Part one of three digital learning resources for tech-savvy young adults in the workplace. Initiated and funded by Adult Learning Centres Grey-Bruce-Georgian, Adult Learning Programs of Perth and Employment Ontario.

1. Part One of Three Digital Learning Resources
for Tech-Savvy Young Adults in the Workplace

2. An online educational resource for youth entering
the workforce, initiated and funded by:
Developed by:
miranda-miller.com

3. Digital Natives at Work
Young adults have grown up
with technology. They are
considered ‘digital natives.’
These three workshops explore
employers’ expectations of the use
of digital technology and
communications devices in today’s
workplace.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

4. Employment in the Digital Age Series
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work
Session One:
Making Technology &
Devices Work at Work
Cell phones, laptops,
tablets and PCs are
commonplace in
modern work
environments. Are you
using them correctly?
Session Two:
The Business of Business
Communications
Learn how to use email,
chat applications, online
discussion groups and even
social networks like
Facebook for business
communications.
Session Three:
Your Personal &
Professional Brand
Privacy, identity and
integrity are critical to
your success in
technology charged
workplaces.

5. Discuss
When you see Discuss tabs in this course…
Stop!
Learners working in groups should take this opportunity
to have a conversation about the topic at hand and follow
instructions to complete the task.
Individual learners can explore the topic on their own
using the resources provided.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

6. Do you remember the first portable phones? Talk about intrusive technology!
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

7. Now, we can take devices everywhere we go… and we do!
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

8. You probably see people texting all the time. Many believe this is rude...
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

9. …especially if it seems you’re ignoring those around you.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

10. This isn’t new, though. We’ve always used ‘buffers’ in public.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

11. Still, the use of devices in many classrooms is discouraged.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

12. Where 39% of middle school
students use smartphones for
homework, only 6% report that
they can use the smartphone in
classroom for school work.
(Verizon Foundation study)
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

13. 66% of students are not
allowed to use a tablet for
learning purposes in the
classroom, and 88% are not
allowed to use a phone.
(Verizon Foundation study)
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

14. Although 31% of middle
school students say they
use a tablet for homework,
only 18% report using it in
the classroom.
(Verizon Foundation study)
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

15. Thankfully, electronic devices are gaining ground as teaching & learning tools.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

16. But we’re not quite there yet:
- MediaSmarts – 2013 Young Canadians in a Wired World study
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

17. Discuss
Are smartphones and tablets allowed
in the classroom at your school, or the
last school you attended?
Discuss.
How do you feel about cellphones & devices in the classroom?
Write down your thoughts and share with your peers or instructor.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

18. Computers and mobile devices are also important tools
in many businesses and workplaces.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

19. Humans are producing and consuming massive amounts of data.
The “digital universe” in doubling in size every two years.
- EMC Digital Universe
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

20. Globally, data will increase 2000% by 2020.
- MIT Technology Review
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

21. More and more, we’re using mobile devices to access this
mass of data – personally and in the workplace.
Images from manufacturers.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

22. Mobile subscriptions are expected to reach 9.3 billion by 2019.
- Ericsson Mobility Report
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

23. 5.6 billion of those mobile users will use smartphones.
- Ericsson Mobility Report
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

24. This means Information Technology pros are going to be in high demand.
- EMC Digital Universe
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

25. It’s not just IT, though –
everyone entering the workforce needs
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

26. Your job might require any number of digital skills.
- Compilation of skills from Defining Essential Digital Skills in the Canadian Workplace
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

27. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

28. Discuss
What does digital literacy mean to you?
Discuss.
Write a list of digital skills you don’t have yet but would love to learn.
Share with your peers or instructor.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

29. So why do we still see this at work?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

30. Much of the bad rap comes from our cell phone etiquette.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

31. Some believe young people are the problem.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

32. The question is…
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

33. It may not be
as great as you think…
And it’s not just you.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

34. - PC Mobile survey conducted by
Leger, 2013.
In fact…
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

35. Everyone in the workplace must use technology & devices properly.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

36. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

37. Discuss
How is your cellular etiquette?
Discuss.
Write a list of the things that bother you
about the use of cell phones by others.
Share with your peers or instructor.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

38. on the Internet each month –
almost double the global average.
- CIRA, Canada Online 2013
Canadians spend
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

39. 48% of Canadians online are 34 years old or younger.
- comScore, 2014 Canada Digital Future in Focus
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

40. of Canadians have smartphones.
- Google Think Insights, Our Mobile Planet Canada 2013
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

41. And we use them everywhere…
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

42. Even at work, social gatherings and school.
- Google Think Insights, Our Mobile Planet Canada 2013
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

43. we use smartphones
and other devices is important.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

44. of Canadians said they’ve checked
emails/texts in front of others at
social functions.
- PC Mobile survey
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

