Beyond browsing and email, word processors, spreadsheets, and apps form the backbone of digital work and daily organization. They are the digital equivalents of pen, paper, and filing cabinets — yet many Canadians are left to “figure them out” on their own.
Everyday Uses
Word processing: Letters, résumés, reports, grant applications, school assignments.
Spreadsheets: Budgeting, expense tracking, schedules, data analysis.
Apps: From banking and transit to health tracking and social communication.
Canadian Context
Workforce demand: Employers increasingly expect baseline proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
Education gap: Many schools teach the basics, but not all learners retain or translate them into practical use.
Accessibility: Some programs aren’t designed with seniors, low-literacy learners, or people with disabilities in mind.
App explosion: New platforms appear constantly, making it difficult to keep up.
The Challenges
Steep learning curves: Formulas in spreadsheets or formatting in word processors can intimidate beginners.
Cost barriers: Licensed software like Microsoft Office can be unaffordable without free alternatives.
Version confusion: Different devices or operating systems complicate learning.
Overwhelm: With thousands of apps available, learners may not know which ones are safe, reliable, or necessary.
The Opportunities
Open-source tools: Free software (LibreOffice, Google Docs/Sheets) lowers barriers.
Hands-on workshops: Practical exercises like writing a résumé or building a household budget make learning relevant.
App literacy: Teach not just how to use apps, but how to evaluate permissions, privacy, and safety.
Templates and guides: Ready-to-use resources help beginners gain confidence quickly.
The Bigger Picture
Proficiency with core software is civic and economic infrastructure. Without these skills, people face barriers in employment, education, and even basic services. Teaching them isn’t just about workplace readiness — it’s about ensuring full participation in society.
The Question
If we see reading and math as fundamental skills, shouldn’t word processing, spreadsheets, and app literacy be treated with the same urgency in Canada’s digital literacy strategy?
Using Word Processing, Spreadsheets, and Apps
Why These Tools Matter
Beyond browsing and email, word processors, spreadsheets, and apps form the backbone of digital work and daily organization. They are the digital equivalents of pen, paper, and filing cabinets — yet many Canadians are left to “figure them out” on their own.
Everyday Uses
Canadian Context
The Challenges
The Opportunities
The Bigger Picture
Proficiency with core software is civic and economic infrastructure. Without these skills, people face barriers in employment, education, and even basic services. Teaching them isn’t just about workplace readiness — it’s about ensuring full participation in society.
The Question
If we see reading and math as fundamental skills, shouldn’t word processing, spreadsheets, and app literacy be treated with the same urgency in Canada’s digital literacy strategy?