Benchmarking Digital Prowess in Language Learning

• What digital skills do learners actually use during everyday learning tasks?
• Why do language assessment artifacts often demonstrate digital skills without explicitly naming them?
• How can instructors assess digital readiness using existing tasks without adding workload?

This webinar introduces a practical approach to benchmarking digital proficiency in language learning. Participants will explore how digital skills appear within common language assessment tasks, why everyday technology use does not equal readiness, and how instructors can make digital learning visible, assessable, and inclusive.

Key learning outcomes:

• Distinguish everyday technology use from digital proficiency in language learning contexts.
• Identify how digital skills are embedded within common language assessment artifacts.
• Apply a seven-domain digital proficiency framework to productive and receptive language tasks.
• Adapt or design digital, portfolio-based assessment tasks that support inclusive practice without increasing workload.

Webinar Type: Technology

Categories: Assessment; Blended Learning/Teaching; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Lesson Planning/Ideas; Online Learning/Teaching; PBLA; Technology; Universal Design for Learning

Teaching Sectors: All sectors

Participant Level: All levels

About the Presenter

Toby Iran Ali (he/him/they) is a training and learning specialist with experience in adult ESL, instructional design, and digital-skills education. He has worked as an instructor, curriculum developer, and researcher, supporting educators in aligning portfolio-based language assessment, digital literacy, and inclusive teaching practices. His work focuses on making digital proficiency visible and assessable in real learning contexts.

* Members must be a member of the TESL Ontario group on Tutela.

Please note: TESL Canada and TESL Ontario are separate entities. Your TESL Canada membership does not include free access to TESL Ontario webinars. To learn more about TESL Ontario Standard Membership, please click HERE.