Digital Literacy in the Classroom. Is it Important?
What is Digital Literacy?
Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information on digital platforms. Digital literacy does not replace traditional ideas of literacy but instead builds upon them to address competency related to computers and other digital devices, the internet, and social media.
For educators, digital literacy has implications for both academic curriculum and teaching methods. Using computers in the classroom teaches students foundational computer skills such as navigating the internet using search and navigation tools and verifying the credibility of online information. The use of technology allows teachers to utilize and incorporate educational software into their curriculum and expand access to materials on the internet.
Benefits of Digital Literacy in the Classroom
Digital literacy addresses the need for critical analysis of digital content as technology and social media become increasingly ubiquitous in all areas of our lives. Digital literacy and educational software encourage increased student engagement. Multimedia content, such as graphics, pictures, and sound, as well as online education software, benefits educators, allowing them to better connect with students and promote a productive learning environment.
Privacy and security are also essential components of digital literacy. Teaching students to understand their digital footprints makes them less likely to fall victim to cyberbullying and identity theft. These are specific concerns people have with the prevalence of social media and digital forums. The ability to hide behind a screen or anonymous username makes specific individuals act in ways that they would not in person. America’s youth should be equipped to avoid online bullying and harassment to the best of their ability. Educators should also advise students on keeping their identity and important information private online.
Bridging the Gap
Disparities remain among various populations regarding access to digital technology. Although most adolescents have access to the internet, the quality and ease of their access vary. Further, in the United States, 93% of adults use the internet. However, adoption gaps remain based on factors such as age, income, and education. In 2021, Pew Research Center found that 86% of U.S. adults with an annual household income of less than $30,000 used the internet. This percentage is less than households with higher yearly incomes.
Such disparities were brought to light by the coronavirus outbreak starting in 2020. School districts ordered students to stay home and complete schoolwork synchronously to slow the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations. This transition to online learning was difficult for disadvantaged students with limited internet access.
How to Promote Digital Literacy
There must be more professional development in the area of using digital resources to support literary instruction. When teaching digital literacy, there should be an emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration. With the prevalence of misinformation and fake news in our current society, we must teach students how to be critical consumers of information. Teachers should encourage students to ask questions and fact-check their sources. They should push students to use social media for learning and collaboration. Because most of us are already active on social media, the focus should be demonstrating how social media can be used to our advantage. How can students use common social media platforms for educational purposes?
We cannot change that we are in a technology and social media-focused world. Instead, we must adapt and teach our younger generations how to navigate this world safely.
