Introduction
Why a Lifelong Learning Website?
As those of us who work in the literacy field are aware, practitioners' jobs have become increasingly complex and demanding with the need for:
- more individualized programs
- more program evaluation
- more reporting
- more accountability
As well, the environment for literacy practitioners has changed. Literacy agencies are now part of Employment Ontario, the network of training and employment programs and services offered by the Ontario government. The services they offer need to support learners through transitions to further training and employment. To work effectively within the new Employment Ontario environment, literacy practitioners must:
- liaise closely with Employment Ontario partners
- increase their knowledge of other Employment Ontario programs
- market their own programs to other Employment Ontario agencies
- engage in partnership activities with Employment Ontario partners
Increasing job complexity has translated into more work and requisite skills for practitioners. Therefore, just when they need to access quality training for specific purposes, literacy practitioners often do not have the time to research topics or attend training events. Further, needed training is not always available in local communities, so understanding online training opportunities in addition to traditional face-to-face training is key to continuous learning.
Community Literacy of Ontario's Lifelong Learning for Literacy Practitioners website is designed to take some of the pressure off literacy practitioners. Its one-stop format saves time and makes accessing information on training and resources easier.
