Digital empowerment for culturally and linguistically diverse adult learners from refugee backgrounds

In this conceptual paper we examine the importance of digital empowerment for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adult learners from refugee backgrounds, also referencing some empirical data from our research in Melbourne, Australia to inform the thinking. Addressing the challenges faced by CALD learners, such as language barriers and access to technology, we emphasise the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative agency for genuine digital empowerment. Strategies for fostering this digital empowerment are explored, with a focus on project-based and problem-based learning, inclusive content, and educator professional development. Through Freirean critical pedagogy, we advocate for policies based on empowerment that leads to digital inclusion, laying a foundation for CALD learners to navigate and excel in a digitised world. We offer a framework for conceiving digital empowerment and how it might be applied to learners.