DIGITAL LITERACY - MEANING, CONCEPT AND CHARACTERISTICS OF DIGITAL LITERACY (JS3 NOTES)

 DIGITAL LITERACY- MEANING , CHARACTERISTICS, AND BENEFITS/USES

Objective: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. Define digital literacy

2. State the characteristics and benefits of digital literacy

What is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy is the ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technology. Digital literacy is the knowledge, skills, and behaviors used in a broad range of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs, all of which are seen as networks rather than computing devices. 

Digital literacy research explores a wide variety of topics, including how people find, use, summaries, evaluate, create and communicate information while using digital technologies. A digital literate person can be described as a digital citizen.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF DIGITAL LITERACY

1. Ability to use digital tools to identify, manage, access, evaluate, integrate and analyze digital resources.

2. Ability to use information responsibly.

3. Development of analytical skills, critical thinking skills, writing and communication skills.

4. Digital literacy provides the technical fluency skills needed to engage with computers and the internet.

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL LITERACY

1. It saves time: Multiple tasks can be done at the same time.

2. You learn faster: Study at your own pace, look up words, facts and figures.

3. It keeps you informed: You have access to current happenings and events all around the world.

4. It keeps you connected: Technology allows you to talk to anyone, anytime and anywhere.

5. Decision making: Digital literacy allows you to search, study, analyze and compare things.

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL LITERACY IN THE CLASSROOM

1. Easily modified for differentiating instruction

2. Effective way to teach vocabulary through intentional scaffolding

3. Provides multiple exposures to academic language

4. Allows for learning with real world context

5. Measures authentic assessment

6. Makes learning easily accessible

7. Encourages peer collaboration (both students and teachers)

8. Increases motivation and self esteem (both students and teachers)

9. Promotes the effective use of technology

Class Activity

• Define Digital literacy and state its characteristics

• Mention five benefits of digital literacy