Writing SMART Technology Goals for the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) using the Digital Skills Library
by Francisca Wentworth, OTAN Subject Matter Expert
Introduction:
Is your agency struggling to develop a strong technology goal for your Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP)? When thinking about a technology goal, consider how it can support learners’ digital literacy skills at your agency. In other words: What does it mean to be digitally literate?
Digital literacy encompasses a wide range of skills, beginning with the basics such as:
- Using a computer
- Keyboarding skills
- Learning to use commonly used programs, such as Microsoft Word
However, being digitally literate in our modern world also includes more advanced skills that learners need, such as:
- Using critical thinking, cognitive, and technical skills to search for, create, and evaluate online information and communication
- Applying advanced digital literacy skills to achieve personal, civic, educational, and career goals
A great resource that can help your agency focus on developing a technology goal for your CIP is the Digital Skills Library, managed by World Education.
This open repository of free learning resources can support adult education agencies in creating effective SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound) technology goals for their CIP. The Digital Skills Library helps adult education programs strengthen the digital skills learners need to succeed in personal, civic, educational, and career goals.
Searching through the Digital Skills Library: Filtering Resources
There are several ways to search through the Digital Skills Library repository
All Resources
You can browse a list of available resources or search by keyword. Some include videos; if you encounter a video error message, use the YouTube link provided below the message to view it.
The library also includes activities and lesson plans created by teachers. Although many were originally designed for K-12 learners, they are still appropriate for adult learners
A few featured resources
- AI-related resources
- AI for Education
- AI Literacy Lessons for Students
- Experience AI: Foundations of AI
- Basic Computer Skills MOOC: Interactive computer skills modules
- Google Applied Digital Skills
- Crash Course: An overview of technology use in our modern world
- Digital Citizenship: Links to Common Sense Education (registration required)
- DigitalLearn.org: A strong resource for building basic computer knowledge and skills
- GCFLearnFree.org: One of the best resources for adult learners developing digital skills
- News Literacy Project: Focuses on using critical thinking when evaluating search results
- Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment: Includes quizzes from Northstar. For full access, visit OTAN Curriculum Offers.
- Social Media Test Drive: Activities on how to stay safe on social media
- User Submitted Resources: Digital Unite and other resources shared by educators
When you click on a topic, you’ll find a link to the lesson and related resources.
All Formats
You can filter resources by format to find materials that fit your instructional needs.
Languages
You can also filter by language to find resources available in different languages.
All Domains
Select a domain to narrow your search by content area.
All Skills
This is a scrollable list of skills. You can select each skill to view related activities and lessons.
Digital Skills Glossary
The Digital Skills Glossary section provides multiple ways to incorporate digital vocabulary into your lessons.
Using the Digital Skills Library as a resource to write your CIP technology goal
Now that you’ve explored the various resources available to support the development of a technology goal, how might you proceed to write a SMART goal?
Below is an example of a possible CIP technology goal, using a resource found in the Digital Skills library:
Developing digital literacy skills is essential for English language learners to participate fully in online learning, employment applications, and digital communication. Providing structured instruction through GCFLearnFree.org ensures accessible, self-paced, and standards-aligned digital skill development.
For the 2026-2027 school year, 80% of ESL students will be enrolled each semester in a weekly digital literacy skills class covering 18 modules using GCFLearnFree.org. Instruction will begin with basic computer skills and progress to more advanced topics. Learner progress will be measured by at least 60% of students successfully completing the quiz activities available for each module.
By leveraging the Digital Skills Library and aligning technology initiatives with SMART criteria, your agency can develop meaningful CIP goals that strengthen digital literacy and better support learner success.