This post is part of an eight-part series introducing the The B.C. Post-Secondary Digital Literacy Framework. Each post will provide ideas and resources for implementing one of the eight thematic digital competencies outlined in the framework. You can read more about the framework on the Digital Literacy: Tools and Resources for VIU blog post. We are happy to be working in collaboration with VIU Libraries on this blog post series.
What does Technology Supports mean?
From a technology supports perspective, a digitally literate person will explore new technologies with curiosity, have troubleshooting skills, and intentionally select appropriate tools for different tasks.
The B.C. Post-Secondary Digital Literacy Framework (p.6)
How can I implement this?
Use the VIU Suite of Tools: In addition to being FIPPA* compliant, faculty and student support for VIULearn, VIUTube and VIUBlogs is available via the CIEL.
- Using a VIULearn course shell also provides a consistent digital learning environment for your students.
If you are using another tool that is FIPPA* compliant, you can also consider its use using one or more of these frameworks to assess its usefulness in your context: SAMR, SECTIONS or TPACK.
Add the CIEL support email (learnsupport@viu.ca) to your VIULearn course shell and syllabus and let students know that they can come to us for help using VIULearn, VIUTube, VIUBlogs and Teams.
VIULearn Course Design
- Work with a member of the CIEL team to make sure your online course materials, assessments, and activities are accessible and inclusive.
- Refer to Designing for All: a toolkit for maximum digital impact for way so to make sure your VIULearn course shell is accessible.
Do not assume students will be proficient in tools such as Word and Excel. You can link to guides such as the ones provided by B.C. Digital Literacy for students who need some extra guidance.
Access Library Research support: VIU Library provides guides, workshops, and one-on-one consultations on citation management tools, research databases, and research data storage
Create a Tech Survey in VIULearn that asks students to share information about their digital literacy, access to technology and comfort level in digital spaces. We have created a survey that you can import directly into VIULearn. You can download it from OneDrive and import it into your course. Our Import Course Materials page will guide you through this process. We have also created a Word version of the survey.
Ensure Students have Access to Necessary Tech: Students can borrow laptops, chargers, headphones, calculators, and other equipment from the library to support their coursework
- Library resources include assistive technologies, alternative formats, and accessibility support to ensure equitable access to materials
The Library offers guidance on privacy considerations when using its online services
The Copyright Office provides guides and support to the VIU community regarding legally accessing media and managing digital rights, including options for open-access materials and fair use considerations.
*Contact learnsupport@viu.ca to learn more about why FIPPA is an important consideration when choosing a technology tool.
This page is part of a Digital Literacy Toolkit designed for faculty at VIU. All content in this toolkit is published under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY).