Literacy and Digital Media are a vast topic... In this forum, we will discuss how literacy helps to build critical thinking, which can help people, especially young people in high school and university, navigate digital media.
While being a so-called digital native often includes feeling comfortable online and in using technology, it may also include assuming the digital world is a safe, reliable space where all content is equal.
We believe that it is up to all of us, including practitioners, educators, and parents, to support youth as they build their agency to engage thoughtfully, make informed decisions, and participate confidently in digital spaces.
Below are some questions to ponder in preparation for the forum. Other questions may arise during the discussion.
To deepen your thinking ahead of the forum, read the full topic overview.
For further information, contact:
Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE, MAdEd
Vice President, Philanthropy & Communications
[email protected]
David McKie, Managing Editor, manages news, essays and opinion writing at Canada's National Observer from Ottawa. He is also the guiding force behind much of our data journalism and some of our key investigations. He is a highly valued member of our executive team.
As an award-winning author and journalist, he spent 26 years honing his skills at the CBC where his award-winning work (the CAJ, IRE and Michener) influenced policies in areas such as the adverse reactions of prescription drugs and medical devices, as well as the RCMP’s use of Tasers.
He is the 2020 co-recipient of Canadian Association of Journalism Charles Bury award for outstanding contributions to Canadian journalism (his second Bury award).
David teaches at the schools of journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University, Carleton University and the University of King’s College. He is a trainer with the Canadian Association of Journalists, and a judge for the National Institute for Computer Assisted Reporting's prestigious Philip Meyer Award. He has co-authored three journalism textbooks and two user guides on access to information laws and privacy and data journalism.
Indra is a leader focused on advancing digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and the responsible use of AI. She is a speaker on digital literacy and social innovation, serves on the boards of Québec Tech and was an advisor to Mila’s Startup Committee. Previously, she led a global initiative at the Raspberry Pi Foundation to help bridge the digital divide. Her experience as a young woman entrepreneur facing barriers in the tech sector drives her commitment to expanding access to digital skills for underrepresented communities.
Indra is a Canadian Chartered Accountant with academic and professional training in business, accounting, and public policy, as well as certifications in social entrepreneurship and impact measurement. Indra is also a speaker on AI and digital literacy, youth empowerment, and building sustainable, socially driven business models that amplify impact. She has spoken at the United Nations on youth, AI and decent work and AI literacy as a human right.
As a Media Education Specialist, Marc Alexandre is responsible for creating resources for educators, parents and community groups and for conducting outreach activities with French language schools, school boards, education ministries, faculties of education and community organizations across Canada. He holds a Master’s Degree in Theology, as well as Bachelors’ in Education and Theology.
Marc Alexandre has previously worked as a teacher in the Ontario and Alberta school systems, as a facilitator in Ontario schools and as an editor and translator. He believes in the well-being of all persons experiencing the rapid growth of technology through comprehensive digital literacy and intersubjective education.
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Darion Ducharme is the Founder and CEO of Teqare, an Indigenous-owned education and technology training organization based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Through Teqare, he delivers programs in digital literacy, cyber security, financial literacy, and artificial intelligence for First Nations communities across Canada.
Darion’s work focuses on making technology education more accessible, practical, and community-centred. He is also a frequent keynote speaker and advocate for digital inclusion, helping learners build the skills and confidence needed to navigate today’s digital world.
Rana is a Community Coordinator with United for Literacy in Nova Scotia where she designs and coordinates literacy programs, working alongside families, educators, volunteers, and community partners. Her experience in education spans both formal and nonformal settings, from supporting a World Bank-funded national education reform program to working with grassroots and community-based education initiatives. She holds an MA in Education, where her research explored how people use social media spaces for popular education. She’s especially interested in youth-led political and social education and how people learn with and from one another in social movements. Outside of work, Rana loves a good outdoor adventure and has recently started rock climbing.
With the support of the Trottier Foundation.
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👉 Read the discussion paper here.
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This forum explored the intersection of literacy and immigration, focusing on three key areas: cultural considerations, the impact of immigration on adults' literacy, and how immigration affects children's literacy.
👉 Read the discussion paper here.
👉 Watch the 2024 Forum recording here.
2023 - The Artificial Intelligence Revolution and Literacy: Opportunity or Threat?
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👉 Read the discussion paper here.
👉 Watch the 2023 recording of the Forum here.
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👉 Read the discussion paper here.
👉 Watch the 2022 Forum recording here.
