What is Digital Literacy?

According to Unicef, digital literacy is “the knowledge, skills and attitudes that allow children to be both safe and empowered in an increasingly digital world”

This concept really plays into the overarching umbrella of digital citizenship. Who are we as contributing members of the internet, and how do our multiple literacies play into that creation of our identity online? As a Connected Educator, my students’ safety is paramount when we are doing activities or assignments online. For the most part, aside from playing games or watching Youtube when they should be working, my students conduct themselves appropriately at school. My concern is what type of shenanigans they get into outside of school on their own devices.

So much of that education needs to come from home; often, students take what teachers say for granted until they come back years later and humble themselves by saying how right we were (lol). My fear, however, is what happens in the meantime.

I think some students will make mistakes regardless. Sort of like experimenting with drugs and alcohol, dating, and all of the other learning curves that happen outside of our school walls. Regardless of how much knowledge is acquired about a topic, people naturally want to experiment with it. The goal with digital citizenship and literacy, therefore, is to help build the tools to handle themselves appropriately online and understand the repercussions of their actions. We cannot stop them from making mistakes, but we sure can educate them on what should be done, and what might happen if they cross the line and make a mistake.

So often we hide from this content and focus on “literacies” in the classroom, but rather than creating a separate class or a plug-and-play model of “digital citizenship,” I feel incorporating digital literacy into our existing literacy plans would benefit students. As much as some people may say it is just “one more thing” … I challenge that it is not, as we are already teaching these skills in other classes, so incorporating the digital perspective does not add, but rather supplements and creates more importance for students. Kara is very brave and taking on digital literacy and identity with her Pre-K students! Building a strong foundation for teachers to keep building on the hard work of the primary teachers. Applying the method of reading, writing, and math problems, so that the next grade can scaffold off of prior knowledge. If these principles are built into the curriculum at a young age, even just the smallest amount, students can be technologically and digitally literate by the time they reach the age of owning cell phones and devices!

Here is a great video from a former classmate, Amanda Brace. It is a great watch! Take a peek!

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What are your thoughts on digital literacy in the classroom? What are some of the things you are doing to educate students on Dig Lit?

-Dalton