Batchelor Institute and Literacy for Life Foundation (LFLF) have continued its successful digital literacy program in Tennant Creek located in remote Northern Territory (NT), with more than 27 students enrolled into the Certificate I in workplace skills focusing on TEC units (Digital literacy) in 2023.
The program, which is now funded by the NT Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT), was first delivered in 2022 to more than 30 students. It was so successful that it was requested to be delivered again based on positive feedback from students and coordinators. This year, the program is being delivered to 27 students, with more students expected to participate in the coming months.
Digital literacy is essential for people in remote communities to be able to access the growing range of digital services that are available. This program is helping to ensure that people from these communities are well equipped to use computers and other digital devices to support their everyday tasks.
The program covers a range of topics, including using digital devices safely, exploring the internet effectively, preparing resumes, identifying and documenting current skills, and planning future skills development. It also includes a significant focus on cybersecurity awareness.
In addition to the core topics of digital literacy, the 2023 course provided a brief introduction to the rise of Artificial Intelligence using Chat GPT as an example. Ethical concerns, advantages and disadvantages were also discussed.
This program can be delivered by Batchelor Institute lecturers all throughout the NT. It is open to all adults who are interested in improving their digital literacy skills. The lecturers who deliver the program have said that it has been a wonderful experience for all involved.
"The students showed enthusiasm and participated in all the classroom activities with gusto," said Business Lecturer Mrs. Davis. "Most of them have 100% attendance which was great to see. I believe the workshop was a resounding success."
"It was an amazing experience to see students' faces light up," said Business Lecturer Mr. Grewal. "They were so focused on learning new skills and excited about hands-on experience."
Batchelor Institute is committed to ensuring that people from remote communities are well equipped to use computers and other digital devices to support their everyday tasks such as internet banking, accessing Centrelink services, making appointments, and providing further education opportunities.
The digital literacy program is a valuable resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders’ people in remote NT communities. It is helping to ensure that these communities are not left behind in the digital age. Batchelor Institute looks forward to continuing this successful partnership with the DITT and LFLF to support more remote students in the years to come.
For more information about the any of the courses offered by Batchelor Institute please contact:
Free call: 1800 677 095