06 May The Invisible Barrier: Reaching the learners we never meet
Many literacy and digital literacy practitioners will know Dr Deniese Cox as an engaging and inspiring presenter and an award-winning researcher.
In an article in the latest Fine Print from VALBEC, Deniese examines how “digital skills barriers exclude large numbers of prospective learners before enrolment even begins.” Her recent research points out that “we may be missing the learners who need the support the most.”
Deniese has provided Literacy Links with a video presentation exploring these issues. She outlines the research she undertook which reveals a gap in support strategies for learners. This research particularly looks at overlooked learners who are unable to navigate the initial steps of finding and accessing education. The video presentation also provides important strategies to address these barriers. You can access the video here.
Deniese’s research reflects concerns from many of our callers about the online environment. In a previous Literacy Links edition we profiled a Hotline caller who told us that the only option for the course he wanted at an educational institution was online enrolment. This was a major roadblock for him. His job agency told us that this requirement was impossible because he did not have the literacy or digital skills to do this.
The Hotline contacted the institution who clarified that people could walk in and would be assisted with course information and supported to apply. We also provided the job agency provider with contact details for the Provider’s Aboriginal Student Support Manager. Strategies such as these are increasingly important in an online world of highly complex enrolment and administrative processes.