Digital literacy is used in a variety of contexts including in the workplace, social environments, and education (University of Derby, 2014). Bawden (2008) explains that digital literacy is “an ability to understand and to use information from a variety of digital sources and regarded it simply as literacy in the digital age” (p.18) and “the ability to read, write, and otherwise deal with information using technologies and formats of the time” (p.18). Digital literacy requires being able to communicate and access information through a variety of digital environments (University of Derby, 2014). Internet searching, hypertext navigation, knowledge assemble, and content evaluation are the four competencies of digital literacy (Bawden, 2008, p.20). Digital literacy is also important to practice internet and online safety skills, digital search skills or the ability to find and select information, digital critical thinking & evaluation, and effective communication, collaboration, & netiquette (Popatiya, 2023). Studies show that 90% of new graduate jobs require high level information and communication technology, therefore it is important for students to know how to use technology navigation, communication, and digital environments (University of Derby, 2014). In order for students to succeed after graduation and become employable, students must be proficient in digital literacy skills alongside their qualifications to better their chances of becoming employed (University of Derby, 2014).
Having knowledge in digital literacy is important as a teacher and as a learner. Learning and getting an understanding of what digital literacy entails is important because technology is advancing and us as teachers along with our students are starting to grow up with it around. It is important as teachers to be able to adapt to the times and find and use resources in new and intriguing ways.
I have seen technology used in many different forms while I was out on my observational practicum. Reading books on a computer was something I saw frequently. It was a very useful program because you could read along with the narrator and the words would be highlighted as they were getting read out. For students that have difficulty reading, I think this is a good tool to get them used to the words by hearing the words and seeing it highlighted at the same time.
Using an iPad to communicate with students that have troubles talking is one of the more advanced and very useful tools I witnessed. The program was called TouchChat and it is designed for children with special needs that need extra help communicating.
Using technology for assignments and grading has become increasingly popular. There are also apps that teachers can use with their students’ parents to keep in contact with them throughout the day if needed. I find this very useful because it allows to keep parents updated on how their child is doing throughout the day if needed.
Technology is also becoming used very often for communicating and collaborating with co-workers and other teachers and staff. It is helpful that collaboration can still be done even if teachers are not in the same place. It is a time efficient and productive way to bounce ideas off one another.
As future educators, we must accept the fact that we must have digital literacy with technology being used every day in the classroom. Being proficient in the use of technology will help us navigate our classrooms, our lessons, and communication with students, staff, and parents/caregivers smoothly and efficiently.
References
Bawden, D. (2008). Origins and concepts of digital literacy. Digital literacies: Concepts, policies and practices, 30(2008), 17-32.
Popatiya, Z. A. (2023, May 29). How can we be more digitally literate? the.ismaili. https://the.ismaili/mozambique/how-can-we-be-more-digitally-literate
University of Derby. (2014, November 5). Digital literacy and why it matters. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2k3C-iB88w
Photo: https://the.ismaili/mozambique/how-can-we-be-more-digitally-literate