Digital literacy is the skills and ability to effectively engage in cyberspace with a better understanding of the environment they surf on. According to the Canadian Ministry of Education and Child Care digital literacy is “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” (Ministry of Education, n.d.). On the other hand, education on digital citizenship guides students to make smart choices in the digital world, think critically when extending connections online, and practice digital healthy habits while reflecting on the digital dilemmas that students face today.
According to my in-class experience, Legalities, Safety, and Digital Citizenship led to a flow of interesting discussions and reflections on the education system in my country. The BC’s Digital Literacy Framework (Government of British Columbia, 2013) was one of the most significant pieces of writing studied in the class. The detailed elaboration of the Digital Literacy Framework was nicely laid according to the understanding capacity of the K-12 students to understand using technology and communication tools appropriately.
The said framework seems to be a solid plan to give the learners the skills, they need to succeed as digital learners, leaders, and citizens tomorrow. Coming from a country where digital literacy in education is not properly implemented but is in the experimental stage this framework emphasizes a clear vision and a mission the BC Government has for the students to be better digital learners and users.
The Digital Citizenship discussion reveals how important knowledge of digital citizenship is required from a young age. As an educator, I believe that understanding internet safety, privacy and security, cyberbullying, and digital footprint, and learning in depth with each grade would be effective. Furthermore, it would not only create a safe environment for the students as well as the parents. The enhancement of digital literacy would reduce the fear that exists among parents and guardians in using digital platforms for their children.
Generally, the incorporation of digital literacy in education would be time-consuming depending on the welcome from the teachers, parents, guardians, students, and the community equally and that might be the reason that in some countries it is taking a slow phase even the digital world is so powerful in their countries.
Reference
Government of British Columbia. (2013). BC’s Digital Literacy Framework. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/teach/teaching-tools/digital-literacy-framework.pdf
Ministry of Education. (n.d.). Digital Literacy – Province of British Columbia. www2.Gov.bc.ca. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/teach/resources-for-teachers/digital-literacy