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General questions:

Technical questions:

Q: What is NALD@Work and who needs it?
A: NALD@Work is an online library of information, resources, tools and contacts related to the field of workplace literacy and essential skills. It makes the resources and information available to people with Internet access, anywhere, at any time. Stakeholders for NALD@Work include employers, unions, people who develop and deliver programs, instructors, researchers, academics, government policy-makers, and learners – anyone who is interested in workplace literacy and essential skills.

Q: How is workplace literacy different from basic literacy?
A: Workplace literacy refers to the wide range of basic skills people use at work such as reading documents, completing paperwork, writing reports and making calculations. It is really an extension or application of the basic literacy we all need to function in everyday life. Without these essential skills, people find it difficult to get good jobs, to keep those jobs and keep up with the changing demands of the workplace.

Q: What is the relationship between NALD and NALD@Work?
A: Over the past few years, NALD, the organization, along with government officials and literacy stakeholders, began to recognize that there was a growing need for measures to address specific needs associated with workplace literacy and essential skills. NALD had the infrastructure and the contacts across Canada to expand its services beyond the adult literacy community to encompass the world of work. In 2006 NALD submitted a proposal to the Government of Canada for funding to establish NALD@Work and expand NALD’s services into workplace literacy and essential skills. NALD@Work’s principal funder is the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) at Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. NALD is also supported by a significant in-kind contribution from the Government of New Brunswick.

Q: What kind of information is available on NALD@Work?
A: NALD@Work is an online library. Users can conduct searches to locate and download specific documents, material and information they need to learn about workplace education programs. The site also features news flashes, an events calendar, contact information for individuals involved in this field across Canada, workplace-related websites and links to learning tools, educational resources and workforce preparation information.

Q: Where do NALD@Work researchers find information to put on the site?
A: Our researchers have contacts across Canada and they constantly seek out new research and learning materials, workplace-related news and events, online resources, websites and other information that is relevant to NALD@Work. People who want to recommend resources or information for NALD@Work can contact us at 1-800-720-6253 or communication@naldatwork.ca.

Q: As a user of NALD@Work, how would I obtain French-language information?
A: NALD/ BDAA is a pan-Canadian, non-profit organization that offers its services in both English and French. On most of the NALD@Work pages, it is possible to toggle back and forth between NALD@Work and BDAA@uTravail.

Q: How would I obtain news about what is happening in the world of work?
A: For news at a glance, click on News@Work located in the centre of your screen or go to the Information tab at the top of the page and locate News flashes in the drop-down menu. News items are listed by province and archived for your convenience. To receive a weekly NALD update through e-mail, go to http://www.nald.ca/update/, sign up and submit your request.

Q: What is the best browser to use when accessing the NALD@Work site?
A: We recommend that you use the latest version of Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari to access the NALD@Work site.

Q: In addition to the HTML versions of the documents, the library contains versions that you can download. What program do I need to view the downloaded documents?
A: You need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4 or higher in order to view the PDF versions of documents from the library. You can obtain the latest version of this program free of charge from the following site:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Q: What is a PDF file?
A: A PDF file is a file format created by Adobe systems. You need the free application Acrobat Reader in order to view the files. Acrobat Reader can be obtained at the following link:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Q: On the front page of NALD@Work you have three RSS feed symbols highlighting News, Events and Library. What is RSS and what is an RSS feed?
A: RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication and is a technology that allows users to receive updates from a website whenever particular content has been added. It is used to keep NALD@Work users informed about changes to frequently updated content, such as headline news, events and library postings. Users can access the RSS feed through the RSS icon and then subscribe to that feed through their e-mail software or web browser.