In today’s highly technological world, we’ve reached a point where knowing how to operate a computer and other gadgets isn’t just a handy skill. Now, it’s vital to progress in a digital world, and one cannot do this without digital literacy.
Digital literacy is the number one skill in the 21st century. Unfortunately, this still isn’t something we will be traditionally taught in schools and colleges. But it’s time to change this! In this article, an expert paper writer from a reputable essay writing service where students order essay will help us grasp the concept behind digital literacy and share some handy activities that can be used in the classroom to help students acquire it.
What Is Digital Literacy?
Digital literacy is a rather all-encompassing term. In its most basic form, it stands for the ability to access and communicate information using digital devices. However, in reality, it goes much deeper than that. Digital literacy is about knowing how the most foundational technologies work, having strong digital skills (like effective online searching), understanding computer interfaces, knowing how to exchange files, etc. And it’s also about knowing how not only to find but also evaluate the information you find across different digital mediums.
Why do students even need it? According to a professional essay writer who can help to do my paper, digital literacy is no longer an option but a necessity. It gives us all the skills we need to successfully learn, work, and live in a world where most of the information is accessed through technology. With its help, students can do research, access trusted sources, and excel in self-learning. Later, in the professional world, digital literacy helps one find employment and establish oneself as a credible specialist. And in everyday life, this skill is what helps us socialize online effectively.
How to Promote Students’ Digital Literacy in the Classroom
If you are an educator, it’s your ultimate goal to help students acquire the vital skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. As you now see, digital literacy is one of them.
So how do you promote digital literacy in students? In the list below, an expert essay writer online shares a few handy techniques and activities to make it real!
1. Incorporate Various Digital Tools
First of all, incorporating different digital tools into your classroom practices is the best way to promote digital literacy. Digital tools for the classroom are any software, apps, and gadgets that create opportunities for learning and collaboration between students. These can include social media, games, interactive learning, and multimedia. According to a reputable essay writer for hire, such tools will not only improve students’ digital literacy skills but also help them become more engaged in the learning process.
2. Share Supplementary Materials Online
The best way to help students learn how to engage with information digitally is to supply them with access to it. Instead of referring to non-digital learning materials, share supplementary materials online. For example, instead of giving your students a new textbook chapter to read, provide links to infographics, TED talks, and other online materials related to the studied topic. This will make learning more engaging and will let your students learn how to interact with, evaluate on, and exchange information online.
3. Leverage Analytical Activities
Another tip from an expert essay writer is to make use of evaluation and analytical activities. Critical thinking and the ability to analyze the obtained information play a huge role in digital literacy. In order to develop these abilities in your students, encourage them to evaluate information through the right classroom activities. For example, after sharing an online supplementary material, ask students to analyze the following:
- The implicit and explicit ideas;
- The tone of voice;
- The credibility of the author;
- The author’s purpose;
- The supporting facts, etc.
By encouraging students to critically assess different elements of media, you will help them develop stronger digital literacy skills.
4. Focus on Digital Projects
Asking students to create their own projects is a great way to help them grasp and retain the studied materials better. However, if you want to teach them digital literacy at the same time, you should focus on digital projects instead of traditional ones. For example, instead of asking students to prepare a regular speech on a topic, task them to craft a PowerPoint presentation. This way, you will give your students an opportunity to work with and learn different digital instruments independently. In order to complete the task, they will need to carry out online research, collect supporting information and visuals, and also figure out how presentation software works. Such digital projects are great for developing digital literacy.
5. Leverage Online Learning Platforms, Apps, and Software
Finally, in order to take students’ digital literacy skills to the next level, a professional essay writer also recommends integrating various learning platforms, apps, and software into your lessons. Such tools make learning fun. At the same time, they facilitate better communication between students and teachers. And they also help students become more proficient in the digital world.
Conclusion
So these are some of the handiest tactics and activities to develop digital literacy in students. Start using them now to help your learners achieve greater success in the modern world!