Importance of digital literacy in education: Digital literacy refers to the knowledge of the use of technology in the most appropriate manner. It is concerned with the basic IT knowledge and skills and includes the development of critical thinking abilities, the desired behaviour to follow online, and adequate knowledge of issues and their solutions related to the digital world. The expansion of technological advancement in recent years have yielded the most surprising results, making technology an integral part of our daily life activities. The need of being digitally literate is greatest at this time than ever. Without it, one finds himself in a difficult situation to comprehend the world around him. You will find the application of technology in almost every activity such as education, health, workplace, home, etc.
Education is no doubt one of the most significant elements of our lives. The increasing influence of technology on education makes it important that our students and teachers be digitally literate to succeed in the modern world. The benefits provided by the digital platforms in terms of communication and collaboration are truly amazing and compelling.
Why is digital literacy important in education?
Digital citizenship:
It is clear that every individual comes across digital tools daily several times. It is crucial to have proper knowledge of something that you use daily. To become responsible digital citizens, it is essential that our students must be digitally literate. They should know the most suitable way to use technology for communicating and interacting with others. According to some experts, the need for digital literacy is equal to the need for reading and writing.
Relevance:
The Internet offers an endless source of knowledge and information about every topic. Almost every kind of learning material, such as ebooks, online tutorials, videos, step-by-step instructions, hands-on exercises, etc., is easily available on the Internet, accessed by anyone and everyone. To benefit from this useful resource, students must be aware of using this digital platform effectively. Without proper knowledge and training, students might get lost in the Internet world and get distracted from their actual objective.
Digital classrooms:
An application of technology in classrooms in modern times is in digital classrooms, which are modern classrooms equipped with the internet facility and other digital equipment. The benefits of digital classrooms are mesmerizing and can only be attained with adequate digital knowledge. The main learning tool employed in digital classrooms is the digital lesson. To get the most of digital classrooms, not only students but teachers should also be properly trained. Digitally literate teachers use the most innovative and effective techniques to improve the classroom engagement of students. Similarly, digitally literate students are able to follow the teachers’ instructions accurately and develop a better understanding.
Deep learning:
To excel in the modern world, only basic knowledge of digital tools is not enough. It is significant to have a clear objective of why you are using a tool and how it must be used. Digital literacy provides the foundation for deep learning. It enables a student to think critically when faced with a complex situation and drive the best solution through analyzing all the available options.
Academic plagiarism:
When a valuable source of information is available to students in the form of the Internet, they might use it to copy the information and paste it as it is on their file. This is usually done without citing the original source and therefore comes under academic plagiarism. Sometimes students use professional nursing assignment help UK to prevent themselves from academic plagiarism. It is the responsibility to set a strict and clear policy about this matter. Moreover, they should also guide the students on how not to get indulged in such practices.
Cyberbullying:
Cyberbullying is the act of bullying over the electronic medium. It has become common with the advancement in technology. This is a negative practice that must be stopped at all costs. Cyberbullying involves posting, sharing or sending negative and harmful content about someone or spreading false rumours through your content. Unfortunately, the people involved in this shameful act are mostly teenagers who do this due to a lack of knowledge and guidance. Teachers can play an effective role in this regard by guiding students on how to behave ethically on digital platforms. Also, when they would know about cybercrime laws and acts, they would themselves be careful about their activities online.
Diversity:
Digital literacy helps in dealing with diversity in the classroom and also in accommodating different learning styles for students. Without technology, it becomes difficult for teachers to face a diverse class where students have different learning styles. With the help of digital literacy among students and teachers, this challenge can be eliminated. Within a classroom, groups of students having similar learning styles can learn according to their need on their desks and tables without disturbing others. The teacher can deliver her planned lecture. Side-by-side visual learners can carry on with their illustrations on their table; on the other hand, audio learners can record the lecture using digital gadgets for reviewing later.
e-safety:
The easy availability and access of technology to children make it extremely vulnerable. Children who are not sufficiently informed can fall prey to negative activities that destroy their personality and future. No doubt, technology has its risks associated with it. In the case of children, the risk increases to a high level. Even if they do not get involved in any negative actions, they can become victims of bullies or cybercriminals. To save them from this situation, they must be aware of what to do in a particular situation and how to ensure privacy on the Internet. As per conditions nowadays, when sudden lockdowns due to the pandemic limit children to their homes, they may spend excessive time over the Internet. It causes them to live in an imaginary world, and they often compare their lives with the others’ appearing to be perfect on social media. It destroys the mental peace of an individual. It is important to educate children in this regard.
Prevention from fake news:
Students have to use the Internet for research purpose very often. They are unaware of the fact that everything present online is not authentic. They may believe in fake information and spread it further. Teachers should educate them to evaluate information on the Internet to check its authenticity and then include it in their assignments.
