Let’s challenge the myths!
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In the early-to-mid 1990s when I was still at high school, the ability to create and print a simple file or word document created mass excitement: This was the pinnacle of technology development. It was a time when mastering basic computer operations marked you as digitally savvy.
But let’s fast forward to today, where digital literacy encompasses so much more. It’s not just about operating computers; it’s about attaining skills in navigating, utilising and creating digital content. Digital literacy encompasses various skills, including online security, responsibility, digital well-being, and the effective use and handling of digital platforms and devices. (ACARA, 2024)
Yet, one aspect remains constant: the importance of digital literacy in shaping our lifelong learning. Whether I am at home with my family, in my role as a teacher librarian, studying for university or simply just catching up with friends, I need digital skills to manage my life. So for me being digital savvy in the 21st century is not just about keeping up with the latest trends; it’s about thriving in this digital world where technology seeps into every part of our lives and continues to morph and transform before our own eyes.
I have been lucky enough to be in a position of having the opportunity to teach Digital literacy to Year 7 at my school as a subject in its own right. The benefit for students that I have witnessed is remarkable. I feel there is so much value in these lessons and I always try to relate the content directly to what students are encountering within their own online, digitally switched on lives. In these lessons the content focuses on everything from digital organisation to wellbeing; or the complexities of misinformation and deep fakes.
As for interweaving the general capability of Digital Literacy throughout subject disciplines, that’s another story. Many teachers are often time poor or lack the skills and expertise. For digital literacy to realistically be utilised in Australian classrooms, teachers need more time and better, quality professional development. Technology use in classrooms more often centres on using digital textbooks rather than interactive learning tools. (Fraillon et al., 2019).It is unrealistic to expect teachers to be experts in every digital tool, especially when they have little to no training in their usage.
So, I believe this is why digital literacy is more critical now than ever before in education. The skills that can be taught in digital literacy help student navigate the online world with greater confidence and experience. These young people may have grown up surrounded by technology, but adults simply cannot continue to assume that this means they are effective technology users. This myth of the rise of digital natives needs to be overlooked. (Fraillon et al., 2019). The significant diversity and disparities in skills and knowledge regarding digital technology use highlight the necessity for implementing a digital literacy achievement strategy in Australian Schools. If digital literacy is taught throughout the curriculum, teachers can equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the workforce once they leave school. It can empower students to be creators, innovators, and problem solvers in a dynamic, digital world.
References
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2024). Understanding this general capability. https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au/teacher-resources/understand-this-general-capability/digital-literacy
Fraillon, J. (2019). Digital literacy: Myths and realities [Paper presentation]. Research Conference 2019 – Preparing students for life in the 21st century: Identifying, developing and assessing what matters. https://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference/RC2019/5august/7