Digital Literacy

Technology should certainly be used for learning.  It is a medium with which most of our students are familiar and comfortable.  They might not always use it efficiently or particularly well, but it affords an opportunity to learn in a manner that is immensely flexible in terms of the amount of resources available and the opportunity to learn asynchronously.  It can be teacher-structured or students can operate independently.  Another benefit of using technology to search for new information is that students can encounter different approaches and see information presented in different ways, some of which might be easier to comprehend.  

The potential problem is that teachers might not be aware of the available resources and students might not be able to locate appropriate resources on their own.  Teachers need to have a plan for their assignments and should be able to provide guidance.  In addition to clear guidelines, students need to know how  to conduct efficient searches and how to evaluate information.  the best learning occurs as an outcome of prior knowledge and experience and careful planning, not as a random or lucky circumstance.  Thus, as Lindsay and Davis point out in "Navigate the Digital Rapids", teachers must overcome the fear of letting students loose online, they must plan, and they  must monitor and be engaged in the process (2010). 

In order for students to best take advantage of educational opportunities afforded through digital technologies, they need it modeled.  The best situation is to have it modeled by multiple educators across different disciplines (Ribble & Bailey, 2010).  Once students see and experience the technologies, they need to be allowed to try them on their own.  Whether they succeed for fail, they will learn from their experiences.  

Lindsay, J. & Davis, V. (2010). Navigate the digital rapids. Leading & Learning with Technology 36(7), 12-15. Retrieved from https://libproxy.library.unt.edu:9443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ886385&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Ribble, M. S., & Bailey, G. D. (2004). Districts should teach their students digital smarts. District Administration, 40(10), 85. Retrieved from https://libproxy.library.unt.edu:9443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=15160964&site=ehost-live&scope=site