Technology and education have been inseparable ever since the introduction of blended or flexible learning, an innovative strategy that combines traditional face-to-face classes with virtual sessions.
The shift to HyFlex learning also highlighted the importance of digital literacy among students, as well as the need for parents and teachers to contain screen time and monitor their children’s use of the Internet.
There is no doubt that technology has made our lives faster, easier, and more convenient. However, this ease of access comes with certain risks that can deter a child’s well-being and development.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲?
Education Week described digital literacy as a broad term that “some experts even stay away from it, preferring to speak more specifically about particular skills at the intersection of technology and literacy.”
On the other hand, the article included a quote from the digital literacy task force of the American Library Association which defines digital literacy as the “ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”
For what it’s worth, digital literacy goes beyond just knowing how to use the computer. For one, it is the individual’s ability to use the Internet safely, decipher credible sources from fake news, and have a sense of responsibility not to go beyond what is required of them.
The same goes for students of HyFlex learning. Digital literacy requires them to use their gadgets and online tools effectively, tap into critical thinking to evaluate online information, be responsible for their content, and be aware of what they are sharing with others in cyberspace.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
When put into practice, digital literacy can open new opportunities for students to take advantage of their online learning resources. Since they are connected to the Internet, they will be exposed to a melting pot of information and resources that they can use to improve their learning.
This, too, can introduce them to new people who are also on par with their efforts in learning. They can participate in discussions and forums and exchange ideas to widen their scope of a certain topic or subject.
Critical thinking will also come into play in digital literacy. Students should learn how to question the legitimacy and reliability of content that is available online, as well as how to identify fake news, clickbait links, and the like.
Parents and teachers can help students understand the importance of safety and security when navigating the World Wide Web. Teaching the basics of cybersecurity, such as creating strong passwords, protecting valuable information, recognizing phishing and fraud emails, and software updates, will encourage students to be alert in certain cases.
𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘
The role of parents and teachers should be set in stone when it comes to the usage of gadgets and technology among students and children.
Setting rules and guidelines when it comes to usage at home and in school is one way to instill responsibility and respect among their peers, as well as the implications should they exploit their boundaries.
There is also a need for adults to be role models. Limit their screen time and balance it with physical activities and other bonding experiences that can be done without their gadgets. Showing them how to properly address questions, writing comments, and answering online community queries will do kids more good than harm in the future.
