Digital Literacy: The Basics

In todays’ post I want to look again at digital literacy. But like all good TV shows, we need to rewind back a bit to give an explanation as to how we got here.

In terms of writing for the EdTechist, I hit a bit of a wall in recent weeks. I’ve had a few posts in the works which has allowed me to draw on my reserve posts, but creatively I hit a bit of a dry patch. There have been other tasks that have required my attention – coursework and everyday lessons in my day job; studying online (with my own coursework to think about and complete), internal interviews and a new part time role as a Standards Verifier has kept my mind busy with little time to think creatively! The only real solution to that is to keep writing and so here we are.

To return to the start, in this post I want to look again at digital literacy. It’s a term that is increasing in its usage and is one that I believe teachers need to be equipped in, in order to do their job to the best of their ability. From this point, we need to teach it to our pupils. Digital skills are essential for the workplace (any workplace!) and being digitally literate will contribute to success in the workplace. As a Computing teacher, who also has responsibility for Year 13 Work experience, I will regularly look at jobs being advertised locally (nijobfinder.co.uk) to better understand the breadth of the market – I would have previously done this for Computing, to advise my senior classes about potential careers and what opportunities were in Northern Ireland, but this has now expanded for all areas. The reason I highlight this is because of the rise in requirement for digital skills – a large number of roles require digital skills, in an increasing range of different industries.

According to published research, digital literacy is defined as an individual’s ability to find, evaluate, and communicate information using digital technologies. This includes both technical and cognitive skills, such as using information and communication technologies to create, evaluate, and share information.

Digital literacy covers a range of competencies, including the ability to navigate digital environments, critically assess digital content, and understand the implications of digital actions. It also involves the production of multimodal texts, which refers to reading and writing on digital devices and creating various types of media, such as videos.

Overall, digital literacy is now seen as a crucial skill set that is needed for participating fully in a global community, adapting to changing technologies, and engaging in responsible digital citizenship.

Digital literacy is important for several key reasons. Firstly, digital tools can make learning more interactive and engaging, helping students better understand and retain information. This enhanced learning experience is crucial in today’s educational landscape.

Secondly, as technology continues to advance, digital literacy equips individuals with the skills needed for future careers and everyday tasks. Being proficient in digital technologies is essential for staying relevant in the job market and efficiently managing daily activities.

Thirdly, evaluating digital content fosters critical thinking and helps people discern credible sources from misinformation. In an age where information is abundant, the ability to critically assess digital content is invaluable.

Fourthly, digital literacy enables individuals to connect and collaborate with others worldwide, broadening their perspectives and cultural understanding. This global connectivity is vital for personal and professional growth.

Understanding the ethical implications of digital actions promotes responsible and respectful online behavior. Responsible digital citizenship is crucial for maintaining a positive and safe online environment.

Lastly, digital literacy allows individuals to efficiently find and use information, which is crucial in an information-rich society. Access to accurate and relevant information empowers individuals to make informed decisions and stay updated with current events.

Overall, digital literacy is essential for navigating the modern world, both personally and professionally. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and participate fully in a digital society.

How do you see digital literacy impacting your daily activities?

Teachers can develop digital skills through a variety of methods. Engaging in professional development opportunities, such as workshops, webinars, and courses focused on digital tools and technologies, is a great starting point. These sessions often provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge that can be directly applied in the classroom. Additionally, many educational institutions offer in-house training programs tailored to the specific needs of their staff.

Collaborating with peers to share best practices and learn from each other’s experiences can also be highly beneficial. Peer learning groups or professional learning communities (PLCs) can create a supportive environment where teachers can discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and explore new digital tools together. This collaborative approach not only enhances individual skills but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the school.

Staying updated with the latest digital trends and tools by following EdTech blogs, podcasts, and social media channels is crucial for continuous learning. Subscribing to newsletters from reputable EdTech organisations and participating in online forums can provide valuable insights and keep teachers informed about emerging technologies and innovative teaching strategies.

Additionally, hands-on experience with various digital tools allows teachers to understand their potential and limitations, making them more confident in integrating these tools into their teaching practices. Experimenting with different software, apps, and online platforms can help teachers discover which tools best suit their teaching style and meet their students’ needs. Many digital tools offer free trials or educational discounts, making it easier for teachers to explore and evaluate them.

Furthermore, seeking feedback from students can be an effective way for teachers to refine their digital skills. Students often have a natural affinity for technology and can provide valuable insights into what works well and what doesn’t. Encouraging students to share their experiences and suggestions can help teachers make more informed decisions about incorporating digital tools into their lessons.

By actively seeking out these opportunities and continuously reflecting on their practice, teachers can enhance their digital literacy and better support their students in navigating the digital world. Developing digital skills is an ongoing process that requires dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt to new technologies and teaching methods.

Teaching digital literacy skills requires a multifaceted approach that integrates various strategies to ensure students develop a comprehensive understanding of digital tools and their applications. One effective strategy is to incorporate technology into everyday lesson plans. By using digital tools such as interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and online resources, teachers can create engaging and interactive learning experiences that help students become comfortable with technology. Additionally, teachers can assign projects that require students to use digital tools for research, collaboration, and presentation, thereby reinforcing their digital skills in a practical context.

Another important strategy is to teach students how to critically evaluate digital content. This involves guiding them on how to assess the credibility of online sources, recognise bias, and differentiate between reliable information and misinformation. Teachers can use real-world examples and case studies to illustrate these concepts and encourage students to practice critical evaluation through activities such as fact-checking exercises and analysing different types of digital media.

Promoting collaboration through digital platforms is also essential. Teachers can use tools like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, or other collaborative software to facilitate group projects and peer-to-peer learning. This not only helps students develop their digital communication skills but also fosters teamwork and problem-solving abilities. Encouraging students to work together on digital projects can also expose them to diverse perspectives and ideas, enhancing their overall learning experience.

Modeling responsible digital citizenship is another crucial strategy. Teachers should demonstrate responsible ethical online behaviour, such as respecting copyright laws, protecting personal information, and engaging in respectful communication. Discussing the ethical implications of digital actions and the importance of digital footprints can help students understand the long-term impact of their online behaviour. Role-playing scenarios and creating classroom guidelines for digital conduct can further reinforce these principles.

Providing students with access to a variety of digital resources and guiding them on how to use these tools effectively is also important. Teachers can curate a list of reliable websites, databases, and digital libraries that students can use for research and learning. Offering tutorials and hands-on workshops on using specific digital tools can help students build their technical skills and confidence.

Lastly, integrating digital literacy across the curriculum ensures that students see the relevance of these skills in different subject areas. Whether it’s using data visualisation tools in science, creating multimedia presentations in history, or coding in math, embedding digital literacy in various disciplines helps students understand its importance and applicability in diverse contexts.

By employing these strategies, teachers can effectively teach digital literacy skills, preparing students to navigate the digital world with confidence, critical thinking, and ethical awareness.

Digital literacy is an crucial skill to have in the current employment landscape. The need to have this skill will only increase and so school leaders should be moving towards making it a core skill that is devloped throughout the curriculum. Where teachers develop their own digital literacy skills and implement effective teaching strategies, we can help prepare students for a future where digital competence is paramount for ‘normal’ jobs. Embracing digital literacy will not only enhance learning experiences but also equip students with the critical thinking and ethical understanding needed to navigate the digital world responsibly.