The Classroom Guide to Digital Literacy in K-12 Education

Digital literacy is more than just a new buzzword for educators and administrators. While we are all familiar with the traditional concept of literacy in the classroom, digital literacy builds upon the same idea to include the technology that is now being incorporated into learning and instruction.

What is digital literacy?

Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using online resources including eBooks, websites, social media, and videos. Digital literacy promotes student learning by providing a solid foundation for students to engage with online resources by utilizing digital tools effectively in the learning process.

Why is digital literacy important?

Many students have access to a personal or school-provided device of some sort—it could be a phone, tablet, or computer—that allows them to get information from across the internet. With the increased use of digital resources in the curriculum, teachers and parents must help students navigate and interact with the digital world effectively.

With digital literacy skills, students can move beyond a process-oriented understanding of technology and apply digital resources creatively in their original work. These skills build upon the traditional concept of literacy and support students in using critical thinking skills.

Source: https://rossieronline.usc.edu/blog/teacher-digital-literacy/

These skills extend beyond the classroom, as many post-secondary opportunities require a working knowledge of basic technology. To set up students for success after graduation, educators can take a proactive approach in teaching students how to become good digital citizens and use technology responsibly.

Digital Literacy in the Classroom

In the classroom, digital literacy is the student’s ability to discern quality sources, understand authorship rules, and evaluate the credibility of online content as it relates to the task or assignment. Lessons on responsible use of digital resources and communication online can include how to:

• Identify relevant videos and images
• Understand how word choice can portray bias
• Participate in online communities
• Fact-check research
• Evaluate online resources
• Cite sources and other copyrighted material
• Distinguish real from “fake news”

Incorporating digital literacy in the classroom also helps students evaluate their behavior, engagement, and interactions on digital learning platforms and across the internet.

Digital Literacy Empowers Students

Right now, students have more access to an online curriculum than ever before. Educators are in the best position to help students make safe choices in the digital world and use digital resources effectively. Technology is moving our world (and K-12 education) forward rapidly, and digital literacy can help students keep up in the classroom and beyond.