Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

4 DIGITAL LITERACY

Drawing on one’s digital experiences, an individual need to think about

his/her digital literacy and digital footprint and strive to develop positive
strategies to proactively take control of his/her own digital identity. It makes sense
to assume that the more digitally literate teachers are, the more will they employ these skills
What do I in the classroom, which will in turn, foster a strong sense of digital citizenship in their
need to
students.
learn?
In this module, the learners will be introduced to the concept of digital
literacy and what new skills are needed in order to engage with the digital world
responsibly and effectively. At the end of the lesson, the learners are expected to:

 define digital literacy;

 enumerate principles and components of digital literacy;
 discuss the relation of information, media and technology skills to
other skills in the 21st century framework;
 identify essential skills needed to attain digital literacy; and
 enumerate ways on how to foster digital literacy in the classroom.

Definitions of Digital Literacy

In today’s world, literacy goes beyond just the basic ability to comprehend
text. Most students today have more knowledge about technology than their
What do I teachers, but most have not had instruction on how and when to use technology
need to appropriately. Too often the focus is on learning the technology itself, with little
know? time given to discussing what is or isn't appropriate (Rubble & Bailey, 2007).
Today’s students will also need to master a new skill—digital literacy.

Cornell University defines digital literacy as “the ability to find, evaluate,

utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet.”
Digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies
to find, evaluate, create and communicate information, requiring both cognitive
and technical skills (American Library Association). Digital literacy is more than
technological know-how; it includes a wide variety of ethical, social, and reflective
practices that are embedded in work, learning, leisure, and daily life
(www.mediasmarts.ca).

Jones-Kavalier & Flannigan (2008) suggested that digital literacy represents

a person’s ability to perform tasks effectively in a digital environment; digital
meaning information represented in numeric form and primarily use by a
computer, and literacy including the ability to read and interpret media, to
reproduce data and images through digital manipulation and to evaluate and
apply new knowledge gained from digital environments. Aviram and Eshet-Alkalai

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

(2006) described digital literacy as a combination of technical-procedural,

cognitive and emotional social skills. Erstad (2007) defined it as “skills, knowledge
and attitudes in using digital media to be able to master the challenges in the
learning society”. Similarly, Eshet-Alkali and Amichai-Hamburger (2004) gave a
broad meaning to the term to consist of five major digital skills: photo-visual skills
(“reading” instructions from graphical displays), reproduction skills (utilizing
digital reproduction to create new, meaningful materials from existing ones),
branching skills (constructing knowledge from non-linear, hypertextual
navigation), information skills (evaluating the quality and validity of information),
and socio-emotional skills (understanding the “rules” that prevail in cyberspace
and applying this understanding in online cyberspace communication). In
addition, one more skill was added to the list: real-time thinking skill (the ability
to process and evaluate large volumes of information in real time (Aviram & Eshet
Alkalai, 2006).

Digital literacy is one component of being a digital citizen – a person who is

responsible for how they utilize technology to interact with the world around
them.

Digital Literacy – what it is and what it is not?

Digital literacy is –
 understanding how to use web browsers, search engines, email, text,
wiki, blogs, Photoshop, PowerPoint, video creation/editing software,
etc. to showcase learning.
 evaluating online resources for accuracy/trustworthiness of
information.
 using online classes to enhance learning in the classroom
 choosing appropriate media to showcase learning – understand what
platforms will best illustrate message and learning to peers and
educators.
 using an interactive whiteboard in the classroom for lessons and
allowing students to use the interactive whiteboard on a daily basis.
 encouraging students to use technology to showcase their learning.
 using the web (web sites video, music) to enhance the learning of
students.
 students and teachers creating online content to be utilized both in
and out of the classroom.

