BSTEM Digital Literacy Program

Program Overview

The BSTEM Digital Literacy Program is the result of the adopted belief that digital literacy training and development is an integral part of becoming a self-sufficient and contributing member of our society. As the world continues to evolve into a more technologically dependent environment, learners will need to be increasingly proficient in digital concepts and tasks.

BSTEM Academy defines digital literacy as a person’s ability to perform tasks in a digital or technology driven environment. The BSTEM Digital Literacy Program was created to increase the digital literacy skills of various learner populations who may suffer from technological disadvantages due to economic, social, or environmental deterrents or deficiencies. The program is designed for learners of all ages and for those with varying levels of capacities and proficiencies in the digital functioning world.

Program Goals

The overarching goal of the BSTEM Digital Literacy Program is to provide learners with the digital knowledge and skills needed to use technology for living, learning, and working. In addition, the BSTEM Digital Literacy Program is designed to create opportunities for learners to:

1.     Discover how digital literacy is relevant to productive civic engagement and participation

2.     Enhance basic technology skills

3.     Introduce learners to computer software programs and applications

4.     Increase abilities to effectively use and create technology to solve complex problems

5.     Engage in digital activities that increase knowledge and skillsets needed to complete personal and professional tasks

6.     Increase awareness of appropriate digital soft skills and etiquette in the workplace

7.     Utilize digital literacy knowledge towards personal and professional betterment

Program Structure

As society continues to evolve into an increasingly digitally driven environment, the ability to access, understand, and utilize technology is ever growing. As such, digital literacy is a necessity to survive and thrive in our world. Whether an individual is a primary, secondary, or post-secondary student, a new executive, a retired professional, an individual in the midst of a career change, or someone re-entering the workforce, a necessary form of communication will be in the form of technology. As well, in order to perform many, if not the majority, of the professional, educational, and life tasks needed to be a functioning citizen, an individual will need to be digitally literate.

To address these needs, the BSTEM Digital Literacy Program follows a multi-tiered framework that meets individuals where they are in life. The program addresses individual learner needs and matures in scope and depth as each learner enhances his or her digital literacy skills.

Program Curriculum

The BSTEM Digital Literacy Program offers goal-centric and learner-driven content with links to other online and offline resources and systems. The content is customizable, flexible, and shareable across different programs and digital platforms. Additionally, the BSTEM Digital Literacy Program can be adapted to meet program specific objectives.

Program Benefits

The BSTEM Digital Literacy Program will offer individuals learning opportunities that will prepare them for living, learning, and working in a digital world. This program will create generous economic and social benefits for all participants. Additionally, program participants will increase possibilities and options for enhanced learning, employment, and overall life enjoyment.

The BSTEM Digital Literacy Program also provides benefits on the local, state, and national levels as well:

•  Bridging the digital divide that exists among various citizen populations
• Increasing the capacities of individuals to innovate technologies and solve complex problems
• Creating a space for digital content creation
• Supporting the growth of our nation’s information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure