The Importance of Digital Literacy

THE NEED FOR EDUCATION

All attempts to create a utopia invariably lead to a dystopia.  Even while we bask in the glow of new communication technology, we begin to see the darker dystopian strands emerge.  New methods of communication have arrived with diverse practical and ethical challenges. Trying to battle the damage done by echo chambers, created by multiple algorithms programmed to increase engagement, for example, can be likened to battling a multi-headed behemoth. Many strive to battle with one head of this gangly technological beast, only to be bitten by another.  Solutions which do succeed, do not have lasting effect as algorithms quickly adapt.  We can no longer make a significant difference at the head, we must go to the source. We need a shift in the base of this paradigm, one which will have lasting effect.  This can be done through education.

INCREASING DIGITAL LITERACY

A 2019 survey done by Statista indicated that American do not currently possess the necessary skills to act with discernment online, in fact Americans were outright given a failing grade. (Figure 1)  Many educators are working towards increasing the digital literacy of their students. Yet it isn’t easy. Students are often overconfident, thinking they understand the intricacies of digital literacy, when in fact they know how to use software on their cell phone or laptop and no clue how to discern fact from fiction. “True digital literacy consists of skills, knowledge and understanding that enable critical, creative, discerning and safe practices with digital technologies” (Hague & Payton, 2011) Educators must persist in this initiative and cannot take for granted that youth are well versed in digital literacy simply because they can use social media platforms and navigate through software with no assistance, notes Dr. Felicia Bolden, an elementary school principle. (Bolden, 2019). “The classroom itself is becoming a much more fluid and flexible concept. We should expect that the classroom of the future will increasingly focus on application and problem-solving with materials rapidly being updated and easily accessible through technology” notes Dr. Lenton, the President of York University. (Passey et al., 2018) 

The ultimate goal for all people is to move beyond digital skills, and digital literacy and become competent and then finally digitally autonomous, fully confident and accountable for all actions. (see Figure 1) (Passey et al., 2018)  There are challenges to be overcome to achieve this. Schools, need to ensure they look at the larger picture when building curriculum and ensure digital skills are taught in tandem with digital literacy practices. In addition, the level of digital literacy of the teacher must increase; a basic level of technical proficiency is no longer enough; digital training for teachers now needs to be rigorous for teachers are role-models. (Passey et al., 2018)  Luckily, there are now many new software packages emerging internationally which address the need for digital literacy for both young and adult learners.

Jules  In Singapore, Jules provides simulated training, analytics dashboards, and gamification practices to help children build computer literacy skills

Gaptain A Spanish startup that startup conducts an audit of children’s digital activity and designs education sessions targeting identified problems

TANu  A French assessment program covers everyday topics such as the internet and social media behavior, technological awareness, e-business knowledge, and data processing skills and then remediates workers with L’Ecole, a software aimed at filling in the gaps of knowledge. (Startus Insights, 2020)