Week 1 – Digital Literacy

In today’s digital age, being digitally literate is a necessity for navigating the complexities of modern life. As someone invested in the education sector and aspiring to make a difference in the lives of children, I recognize the profound impact of digital literacy on shaping future generations. Reflecting on my journey of learning through technology and engaging with various resources, I realize the evolution and significance of digital literacy in my personal and professional life.

My experiences with digital learning have been transformative, marked by the transition from early encounters with dial-up internet to the seamless accessibility of wireless networks. I vividly recall the excitement of exploring educational CD-ROM games, which, while enjoyable, now seem archaic compared to the immersive simulations and interactive multimedia tools available today. These advancements in technology have not only enhanced the effectiveness of digital learning but also made it more engaging and accessible to learners of all ages and backgrounds. Moreover, spending the last three years studying for my conjoint degree through distance learning has reinforced the importance and practicality of digital literacy in my daily life.

However, as Brown (2017) articulates in his critical review of frameworks for digital literacy, the landscape of digital learning is far from straightforward. Brown (2017) points out that many digital literacy plans are only temporary, cautioning against the uncritical acceptance of superficial models. His insights resonate with my understanding of digital literacy, particularly in the context of education. It is essential to be able to critically evaluate online information. As an aspiring educator, I am aware of the ethical implications and challenges associated with digital learning platforms, such as privacy concerns, data security issues, and the spread of misinformation.

Brown’s (2017) focus on how digital literacy links to bigger social and political topics is similar to what the Netsafe (2018) report talks about. They both emphasize that it’s not just about knowing the basics of using digital tools but also about becoming proficient and responsible digital citizens. As I reflect on these ideas, I realize the impact of digital literacy on my role as a future educator. It is not enough to simply teach technical skills or facilitate access to digital resources. Rather, I see my responsibility as fostering critical thinking, ethical behaviour, and digital citizenship among my learners. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and values to thrive in the digital world, I aim to empower them to become responsible and informed citizens in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven society.

Being digitally literate is important in today’s digital age, shaping not only individual experiences but also broader societal dynamics. My journey of learning through technology, coupled with insights from Brown (2017) and critical review and the Netsafe report (2018), has deepened my understanding of the complex nature of digital literacy. As I embark on my journey as an educator, I am committed to fostering digital literacy skills that empower future generations to navigate the complexities of the digital world with confidence and integrity.

References

Brown, M. (2017a). Critical review of frameworks for digital literacy: Beyond the flashy, flimsy and faddish – part 1. Retrieved from http://blog.ascilite.org/a-critical-review-of-frameworks-for-digital-literacy-beyond-the-flashy-flimsy-and-faddish-part-1/ 

 Brown, M. (2017b). Critical review of frameworks for digital literacy: Beyond the flashy, flimsy and faddish – part 2. Retrieved from http://blog.ascilite.org/a-critical-review-of-frameworks-for-digital-literacy-beyond-the-flashy-flimsy-and-faddish-part-2/  

Brown, M. (2017c). Critical review of frameworks for digital literacy: Beyond the flashy, flimsy and faddish – part 3. Retrieved from http://blog.ascilite.org/critical-review-of-frameworks-for-digital-literacy-beyond-the-flashy-flimsy-and-faddish-part-3/

Netsafe. (2018). From literacy to fluency to citizenship: Digital citizenship in education. New Zealand. Retrieved from https://netsafe.org.nz/the-kit/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/From-literacy-to-fluency-to-citizenship_July-2018.pdf