Digital Literacy Program Through Public Library Aims To Enrich Edison Residents

EDISON, NJ - In its ongoing effort to enrich the community by providing diverse educational resources and services, the Edison Public Library has added two new online learning platforms to its database.

“Our goal is to provide opportunities for everyone to learn new skills in a way that works for them,” said Dana Galassa, coordinator of literacy services for Edison Public Library. “We want to make learning as accessible as possible for everyone.”

Through Northstar Digital Literacy, community members can access ‘self-paced online lessons in essential computer skills.

Offerings include basic computer digital literacy standards and modules in three main areas - Essential Computer Skills; Essential Software Skills; and Technology Use in Daily Life.

“Northstar Online Learning, as well as the library’s digital skills programs, prove that anybody can become digitally literate. Digital Literacy skills - or computer skills - are essentially no different than basic reading skills in the modern world,” Galassa said, adding that through the platform, which can be accessed through the library’s website , cardholders who attend digital skills labs and pass assessments can also obtain Northstar Digital Literacy Certificates.

“These certificates are tangible evidence of the skills you have obtained. They are useful for adding to resumes and improving your professional and personal paths,” she said. The Library has also added ASLdeafined.com, an online platform designed to provide library cardholders with access to American Sign Language (ASL) learning tools from Deaf educators.

ASLdeafined.com offers a variety of video lessons and interactive content to meet learners of all levels. Lesson plans are tailored to meet specific needs, and patrons can access materials anytime and learn at their own pace.

“We’re excited to provide ASLdeafined.com to our community. Not only is it an excellent tool for anyone interested in learning ASL, but it is a great resource that supports our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and serving the needs of our Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons,” Galassa said. “We’re proud to offer it as part of our commitment to accessible education.”

For more information on Northstar Digital Literacy, ASLdeafined, or the other literacy services the Edison Public Library offers, click here or email Dana Galassa at dgalassa@edisonpubliclibrary.org.

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