However, digital literacy is not –

 learning just how to use multi-media to research and investigate a
specific topic.
 having a computer lab in your school.
 technology as a special class separate from the daily classroom.
 typing papers (research, opinion or narrative stories) on a computer
or using search engines only to find information.
 children dropping out of school to independently learn without
guidance.
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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

 using online media without any knowledge of guidelines on how to

judge whether the information is accurate or trustworthy

Principles of Digital Literacy

Competencies for digital literacy can be classified according to three main

principles (www.mediasmarts.ca), namely:

1. Use. This represents the technical fluency that is needed to engage with
computers and the Internet. Skills and competencies that fall under this
principle range from basic technical know-how – using computer
programs such as word processors, web browsers, email and other
communication tools – to the more sophisticated abilities for accessing
and using knowledge resources, such as search engines and online
databases, and emerging technologies such as cloud computing.

2. Understand. This refers to the set of skills that help us comprehend,

contextualize, and critically evaluate digital media to make informed
decisions about what is done and encountered online. This principle also
includes recognizing how networked technology affects behavior and
perceptions, beliefs and feelings about the world.

3. Create. This refers to the ability to produce content and effectively

communicate through a variety of digital media tools. Creation with
digital media is more than knowing how to use a word processor or write
an email, it includes being able to adapt what is produced for various
contexts and audiences.

Components of digital literacy

Digital literacy operates on seven components (www.webwise.ie), namely:

1. Critical thinking
2. Online safety skills
3. Digital culture
4. Collaboration and creativity
5. Finding information
6. Communication and netiquette
7. Functional skills

Reynolds (2008) and Reynolds (2016) note that definitions of digital literacy
are often skills, and practically in uses of related technologies, thus tethering them
to a given historical moment in time. The definition frequently used is a confident
and important use of ICT for work, leisure, learning and communication (InfoNet,
2012; Hall, Nix & Baker, 2013).

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

Digital Literacy in the 21st Century Skills Framework

In today’s digital age, educators are expected to integrate 21 st century skills

into the teaching of academic subjects. To accomplish this, the Partnership for 21 st
century organization has developed a unified, collective vision for learning known
as the Framework for 21st Century Learning. This Framework describes a blend of
content knowledge, specific skills, expertise and literacies that students must
master to succeed in work and life.

In the 21st century skills framework shown in Figure 7, one of the three sets
of essential skills within the framework, which comprise “21st century student
outcomes” is Information, Media, and Technology Skills.

People in the 21st century live in a technology and media-suffused

environment, marked by various characteristics, including: 1) access to an
abundance of information, 2) rapid changes in technology tools, and 3) the ability
to collaborate and make individual contributions on an unprecedented scale. To
be effective in the 21st century, citizens and workers must be able to exhibit a
range of functional and critical thinking skills related to information, media and
technology (www.P21.org).

The Framework for 21st Century Learning (Source: www.P21.org)

The information, media and technology skills is subdivided into three

literacies: information literacy, media literacy, and ICT literacy. The specific skills
for the three literacies are as follows:

1. Information Literacy

1.1 Access and Evaluate Information

 Access information efficiently (time) and effectively (sources)
 Evaluate information critically and competently

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

1.2 Use and Manage Information

 Use information accurately and creatively for the issue or
problem at hand
 Manage the flow of information from a wide variety of
sources
 Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal
issues surrounding the access and use of information

2. Media Literacy

2.1 Analyze Media

 Understand both how and why media messages are
constructed, and for what purposes
 Examine how individuals interpret messages differently, how
values and points of view are included or excluded, and how
media can influence beliefs and behaviors
 Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal
issues surrounding the access and use of media

2.2 Create Media Products

 Understand and utilize the most appropriate media creation
tools, characteristics and conventions
 Understand and effectively utilize the most appropriate
expressions and interpretations in diverse, multi-cultural
environments

3. ICT (Information, Communications and Technology) Literacy

3.1 Apply Technology Effectively

 Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate and
communicate information
 Use digital technologies (computers, PDAs, media players,
GPS, etc.), communication/networking tools and social
networks appropriately to access, manage, integrate,
evaluate and create information to successfully function in a
knowledge economy
 Apply a fundamental understanding of the ethical/legal
issues surrounding the access and use of information
technologies

The website www.techboomers.com presents the types and examples of

digital literacy that improve lives, namely:

Digital Literacy in the Home

Obtaining basic digital skills around the house will be the backbone of the
ability to integrate these skills into other aspects of life. These skills are some of

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

the easiest to learn and integrate into the daily routine, which is one of the best
ways to start improving technical skills.

