*** Libraries Tasmania have elected to cancel the Community Forum and undertake one-on-one engagements, and will be in contact with those who have registered. If you did not register but are interested in this funding opportunity, please contact Chelsea Payne (chelsea.payne@libraries.tas.gov.au) at Libraries Tasmania directly. ***
Libraries Tasmania is seeking to work with community organisations active in improving digital inclusion outcomes by providing funding to deliver targeted digital skills support for parents and carers experiencing digital disadvantage and facing barriers to engaging with and supporting their children’s online learning.
TasCOSS is pleased to facilitate an online discussion that brings together organisations experienced in, and capable of, delivering digital access and literacy programs. Libraries Tasmania will present on its project to enable families and carers to support their child’s digital learning, as part of the Digital Inclusion for 21st Century Learners initiative of the Department for Education Children and Young People, followed by an open discussion to share your experiences developing and delivering digital inclusion programs, what has worked for you, and how to address identified areas of need.
To register to attend the Community Forum, please complete the short registration form below. Alternatively, please contact Chelsea Payne (chelsea.payne@libraries.tas.gov.au) at Libraries Tasmania if you wish to arrange a meeting separately.
We encourage you to share this invitation with individuals and organisations you are aware of who are delivering, or have previously delivered, digital support to Tasmanians and may be interested in accessing funding opportunities.
Details on how to join the Microsoft Teams session will be distributed following registration.
Registration closes 5pm, Monday 24 July 2023. For more information, please contact Stephen Durney, Senior Policy Officer, via email.
The Tasmanian Government, community organisations, businesses and individuals all have a role to play in helping Tasmanians be more digitally literate, connected and included.
The Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP), in their Digital Inclusion for 21st Century Learners Framework, are committed to giving every learner the opportunity to be connected and engaged in learning, through access to and use of technology. Devices and hotspots are available for students to borrow, a virtual and online learning blueprint is being developed, school staff have access to curriculum resources and ongoing professional development.
Libraries Tasmania is leading the development of a digital program for parents and families. Drawing on their expertise in lifelong learning, adult literacy and digital inclusion, they are working closely with Tasmanian Government schools to develop resources and deliver workshops to help Tasmanian parents and families support their children’s online learning. Libraries Tasmania are focussing on the digital skills and knowledge needed to communicate effectively with schools, increasing parent and family understanding of what children are learning in school and sharing ways parents and families can support their child’s digital learning at home.
Libraries Tasmania recognise that the people who regularly come to their libraries, use their services and attend their programs are not always the people who are in most need of digital support. Those most at risk of digital exclusion are older Tasmanians, those who live in rural and remote areas, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living in rental accommodation and people in low income households. Your expertise will help Libraries Tasmania to better understand the diverse needs and challenges of these digitally vulnerable groups.
Libraries Tasmania is looking to fund and work with community organisations to support the delivery of targeted digital support for parents and families from disadvantaged and difficult to reach groups of the Tasmanian community.