45. of Canadians have talked or
texted while walking.
- PC Mobile survey
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

46. of Canadians admit to having
used their smartphone
in the bathroom.
- PC Mobile survey
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

47. Among youth ages 18-24,
reach for their phone within 15
minutes of waking.
- IDC & Facebook
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

48. Discuss
How do you feel when you do not have
your phone with you?
Discuss.
Write down all of the things you use your phone to do during the day.
Estimate how often you check your phone daily and how much time it takes.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

49. How do we use smartphones in
our places of employment?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

50. Hopefully not like this.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

51. But we are checking email, stock quotes, news and weather…
all from our smartphones at work.
- Catalyst & GroupM
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

52. We are spending
132 minutes a day
communicating via our
smartphones.
- IDC & Facebook
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

53. We’re using mobile devices to text, make phone calls, email and use social
networks throughout the work day.
- IDC & Facebook
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

54. Discuss
How important is it for people entering the
workforce to know how to use digital devices?
Discuss.
Make a list of your own digital skills, including any software you can use.
Are these skills relevant in the workplace? Discuss with your peers or instructor.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

55. Who are we connecting with?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

56. Usually,
our
friends.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

57. How does all of this constant
connectivity make us feel?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

58. Most often, connected.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

59. But also:
Overwhelmed
Stressed out
Burdened
Anxious
Lonely
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

60. - IDC & Facebook
When asked
how
communication
on mobile
devices made
them feel,
people said…
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

61. Discuss
Is it healthy for people to be ‘always on?’
Discuss.
Write an email to your instructor about how constant connectivity,
social media and cell phone use makes you feel.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

62. Sometimes our smartphone
use makes others feel
uncomfortable.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

63. - OnlineCollege.org
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

64. - OnlineCollege.org
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

65. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

66. There’s a disconnect.
Our cellphone etiquette isn’t
as great as we think.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

67. It’s your responsibility to practice good etiquette in
your workplace.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

68. Discuss
How important is device etiquette to you in
your work, school or personal life?
Discuss.
Make a list of ways poor cell phone etiquette can affect a work environment.
Share and discuss with your peers or instructor.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

69. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

70. Having Devices At Work: DON’Ts
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

71. Don’t use your phone, tablet or computer when you
should be participating in a conversation.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

72. Unless you’re showing your
colleague something work-related
on the device, put it away.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

73. Don’t take your phone into the bathroom – ever!
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

74. Cell phones carry 10x more
bacteria than a toilet seat.
Sanitize your phone regularly -
and keep it out of the can!
- LiveScience
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

75. Don’t bring your phone into meetings unless
instructed.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

76. Having your phone in a meeting
tells people you’re waiting to hear
from someone else and that they
don’t have your full attention.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

77. Don’t use a crazy ringtone.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

78. Your boss may not love your
Skrillex ringtone like you do.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

79. Discuss
Have you ever made a cell phone etiquette mistake?
Discuss.
What other cell phone ‘don’ts’ can you think of?
Write down and share with your peers or instructor.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

80. Here’s what you CAN (and should)
do with your devices at work:
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

81. Respect quiet zones.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

82. Obey posted signage and avoid using
your cell or tablet in quiet areas.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

83. Turn off your ringer.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

84. Leave your ringer off while at work.
Be aware that even vibrate can be
annoying if it’s happening constantly.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

85. Let it go to voicemail.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

86. Check your messages and return
calls on your break.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

87. Find a private place to use your phone.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

88. When you must use your phone,
go outside or find a private place in
the building to do so.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

89. Be aware of your speaking volume.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

90. It’s a phenomenon called ‘Cell Yell’
– people think they have to speak
louder on a mobile device.
You don’t.
- NY Times, Cell Yell: Why Do Phone Calls Turn Into Broadcasts?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

91. Discuss
How aware are you of your speaking voice?
Ask your friends, family and colleagues
what they think of your cellular etiquette.
Discuss the responses. Were you
surprised?
Write about a time you saw someone use poor cell phone etiquette.
How did it make the people around them feel? Discuss.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

92. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

93. In modern workplaces, you might communicate with
colleagues and customers in person, by email, or even
by text message or social media.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

94. Make a phone call when it’s appropriate.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

95. Sometimes, the most efficient way
to communicate is to just
pick up the phone.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

96. Know your company’s communication policies.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

97. Your company might prefer that
you use specific channels
(email, phone, texting) for
certain types of communications.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

98. Keep your communications ‘happy.’
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

99. Texting and short messaging
are not the right way
to share bad news or
discuss problematic issues.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

100. Avoid ‘text-speak.’
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

101. Yes, acronyms are faster to type.
No, they are not professional.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

102. Identify yourself to callers and texters.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

103. Use a professional phone greeting
such as,
“Hello, this is Bethany Cole speaking.”
Immediately tell people your name
when you are texting them
for the first time.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