 Computer skills. Understanding how the hardware and software of a

computer works, and how computers process and deliver information is
something many people skim over and don’t bother to learn in-depth.
However, they are very important components of digital learning.
 Communications. This is one of the key skills to gain, and is the reason
many people want to get online in the first place. Setting up an email
account with a service like Gmail, or setting up an online video chat profile
with a website like Skype, can greatly improve ability to communicate with
others.
 Social media. Right in line with communications, social media helps to
keep up-to-date on what’s going on with family, friends, the latest news,
and so much more. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are three main
networks to start setting up accounts and to increase one’s online social
presence.
 Internet navigation. Getting on the Internet and actually knowing how to
find what one is looking for is the key. Understanding how to find
information with services like Google Search is a great way to start.
 Making use of personal devices and apps. Obtaining devices (such as a
desktop computer, laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone) is one of the best
ways to hone skills. Using devices regularly, and integrating them into the
daily routine, is the best way to learn new things and practice current skills.
 Determining the validity of a source. A key component of navigating
through the Internet is avoiding the countless websites out there with false
information. Understanding if a website is truthful will help prevent from
falling victim to online scams or Internet fraud.
 Protecting privacy. Many websites ask to enter one’s personal
information as a requirement to use them. To know when a website is
securely storing information and protecting privacy is a very important
digital skill to acquire.

Digital Literacy in School

Whether one is a student or teacher in a classroom, or an instructor or

participant in an adult-learning course, one cannot ignore that digital
technologies are a part of learning. Whether one is learning or helping others
learn, these skills will help advance abilities in the classroom.

 Online safety. Staying safe online is a very important skill that people
should learn almost as soon as they start using technology. Understanding
how to protect safety and privacy online, including how to interact safely
with others online, should always be one of the first things to master.
 Learning how to utilize personal devices appropriately. Instructors are
no longer able to ignore that their students will bring digital devices into
the classroom. So, instead of trying to forbid these devices, think of useful

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

ways to integrate them into lessons. It also wouldn’t hurt to teach students
about when using their devices is socially appropriate and when it is not.
 Note-taking and organization. A great way to improve skills as a student
is to learn how to digitally record and organize information. One can make
use of great notetaking programs, such as Evernote, to help store all
important class-related information in one, easy-to-access place.
 Online courses. Learning never stops! There are great resources online for
taking free (and some paid) educational courses, even out of university
institutions! Check out websites like Udemy, Lynda, and Coursera to start
learning, and expand knowledge, on a variety of topics, including courses
on digital literacy.
 Teaching skills to others. Even if one begins as a student, gaining the
ability to teach others provides one with a deeper understanding of the
concepts one is teaching, and helps to spread technology skills among
even more people.

Digital Literacy in the Workplace

Specific technological skills are often requirements for landing a job in the
digital technology sector. However, even if not hired, it’s still important to know
when it is or isn’t appropriate to integrate technology into the workspace.

 Word processors, spreadsheet generators, and presentation software.

The ability to use these types of computer programs used to be
noteworthy on résumés, but today, it’s mandatory for many office-based
jobs. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are probably the most
popular programs to master, but Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides are great
to learn, too.
 Safely storing company data. The data the company creates and stores
is very important. Therefore, there is a need to make sure to choose a
secure service to keep company files with, as well as inform employees
about proper practices when it comes to storing data. Make sure co-
workers understand how digital data is stored and secured, and – more
importantly – how not to lose it.
 Choosing an appropriate platform to showcase content and media.
How business conducts outreach is very important, but there may be more
than one way to describe what the company does. The ability to recognize
the best way to use digital media to present information is a very valuable
skill.
 Colleague collaboration. Many positions require working as part of a
team. If work requires input from multiple people, consider learning how
to use a service like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Evernote. These services
help get work done as part of team by allowing team members to see real-
time updates changes made to project documents.
 Creating a professional online profile. Once all skills are down, make
sure to set up a LinkedIn profile to showcase everything one can do to a
future employer. If one is the boss, be sure to check out LinkedIn and other

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

online networks of professionals to see what the potential future

employees can do.

