(Picture from : Digital Literacy Transforming Education System Globally)

What is digital literacy? According to “the digital literacy definition or digital literacy meaning is the ability to use, access, evaluate, and communicate through digital platforms.” (Victoria,What is Digital Literacy) As for someone who is not so tech savvy this concept is intimidating for myself personally. My understanding and concept around digital literacy changed as we discussed the topic and importance of digital literacy in EDUC 405. We took a look at assignments, had lectures, and activities that focused on the idea of digital literacy (even this blog post was intended to be a main component of our digital literacy journey as we are gaining a better idea of the “WordPress” website and how to work our way around the website). 

Now that we know the definition of what digital literacy is, we can ask ourselves “Why is it important?” When doing research on this topic I found a perfectly worded understanding of its importance through Teach Your Kids Code. They expressed that“teaching kids digital literacy skills is very important. Kids need to be able to understand the technology that they use so they can use it safely and effectively. Digital literacy is not just about knowing how to take a selfie or update facebook. Digital literacy means understanding technology and using it appropriately.” (Teach Your Kids Code) I believe as a future educator that digital literacy will become more and more common in our curriculum as our world is constantly evolving in the world of technology. But it is so crucial that our students understand the importance of safe digital literacy and know how to use the internet in an appropriate way for their age. For educators in the school system, I came across “Teachers Pay Teachers” which had many different resources (both free and available to purchase) for all grade levels that focuses on different digital literacy lessons! The website link is mentioned in the references list if you would like to check out the variety of lessons and activities!

Digital literacy also focuses on different skills such as consuming skills and creating skills. What is Digital Literacy also mentions “a digitally literate individual can practice their consuming skills when watching a video or reading a news story online…This skill also includes knowing how to use the devices to connect to the internet…” (What is Digital Literacy) These simple skills are what help students grow in the world of digital literacy and expand their knowledge on the internet. “Consuming skills not only help an individual find information, but these skills can also be used to help an individual relax, such as listening to streaming music or podcasts, spending time on social media, or watching videos and movies.” (What is Digital Literacy) 

There are many skills to understanding digital literacy as we have learned. It is not always just about research and finding credible resources (although it is a very important factor) but it also connects to social media, listening to your favourite podcast or watching your favourite film. Our world nowadays connects highly to the digital world and it is very important that future generations are able to understand the proper use of digital literacy and know its boundaries but also think creatively when it comes to education. 

Works Cited

https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-digital-literacy-definition-example.html. study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-digital-literacy-definition-example.html. Accessed 3 Nov. 2022

Victoria, Katie. “Why Digital Literacy Is Important for Kids.” Teach Your Kids Code, 13 Oct. 2018, teachyourkidscode.com/why-is-digital-literacy-important.

“Digital Literacy Teaching Resources | Teachers Pay Teachers.” Digital Literacy Teaching Resources | Teachers Pay Teachers, www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:digital%20literacy. Accessed 3 Nov. 2022.

“Digital Literacy Transforming Education System Globally – digitalLEARNING Magazine – Elets Digital Learning.” digitalLEARNING Magazine, 1 Mar. 2018, digitallearning.eletsonline.com/2018/03/digital-literacy-transforming-education-system-globally.