I think that it is important to be a digitally literate person in our current era, because the digital world plays such a large role in our daily lives. We use our devices to access the internet for many different reasons; to check the weather, talk with friends, to purchase goods and services, as well as to access a wealth of knowledge and information. However, when accessing the digital world, it is important to be analytical and considerate.
According to the British Columbia Government website, “the Ministry of Education and Child Care, . . . define the term digital literacy as ‘the interest, attitude and ability of individuals to appropriately use digital technology and communication tools to access, manage, integrate, analyze and evaluate information, construct new knowledge, create and communicate with others’”. Digital literacy is a multifaceted term that has many different facets. Being a digitally literate citizen is about using the tools to access digital information and opportunities in a safe, respectful manner.
As a teacher, a more student-centred definition of digital literacy comes from the Government of Ontario website, which describes digital literacy as “the ability to solve problems using technology in a safe, legal, and ethically responsible manner”. As future teachers, we need to educate our students how to become digitally literate citizens. The technology that we use becomes more advanced and easier for students to access with each passing year. Students may already know how the digital world works, but they need to be aware of the cognitive aspect of digital literacy as well.
It is important that we teach the younger generation how to use digital tools in a way that provides them with opportunities to learn and explore. There is an expansive world of knowledge that can be accessed digitally, and all students should have access to it. One aspect of being someone who is digitally literate means that you are using the tools you have to access digital information in a conscientious way, and that you are thinking critically about the information that is presented to you.
Another facet of being digitally literate means that you are able to regulate your digital intake in a healthy manner for your own mental health. I think this is one of the most important parts of digital literacy for students to focus on. Growing up with so many social medias and available to kids at such young ages has a great affect on their mental and physical well-being. It is important to teach students to know when to take a break from being online, and that there are other digital outlets to access.
Photo credit: Maddie Corbett, November 2023.
