One aspect
of being successful in this technology driven world is the ability to adapt to new technologies. It’s impossible to
know how to use every digital tool that emerges; it’s hard to keep up!
Because technology is always changing and building upon the foundation
of older tech, we need to teach our students how to adapt and be self-driven,
lifelong learners that are not fearful of embracing the new tools. In
the simplest terms, digital literacy is the ability to use technology for a
variety of reasons safely and responsibly. Students show digital
literacy in their ability to choose a digital tool that best fits the purpose
of the task whether that includes communicating, collaborating, problem
solving/using critical thinking skills, and gathering information. There’s a
good chance that the job positions our students will hold in the future do
not even exist at this time due to rapidly evolving technology and the roles
technology plays in the workforce so we must teach them how to utilize
digital tools effectively.
Not only are
digitally literate individuals comfortable exploring new tools, they are also
aware of their responsibility as a
digital citizen. With all of the media bombarding our students
daily with information, we cannot overlook the fact that they need to be
taught how to critically view the information they receive and how they will
positively engage with the digital communities. Twenty years ago,
students basically needed to know how to power up their desktop, save a file,
and send a document to the printer but due to our connectedness in the
digital and global communities, the concerns our students face today have
taken on different forms from how they present themselves online, how their
future employers perceive that image, how they interact with others in the
digital world, and what digital footprint they are creating for themselves.
There are
countless resources online devoted to digital literacy and citizenship.
As we approach a new school year, discussions with our students about
their success should include their personal use of technology and how they
perceive the role of technology in their own lives. Feel free to visit the
following literacy sites to begin those discussions with your child today.
Digital Tools We Use:
BrainPop and Digital Citizenship:
Tips for Teens:
Elements of Digital Citizenships:
Dos and Don’ts of Social Networking:
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