i-Pathways

Digital Literacy Resource Collection

INTRODUCTION: What is Digital Literacy?

The word "literacy" typically describes the ability to read and write. When you begin to recognize letters and words, and more importantly their meaning, you gain the skills necessary to begin reading and writing. With more experience and practice, you are able to develop strong literacy skills.

Digital literacy is the ability to identify media and its messages and create media content responsibly. Specifically, this now goes far beyond traditional media (TV, radio, and newspapers) and now includes text messages, social media platforms, viral videos and memes, video games, and other nontraditional sources. With all of these technological advancements and new forms of communication, digital and media literacy have become crucial for gaining the tools necessary to succeed in the world today.

The key components of digital literacy include:

• Searching effectively. It is important to learn how to effectively evaluate the quality and credibility of media sources.
• Protecting private information online. When sharing information online, it is vital to learn internet safety basics, such as creating strong passwords, using privacy settings, and respecting others' privacy.
• Understanding digital footprints. What you post, share, and comment across the web creates a trail. It is important to understand that this composite online profile could be viewed by others.
• Citing and giving proper credit. Just as you would properly cite sources when writing a research paper, it is equally as important to correctly give credit online when using another person's work.
• Respecting other people. Becoming a good digital citizen and respecting the ideas and opinions of others is a critical component of being digitally literate.

Source: www.commonsensemedia.org