Digital Literacy in Personal Hobbies and Endeavors

Not as much of a buzzword as these other categories, but honing skills to

help pursue goals or find ways to make hobbies easier (or more fun) is equally as
important. Today, gaining publicity and showing off talents is all about being
online – and doing it well.

 Starting one’s own blog. Got something to say (or otherwise share)? An
easy way to get some content online is by setting up one’s own blog (short
for “web log”); a website like WordPress can help to do this. Besides just
letting to write down thoughts and opinions, many modern blog services
also allow adding pictures, videos, and whatever else inspiring! If the blog
gets popular, people may start following, sharing, and responding to the
entries!
 Creating one’s own website. If there is a great idea or collection of work
to show off, but have no coding experience, try a drag-and-drop website
builder like Wix or Weebly. One can learn how to use it as one goes, and
create absolutely anything one can imagine.
 Video creation and editing. Knowing how to work with digital video is a
great skill for personal life. In addition, many people find success creating
a good recurring series of videos online. If one is serious about this, but
don’t have a website, start a YouTube channel and get videos on YouTube.
 Lifelong learning. Though it may not seem like it, having the drive to learn
at any age is one of the most important skills to have! Even if one has many
of the skills listed, one has to make the effort to constantly practice
them. Additionally, one has to keep up with the changing trends of the
technology industry.

Fostering Digital Literacy in the Classroom

Most students already use digital technology, such as tablets, smartphones,

and computers, at home. Many students already know how to navigate the web,
share images on social media, and do a Google search to find information.
However, true digital literacy goes beyond these basic skills.

Because digital literacy is so important, educators are increasingly required

to teach students digital literacy in the classroom. In many ways, this is similar to
what educators have always done in teaching students to read and write. In other
ways, however, digital literacy is a brand new skill.

Many teachers are using technology in the classrooms to support different

learning styles and to engage students. What is missing are guidelines to help
teachers do this in ways that promote innovative thinking and collaborative work,
promote ethical practices, and strengthen their own professional development.

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

Some suggested activities to promote digital literacy, higher order thinking and
construction of meaning in the classroom are to:

 use an interactive whiteboard as often as possible to design and deliver

lessons.
 allow students to maintain blogs, wikis, web pages related to their
learning.
 engage in email/video chat exchanges with students from other
countries.
 utilize storytelling media to allow students to create and publish stories.
 set up a blog site/Facebook page and post weekly discussion questions
for students to respond to and encourage them to respond to each other
too.
 use video cameras to dramatize stories, record scientific experiments and
expose students to video editing software to create video productions of
learning.
 engage students in discussions about how and why various media work
well to showcase learning and why others do not.

Activity 1. Answer the following questions briefly but substantively.

1. What is digital literacy?

2. Why is digital literacy important?
3. Compare the seven components of digital literacy according to
What do I
www.webwise.ie and the information, media, and technology skills of
need to do?
the 21st century skills framework. Are the components similar? Do they
have differences?
4. Give five examples of digital literacy skills at home, in school, in the
workplace and in personal hobbies. Explain each.
5. How do we apply digital literacy in the classroom?
6. How can digital literacy improve our lives?
7. Is it enough that a student is capacitated only with skills in operating
computers and other technological gadgets?

