Q: Why did we start this program of digital literacy courses?
A: It’s no secret that there is a growing digital divide in emerging markets, and the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence will further increase the gap in digital literacy. A training intervention is the need of the hour. This is why our online Lincoln School has embarked on creating an action plan for an impact project that focuses on reskilling Educators and enhancing their digital literacy.
This action plan is called Digital LEAP (Digital Literacy for Educators Action Plan)
Q: Which companies are supporting this entire program?
A: This project is being spearheaded by our Finnish company called Lincoln School Oy. We work very closely with The Finnish Embassy and with local partners to identify educators who are at risk of being left out of the current digital transformation in the education sector.
In addition to our Lincoln School, other Finnish companies that are members of the Helsinki Education Hub, Education Finland, and EdTech Finland will also be participating and contributing their expertise.
Q: Who are these digital literacy courses designed for?
A: These courses and digital literacy are designed for anyone who wants to learn new tools that are being used globally. These courses are especially helpful for Educators who want to elevate their classroom productivity and want to introduce their students to new techniques for doing their coursework.
Q: How long is each digital literacy course?
A: Each course is designed to run for one month, classes will be held twice a week, and each class will be 2 hours long (which means the participants will be engaged in 16 hours of learning for one month)
Q: Can a participant take multiple courses at the same time?
A: A participant is welcome to take as many courses as they wish.
Q: Who are the instructors of the digital literacy courses?
A: Each course is run by an instructor who has expertise in that particular topic. In addition, all of our instructors have gone through intensive training and have been certified in the dynamics of effectively conducting online classes. Our instructors encourage class participation and breakout sessions so you can practice what you have learned.
Q: How are the digital literacy courses structured (curriculum and pedagogy)?
A: Each course is taught with a live instructor. The course is divided into chapters, which are then segmented into topics. Each topic has the following sections:
– why should you learn this tool
– how to use this tool
– class assignments to experiment and learn how to operate this tool
Each topic also has additional videos that you can watch.
Its topic also has a quiz so that you can access how much you have learned.
Q: Will the participants be able to collaborate with each other in online breakout sessions?
A: Collaborative learning is at the heart of all of our online courses. Collaborative learning engages participants in breakout sessions in which they are on practical projects and exercises. There will be several breakout sessions in each course, and we encourage all participants to take full advantage of this opportunity and work with other online participants to complete their coursework. This will help participants effectively utilize that learning opportunity using digital tools.
Q: What will the participants accomplish after the completion of the digital literacy courses?
A: At the end of each course the participants would have accomplished the following:
– understood the digital tools relevance in the classroom
– understood how to use the digital tool to enhance productivity within the classroom
– experimented with several assignments on how to use the digital tool
– possessed the ability to teach others about this tool
Q: What is the cost of each course?
A: The cost of each course in the Digital LEAP initiative is US $66.
Q: What are the prerequisite skill sets required before a participant signs up for the digital literacy courses?
A: The prerequisite skills required from each participant are that they should know how to set up the internet, download apps, and sign up for different online educational services.
Q: What tools and technology should the participant have in order to successfully complete the course?
A: The participant should have a smart device with a large enough screen. PCs and laptops are excellent, and a tablet is also a viable option. Devices with smaller screens such as smartphones can also work however learning might be slightly limited.
Q: Does the participant get a certificate at the end of the digital literacy course?
A: All participants who complete the course receive a certificate endorsed by Lincoln School, Helsinki Education Hub, and Educational Alliance Finland. The certificate will be recognized by all participating organizations of the endorsers.
Q: Are these literacy courses available offline or is it only online?
A: Since the goal of the program is to promote digital literacy and facilitate collaborative learning of participants using digital tools, it makes sense to only have these classes available online.
Q: How many participants will be in each course?
A: Each course is designed to have the relevant number of participants so that we can facilitate breakout sessions and collaborative learning through group projects. This way of practical learning has proven extremely effective for participants. On average each course starts off with approximately 20 participants who are segmented into workgroups of 4-5 participants each.