Digital Literacy – JSS3 Computer Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Digital literacy is the ability to use digital technology tools to access, manage, integrate, analyse and evaluate information and to communicate with others, so as to take part effectively in society.

What does digital literacy cover?

Digital literacy covers the skills needed to use common digital devices and services.

• Computer hardware: the physical parts, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse and system unit.
• Software: the programs that run on a device, such as a word processor or a browser.
• The Internet: the worldwide network used for search, email, social media and online services.
• Cell phones: mobile phones used for calls, messages, data and apps.
• PDAs (personal digital assistants): small handheld devices for notes, contacts and calendars, now mostly combined into smartphones.
• Digital citizen: a person who uses these skills to interact with society.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define digital literacy and digital citizenship;
2. list the nine elements of digital citizenship;
3. describe the six types of digital literacy;
4. state the characteristics of digital literacy;
5. explain how digital literacy is used in education and in the workforce.

What is digital citizenship?

Digital citizenship is the set of norms of appropriate, responsible behaviour concerning technology use.

• Digital citizen: someone who follows these norms when using computers, phones and the Internet.
• Link to digital literacy: digital literacy is one of the nine elements of digital citizenship.

What are the nine elements of digital citizenship?

There are nine elements of digital citizenship: access, commerce, communication, literacy, etiquette, law, rights and responsibilities, health and wellness, and security.

• Digital access: full electronic participation in society. Example: having a device and a data connection.
• Digital commerce: electronic buying and selling of goods. Example: paying for items on an online shop.
• Digital communication: electronic exchange of information. Example: email, text messages and WhatsApp.
• Digital literacy: the process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology.
• Digital etiquette: electronic standards of conduct or procedure. Example: writing politely in a class group chat.
• Digital law: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds. Example: not hacking accounts or copying software illegally.
• Digital rights and responsibilities: those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world. Example: the right to privacy, and the duty to respect other people’s privacy.
• Digital health and wellness: physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world. Example: taking breaks from the screen.
• Digital security (self-protection): electronic precautions to guarantee safety. Example: strong passwords and antivirus software.

What are the types of digital literacy?

There are six types of digital literacy: photo-visual, reproduction, branching, information, socio-emotional and media literacy.

Photo-visual literacy

• Meaning: the ability to read and deduce information from visuals.
• Example: understanding a chart, icon, photograph or screen layout.

Reproduction literacy

• Meaning: the ability to use digital technology to create a new piece of work, or combine existing pieces of work to make it your own.
• Example: building a slide presentation from your own text and pictures.

Branching literacy

• Meaning: the ability to move around successfully in the non-linear medium of digital space.
• Example: following links, menus and tabs without getting lost.

Information literacy

• Meaning: the ability to search, locate, assess and critically evaluate information found on the web.
• Example: checking who wrote a web page before using its facts.

Socio-emotional literacy

• Meaning: the social and emotional aspects of being present online, whether through socialising, collaborating or simply consuming content.
• Example: treating others kindly in online groups and working with classmates on a shared document.

Media literacy

• Meaning: the interpretation and production of shared meanings, and the ability to access, analyse, evaluate and create messages across a variety of contexts.
• Example: questioning whether a viral message or video is true before sharing it.

What are the characteristics of digital literacy?

The characteristics of digital literacy describe what it involves and how it develops.

• Supports traditional literacy: it supports and helps develop reading and writing.
• Lifelong practice: it is a lifelong practice, because technology keeps changing.
• Skills and reflection: it involves skills, competencies and critical reflection on how these skills are used.
• Social engagement: it is about social engagement with other people.

How is digital literacy used in education?

In education, digital literacy shapes how schools plan lessons, deliver them and train students to research.

• Updated curriculum: schools update their curriculum for digital literacy to keep up with fast technological developments.
• Computers in the classroom: students and teachers use computers during lessons.
• Educational software: software is used to teach the curriculum.
• Online course materials: materials are made available to students online.
• Smart boards and audience response systems: some classrooms are designed to use them.
• Digitally literate teachers: these techniques are most effective when the teacher is digitally literate as well.
• Research skills: teachers teach students who use computers for research how to verify credible sources online and how to cite websites.
• Everyday research: students use Google and Wikipedia for everyday life research.
• Teacher certification: educators are often required to be certified in digital literacy to teach certain software and, more commonly, to prevent plagiarism among students.

How is digital literacy used in the workforce?

In the workforce, digital literacy is the working knowledge of digital tools that many jobs now require.

• Basic functions: many jobs require a working knowledge of computers and the Internet.
• Mobile devices: as wireless technology improves, more jobs require proficiency with cell phones and PDAs (sometimes combined into smartphones).
• Computer-based work: some jobs are increasingly performed mainly on computers and portable devices.
• Proof of skill: many of these jobs require proof of digital literacy to be hired or promoted.
• Tests and certificates: companies may give their own tests to employees, or official certification may be required.
• Manufacturers and retailers: they are expected to collect and analyse data about productivity and market trends to stay competitive.
• Construction workers: they often use computers to increase employee safety.
• Job recruiters: they often use employment websites to find possible employees, so digital literacy matters in getting a job.

Evaluation

1. Define digital literacy.
2. What is digital citizenship?
3. List any five elements of digital citizenship.
4. Name the six types of digital literacy.
5. Give two ways digital literacy is used in the workforce.

Assignment

Write a short note titled “Being digitally literate” in your exercise book. In it, explain information literacy and media literacy in your own words, state four characteristics of digital literacy, and describe two ways schools use digital literacy.