Activity 2. The following statements are myths, or misconceptions about digital

literacy (Levy, 2018). Explain why each statement is a myth. Prepare a written
report on this task.
1. Digitally literate teachers know everything.
2. All digital tools are created equal.
3. Teaching digital literacy interrupts traditional teaching.
4. Digital literacy is a separate skill.
5. Digital literacy is only about functionality.
6. Digital natives are inherently digitally literate.
7. Technology turns students into zombies.
8. Handing over technology to students is all that matters.
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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

9. You have to be a digital expert to teach digital skills.

10. Teachers don’t have the time for technology.
11. Cell phones in class creates chaos.

Activity 3. ASSESSMENT OF DIGITAL SKILLS

(patterned from https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu)

Presented below is a list of skills related to technology. Assess your

competence in the skills mentioned by ticking in the space corresponding to your
answer. Your competence will be categorized into Basic, or beginning;
Independent, or average; and Proficient, or advanced.

Skill Basic Independent Proficient

I can look for information online using a search
engine.
I can detect if an online information is reliable.
I can save or store files or content (e.g. text,
pictures, music, videos, web pages) and retrieve
them once saved or stored.
I can communicate with others using mobile
phone, e-mail or chat – using basic features
(e.g. voice messaging, SMS, send and receive e-
mails, text exchange).
I can share files and content using simple tools.
I can use digital technologies to interact with
services (as governments, banks, hospitals).
I can apply communication rules (e.g. when
commenting, sharing personal information)
when using digital tools.
I can produce simple digital content (e.g. text,
tables, images, audio files) in at least one format
using digital tools.
I can make basic editing to content produced
by others. I know that content can be covered
by copyright.
I can apply and modify simple functions and
settings of software and applications that I use
(e.g. change default settings).
I can take basic steps to protect my devices (e.g.
using anti-viruses and passwords).
I can take steps not to reveal private
information online.
I can take measures to ensure that using digital
technology will not affect my health.
I can take basic measures to save energy.
I can find support and assistance when a
technical problem occurs or when using a new
device, program or application.

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.

I can solve some routine problems (e.g. close

program, re-start computer, re-install/update
program, check internet connection).
I can use the digital tools I know to solve
technological or non-technological problem.
I can take steps to update my digital skills
regularly.

Look for a research about this topic. Highlight the research problem/s and the
findings of the study. (Please use separate sheet/s of paper for this activity)

Title of Research ____________________________________________________________________

What does ______________________________________________________________________________________
research say
Author/s ____________________________________________________________________________
about this?

Research Problem __________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Findings ____________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________

Reflect on this questions. (Please use separate sheet/s of paper for this activity)

1. What are your thoughts about digital literacy?

What 2. As a future teacher, how will you utilize digital literacy in your classroom?
insights and
learning
have I
gained in
this topic?

REFERENCES

American Library Association (ALA) Digital Literacy Task Force (2013). ALA
Task Force releases digital literacy recommendations. Retrieved from
http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2013/06/ala-task-force-releases-digital-
literacy-recommendations
Where can I
get Amin, J. (2016). Redefining the role of teachers in the digital era. International
additional Journal of Indian Psychology, 3(3).
information?
Aytekin, I. & Ozlem C.G. (2014). Digital Citizenship. The Turkish Online Journal
of Educational Technology, 13(1), 73-77. Retrieved from
http://www.tojet.net/articles/v13i1/1317.pdf

Ballado, R. (2012). Basic concepts in educational technology 1. Manila, PH: Rex

Bookstore, Inc.

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Modules in Special Topics in Education Alejandro L. Giray, Jr.
Ballado, R. (2019) Educational Technology Integration Plan. Summer Camp on
Educational Technologies for 21st Century Teachers

Bates, A.W. (2019).Teaching in a Digital Age – Second Edition. Vancouver,

B.C.: Tony Bates Associates Ltd. Retrieved from
https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev2/

Ch’ng, L.K. (2019) Digital natives or digital immigrants? Retrieved from

https://www.elearningindsutry.com

Developing Digital Literacy Skills. Retrieved from https://www.webwise.ie

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