In the dynamic realm of technology, noteworthy advancements have surfaced, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The capability of AI to execute complex tasks represents a shift scarcely conceivable merely a year ago, and such innovations can greatly impact the ways in which digital literacy is taught.
Evolving Curriculum to Address Emerging Online Threats
Our technology never stands still, and neither does our commitment to staying ahead of emerging changes. Our curriculum continually evolves to equip learners with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape safely.
For example, we recently added multifactor authentication to our curriculum. This vital security measure ensures that our learners are well prepared to protect their online identities. While we once focused primarily on phone and email scams, our curriculum now encompasses the dangers of scams via SMS and on social media platforms, reflecting the changing tactics employed by cybercriminals.
Instructor Challenges: Simplifying Complex Concepts
In our classrooms and Q&A sessions, learners have already begun asking about things like VPNs, hotspots, AI, and ChatGPT, since they frequently hear these terms on the news and other outlets.
Sabrina Tam, CTN’s Senior Program Manager, says, “It could be challenging for our instructors sometimes because they have to explain new things to our learners in simple terms while they are also learning about these things as we speak.”
Addressing AI Concerns
Sabrina says she recently showed her class this video from the show 60 Minutes in order to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can mimic a human’s face and voice and caller IDs can be spoofed.
She says that the video “generated much interest and a good discussion.” Nevertheless, she adds that “it’s important for the instructors to leave a positive note, because we don’t want to scare our learners away from learning or using the internet. Rather, we want to teach them how they could better protect themselves and their loved ones while enjoying the benefits of technology.”
Empowering While Educating
Overall, our classes serve not just as a space for learning but also as forums for discussions on emerging digital challenges. The importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere cannot be overstated. We want our learners to embrace the benefits of the internet confidently, armed with the knowledge to safeguard themselves against potential risks.
As we continue to adapt and evolve, CTN remains committed to the empowerment of individuals in the digital age. Our journey to foster digital literacy goes hand in hand with the ever-changing landscape, ensuring that our learners are not just users but informed and secure navigators of the online world. Stay tuned for more updates on our efforts to empower communities through technology education.
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