What is Digital Literacy – and why do our children need it?

What is Digital Literacy – and why do our children need it?

Being able to understand and navigate the world is important for us to thrive. Digital literacy is all about how a person does this in the digital world.

Because the ways we use digital platforms and technology are ever-changing, so too are the things that need to be taught to help someone become digitally literate. A digitally literate person feels confident that they can find, evaluate, use and create information effectively and responsibly on any digital device – be that a computer, tablet or phone.

In a world where so much of our work, learning, socialising and life admin relies on being able to effectively use digital technology, being digitally literate is essential!

It's not just about knowing how to find information - it's about knowing what to trust.

In a world where a Google search yields millions of results in seconds, digital literacy means knowing how to filter through this to find what you need.

It's about having a bit of knowledge about search engine algorithms, and knowing which sources are trustworthy. For example, if you're researching something, digital literacy skills (combined with some media literacy know how) will help you distinguish between a peer-reviewed scientific journal and a blog post with questionable credentials.

Once you've found information, the next step is evaluating its credibility. The internet is a vast sea of opinions, facts, and falsehoods, and digital literacy can help you understand what’s worth paying attention to – and what isn’t.

It teaches you to critically analyse information, considering factors like the author's expertise, bias, and the reliability of the publication. For instance, if you stumble upon a news article shared on social media, digital literacy skills will prompt you to fact-check with other reputable sources before accepting it as truth.

And then let’s think about how you use the information you find…

Using information effectively is another key aspect of digital literacy. It's not just about consuming content but also about creating and sharing it. Whether you're crafting a persuasive essay, editing a video project, or designing a website, digital literacy skills empower you to harness technology to express yourself creatively and professionally.

Using information responsibly is not just about accessing and consuming content; it's also about understanding the impact of your actions online and how you contribute to the digital community. Digital literacy teaches you to be mindful of the information you share, ensuring that it's accurate, appropriate, and respects the rights of others.

Digital literacy also encompasses how you behave online across all interactions

Digital literacy is a foundational skill for positive participation online. Just as you navigate the physical world with consideration for others, digital literacy teaches you to navigate the online world ethically and responsibly.

For instance, let's say you're part of an online forum discussing issues that you’re passionate about. Digital literacy skills would guide you to engage in constructive conversations, listen to diverse perspectives, and avoid spreading misinformation or engaging in online harassment.

By promoting civil discourse and empathy online, you contribute to a healthier digital environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

And it teaches you to consider the mark you leave online...

Digital literacy also involves being mindful of your digital footprint – the trail of information you leave behind as you interact online. Digital literacy teaches you to think before you post, considering how your actions and words might impact your reputation, relationships, and future opportunities.

Digital literacy skills prompt you to think about how you present yourself on social media profiles, ensuring that your online presence reflects your values and presents you in a positive light.

How digital literacy can be supported in schools

While students will pick up many important digital literacy skills just through using technology, some skills are important to explicitly teach them. For many teachers and parents, who didn’t grow up immersed in using technology, this concept can be somewhat confronting, however, there is support available.

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation’s eSmart programs are free for all Australian schools thanks to support from the Federal Government and can assist teachers in delivering this important information within their classrooms.

Parents can also explore the Foundation’s DigiTalk hub which is filled with resources to support positive conversations around tech use in the home.

Remembering that digital literacy skills are important for everyone can help us make good and informed choices when navigating online interactions – and supporting our children to do the same!