Research/Report
Author(s): Anne Pyzocha and Sylvia Boateng, Philadelphia Office of Children and Families, Adult Education Division
During the COVID-19 pandemic, The City of Philadelphia, like many literacy providers across the country, quickly discovered that a significant number of residents needed support learning about digital skills. When faced with these computer-based tasks, many residents lacked the ability to navigate them with confidence. And while many aspects of life today have nearly returned to a pre-pandemic rhythm, the work around digital equity has only gained more momentum. Based on lessons learned over the past 9 months of programming in 2023, the Office of Children and Families, Adult Education has key recommendations for literacy providers looking to provide basic digital skills for adult learners: build partnerships with organizations that serve atypical learning locations and meet learners where they already are, both physically and skills-wise.