Technology and education have been inseparable ever since the beginning. The strength of their interrelationship, however, went up several levels in recent times, when blended or flexible learning (also called HyFlex) became generally accepted. Blended learning combines traditional face-to-face classes with virtual or online sessions.
The shift to HyFlex learning also highlighted the importance of digital literacy among students and the need for parents and teachers to contain screen time and monitor the children’s internet use.
No doubt, technology has made our lives much more convenient, and information much easier to access. However, there are caveats and certain risks that can deter a child’s well-being and development.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲
The Digital Literacy Task Force of the American Library Association 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.”
Education Week, however, says digital literacy is a broad term, saying, “Some experts even stay away from it, preferring to speak more specifically about particular skills at the intersection of technology and literacy.”
One thing’s for sure, though. Digital literacy goes beyond just knowing how to use the computer. Digital literacy encompasses one’s ability to use the internet safely, determine credible sources from dubious ones, and be responsible enough to know what his or her limits are when it comes to online freedoms.
The same criteria should apply to students of HyFlex learning. Digital literacy requires them to use their gadgets and online tools effectively, become critical thinkers to evaluate online information, and be responsible for their content and what they are sharing with others in cyberspace.
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝
Put into practice, digital literacy opens a world of opportunities for students. Connected to the world wide web, students will be exposed to the melting pot of information and resources that they can use to improve their learning.
Consequently, this can introduce students to other youths from around the world who share the same thirst for learning. They can participate in discussions and forums and exchange ideas to widen their scope about 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 are available online, as well as to identify fake news, clickbait links, and other similar traps, and learn to avoid them, or better yet, report them to the proper authorities.
Parents and teachers can help students understand the importance of safety and security when navigating the internet. Teaching the basics of cybersecurity, such as creating strong passwords, protecting valuable information, recognizing phishing and fraud e-mails, and getting software updates, will encourage students to be alert in certain cases.
𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
The role and authority of parents and teachers should be set in stone when it comes to the children’s use of gadgets and technology.
Setting rules and guidelines at home and in school is one way to instill responsibility and respect among their peers.
There is also the need for adults to be role models. What the children see their parents or teachers do, they will emulate. Thus, adults should also limit their screen time, especially in the presence of kids, and balance it with physical activities and other bonding experiences with the kids. Show them how to properly address questions, write comments and answer online community queries.