104. Let people know when they are on speakerphone, or
their written messages may be shared with others.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

105. You can prevent embarrassing
faux pas and hurt feelings
by ensuring people know
how their communications
are being used.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

106. Always proofread before sending.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

107. Double-check your spelling,
grammar and the recipient list
(who you are messaging)
in order to prevent missteps.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

108. Keep texts, emails and voicemails brief.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

109. Get straight to the point.
Save in-depth conversations for
phone or in-person meetings.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

110. Most importantly…
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

111. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

112. Discuss
How important is privacy in your personal
or professional life?
Discuss the responses.
Were you surprised?
Write about a time your text messages, voice messages or another
communication was used without your knowledge.
How did it make you feel?
Share and discuss with your peers or instructor.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

113. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

114. True or False:
An overheard phone conversation is significantly
more distracting for the person involuntarily
listening than background conversation between
people in the same room.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

115. TRUE.
University of San Diego
researchers found that cell
phone conversations are
more distracting than a
crowd of people talking
around you.
- The Independent
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

116. Dangerous Driving:
The risk level of using a cell phone while driving is similar to:
a) Eating while driving.
b) Driving in inclement weather.
c) Drunk driving.
d) Driving without a license.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

117. C. Drunk Driving
“When driving conditions and
time on task were controlled
for, the impairments
associated with using a cell
phone while driving can be as
profound as those associated
with driving while drunk.”
- Strayer, Drews & Crouch; A Comparison of
the Cell Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

118. True or False:
People have reported being
so attached to their cell phones
that they may feel emotional anxiety
when without their phone.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

119. TRUE.
“The phone becomes an icon
of 'me, my mobile and my
identity'—something that
embodies our social and
emotional life rather than just
merely enabling it.”
- Jane Vincent, Emotional Attachment &
Mobile Phones
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

120. Annoying Loud Talkers:
What percentage of cell users say they are irritated by
other loud and annoying cell phone users in public?
a) 17%
b) 38%
c) 62%
d) 86%
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

121. D. 86%
Yet just one in ten cell users
is aware that they have
drawn stares or comments
about their own poor cell
phone etiquette.
- Pew Internet
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

122. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

123. On having devices in the workplace:
• Turn off your ringer.
• If you need your ringer on for business, use a
plain phone ringtone.
• Don’t ignore people while using your device.
• Never take your device to the washroom.
• Do not take your device into meetings.
• Respect quiet zones.
• Be aware of your speaking volume.
• Find a private place to make calls.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

124. On professional communications:
• Know your company’s policies.
• Don’t use email or text for complicated
issues or bad news.
• Identify yourself to callers and texters.
• Avoid using text-speak and short forms.
• Tell people how their communications will
be used or shared.
• Always proofread!
• Keep messages brief.
• THINK before sending.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

125. Ask yourself before using your
device…
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

126. Is this the right place to use my device?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

127. Is this the right channel to get this message across?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

128. How are my actions affecting others?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

129. Will this message be received the way I intended?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

130. Discuss
What challenges do you have with
technology in your life?
Discuss.
How is your digital technology etiquette?
Write a three-paragraph essay about what you’ve learned in this course.
Email to your instructor.
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

131. Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

132. Resources
Additional information on technology at work:
• Job Resources – from Internet Essentials by Comcast
• The Ten Commandments of Email Netiquette
• Canadian Etiquette at Work
• Smartphone Etiquette for the Modern Student
• Simple Smartphone Safety Tips
• Can Your Smartphone Make You Sick?
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

133. Image Credits
Slide 3, sxc.hu Slide 8,
Wikimedia
Slide 10, Museum of the
City of New York
Slide 11,
StockPholio
Slide 30,
Wikimedia
Slide 18, sxc.hu
Slide 29, sxc.hu
Slide 32,
DollarPhotoClub File
#60369713
Slide 33,
OnlineCollege.org
Slide 36,
OnlineCollege.org
Slide 41,
DollarPhotoClub File
#59146390
Slide 41, Wikimedia
Slide 41,
DollarPhotoClub File
#52158140
Slide 41,
DollarPhotoClub File
#65045110
Slide 27,
University of Illinois
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

134. Image Credits
Slide 50,
DollarPhotoClub
File #52621641
Slide 58,
Wikimedia
Slide 65,
ICanHasCheezburger.com
Slide 67,
DollarPhotoClub File
#46854606
Slide 128,
DollarPhotoClub File
#59146390
Slide 41,
DollarPhotoClub File
#47645401
Slide 71,
DollarPhotoClub File
#46854608
Slide 98,
YouTube
Employment in the Digital Age:
Session One - Making Technology Work @ Work

135. An online educational resource for youth entering
the workforce, initiated and funded by:
Developed by:
miranda-miller.com