Element 4 - Digital Literacy
SMART Learning Objectives
After reviewing the content in this workshop, you should be able to perform the following:
1. Describe Digital Literacy
2. Name a key aspect of Digital Literacy
3. Provide an example of how Digital Literacy can be improved
1. Describe Digital Literacy
2. Name a key aspect of Digital Literacy
3. Provide an example of how Digital Literacy can be improved
Digital Literacy
Overview
Digital Literacy is described as the process of learning and teaching technology and the use of technology in an appropriate manner (Ribble, 2015). A key aspect in the use of digital technology is understanding how it works, which is often overlooked in educational settings. Gone are the days of detailed instruction manuals for the use of technology devices. Manufacturers rely on the intuitive nature of the devices themselves, combined with assumed knowledge of previous use. In classroom environments, time spent on learning how to use digital technology detracts from its application or appropriate use. To improve, educators and school district technology staff must work together to identify technology appropriate for use in the classroom, and explore ways to improve digital literacy including staff professional development (Ribble, 2015).
Overview
Digital Literacy is described as the process of learning and teaching technology and the use of technology in an appropriate manner (Ribble, 2015). A key aspect in the use of digital technology is understanding how it works, which is often overlooked in educational settings. Gone are the days of detailed instruction manuals for the use of technology devices. Manufacturers rely on the intuitive nature of the devices themselves, combined with assumed knowledge of previous use. In classroom environments, time spent on learning how to use digital technology detracts from its application or appropriate use. To improve, educators and school district technology staff must work together to identify technology appropriate for use in the classroom, and explore ways to improve digital literacy including staff professional development (Ribble, 2015).
Connections to Digital Literacy
In federal service, education and training in the use of digital technology is scarce. It is often assumed that employees possess these skills prior to entering federal workforce due to the amount of time digital technology has been available in society. This is not always the case due to multi-generational employees that often occupy federal positions. A lack of digital literacy is not limited to older generations who entered the workforce prior to the digital revolution. I have worked with millennial employees who do not understand the basics of computer file structures, naming conventions, or network drive functions. Unless an employee is willing to increase their knowledge of digital literacy through formal continuing education or self-study, they may experience setbacks in the form of organizational productivity or career advancement.
In federal service, education and training in the use of digital technology is scarce. It is often assumed that employees possess these skills prior to entering federal workforce due to the amount of time digital technology has been available in society. This is not always the case due to multi-generational employees that often occupy federal positions. A lack of digital literacy is not limited to older generations who entered the workforce prior to the digital revolution. I have worked with millennial employees who do not understand the basics of computer file structures, naming conventions, or network drive functions. Unless an employee is willing to increase their knowledge of digital literacy through formal continuing education or self-study, they may experience setbacks in the form of organizational productivity or career advancement.
NPR Audio Broadcasts
1. America's High School Graduates Look Like Other Countries' High School Dropouts
Mar 10, 2016 – Length: 1:54
Summary: A new study looks at everyday skills and finds that when it comes to computer skills, Americans are significantly behind. (Emanuel, 2016).
1. America's High School Graduates Look Like Other Countries' High School Dropouts
Mar 10, 2016 – Length: 1:54
Summary: A new study looks at everyday skills and finds that when it comes to computer skills, Americans are significantly behind. (Emanuel, 2016).
Link to original broadcast and transcript: http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/03/10/469831485/americas-high-school-graduates-look-like-other-countries-high-school-dropouts
2. A Push to Boost Computer Science Learning, Even at An Early Age
Feb 17, 2014 – Length: 6:05
Summary: Roughly 10 percent of K-12 schools teach computer science. Some companies are trying to fill a void in public education by teaching kids programming basics (Westervelt, 2014).
Link to original broadcast and transcript: http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2014/02/17/271151462/a-push-to-boost-computer-science-learning-even-at-an-early-age
References
Emanuel, G. (Host). (2016, March 10). All Things Considered [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/03/10/469831485/americas-high-school-graduates-look-like-other-countries-high-school-dropouts
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.
Westervelt, E (Host). (2014, February 17). Morning Edition [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2014/02/17/271151462/a-push-to-boost-computer-science-learning-even-at-an-early-age
Emanuel, G. (Host). (2016, March 10). All Things Considered [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/03/10/469831485/americas-high-school-graduates-look-like-other-countries-high-school-dropouts
Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.
Westervelt, E (Host). (2014, February 17). Morning Edition [Radio Series] National Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2014/02/17/271151462/a-push-to-boost-computer-science-learning-even-at-an-early-age