helping learners develop the digital skills they need to participate fully in everyday life, from accessing services and applying for jobs to connecting with family and community
One of the key messages shared was that progress matters more than perfection. Both instructors and learners are navigating new technologies together, and meaningful learning often happens in the messy moments. By bringing our calm into chaos, embracing curiosity, celebrating small wins, and integrating digital literacy into everyday language tasks, we can create accessible learning environments that help learners build confidence, independence, and lasting skills. Most importantly, the session was a reminder of the value of collaboration. As the language sector navigates significant changes, it is our willingness to learn from one another, share ideas, and creatively solve challenges together that ensures newcomers can continue to access meaningful learning opportunities, regardless of where they live.
