\u201cThe ability to understand information and-more important-to evaluate and integrate information in multiple formats that the computer can deliver. Being able to evaluate and interpret information is critical [\u2026] you can\u2019t understand information you find on the Internet without evaluating its sources and placing it in context\u201d ( in Pool, 1997, p. 6).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This definition, as you can see, shifts digital literacy away from basic tech skills and puts the emphasis where it belongs, on thoughtful evaluation, context, and meaning-making.<\/p>\n
2. Digital Literacy Skills<\/h2>\n
The list below outlines core skills that define what it means to be digitally literate today. These are drawn from a wide body of research and theory (see references at the end of the post), and they reflect the cognitive, technical, and ethical dimensions of using digital technologies in meaningful ways.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Searching and navigating digital content<\/li>\n
- Evaluating credibility and relevance of information<\/li>\n
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources<\/li>\n
- Creating and sharing content across media formats<\/li>\n
- Understanding digital tools and platforms<\/li>\n
- Collaborating in digital environments<\/li>\n
- Managing digital identity and presence<\/li>\n
- Practicing ethical and responsible use<\/li>\n
- Adapting to new technologies<\/li>\n
- Reflecting on digital practices and choices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/figure>\n3. Core Components of Digital Literacy<\/h2>\n
This framework, based on Bawden (2008), breaks digital literacy into four interconnected parts. It goes beyond tool use and highlights the knowledge, competencies, and values needed to engage critically and responsibly in digital environments.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Foundational Skills
Basic literacy and ICT know-how.<\/li>\n - Context Knowledge
Understanding how information is created and organized, both online and offline.<\/li>\n - Core Competencies
Searching, evaluating, combining, and creating digital content across formats.<\/li>\n - Attitudes and Values
Independent learning and ethical digital behavior.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n4. What Digital Literacy Is Not<\/h2>\n
The insights below are drawn from various scholarly sources and serve to clarify common misconceptions. Digital literacy goes far beyond basic device use or software skills: it\u2019s dynamic, context-dependent, and deeply tied to thinking, ethics, and learning.<\/p>\n
- \n
- It\u2019s not just knowing how to use devices<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s not limited to typing or basic software skills<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s not a checklist of technical tasks<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s not the same for every subject or student<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s not separate from critical thinking and ethics<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s not something mastered once and for all<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
5. Digital Literacy and AI<\/h2>\n
As AI becomes more present in education, digital literacy must expand to include critical engagement with AI tools. The following points, informed by recent research and practice, highlight what students need to navigate AI ethically, thoughtfully, and effectively.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Understand how AI tools gather, sort, and generate information<\/li>\n
- Teach students to question and verify AI-generated content<\/li>\n
- Promote ethical use of AI in learning and communication<\/li>\n
- Encourage responsible data sharing and privacy awareness<\/li>\n
- Use AI as a support for thinking, not a replacement for it<\/li>\n
- Build habits of reflection when working with AI tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
6. Key Readings on Digital Literacy<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re looking to dig deeper into digital literacy, the books below offer foundational insights. They cover everything from theoretical frameworks and classroom strategies to case studies and practical applications. These texts have shaped how we think about digital literacy today.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Digital Literacy<\/strong> \u2013 Paul Gilster<\/em>
Introduced the concept of digital literacy as critical evaluation and integration of online information.<\/li>\n- The Essential Elements of Digital Literacies<\/strong> \u2013 Doug Belshaw<\/em>
Breaks digital literacy into eight key elements including cognitive, cultural, and critical dimensions.<\/li>\n- Digital Literacy Unpacked<\/strong> \u2013 Reedy & Parker<\/em>
Explores the complexity of digital literacy across education, policy, and practice.<\/li>\n- New Literacies<\/strong> \u2013 Lankshear & Knobel<\/em>
Defines new literacies as socially situated, participatory, and shaped by digital culture.<\/li>\n- Digital Literacy<\/strong> \u2013 Susan Wiesinger<\/em>
Examines digital literacy through media theory, focusing on responsible engagement with digital tools.<\/li>\n- Digital Literacies<\/strong> \u2013 Lankshear & Knobel<\/em>
A collection of case studies exploring how digital literacies are practiced in real-world contexts.<\/li>\n- Digital Literacies for Learning<\/strong> \u2013 Allan Martin & Dan Madigan<\/em>
Links digital literacy development with learning strategies and lifelong education.<\/li>\n- Create to Learn<\/strong> \u2013 Hobbs Renee<\/em>
Encourages learning through digital content creation, blending media literacy with creative production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nYou can DOWNLOAD<\/a> this poster for free!<\/p>\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nFinal thoughts <\/h2>\n
Digital literacy isn\u2019t just a set of tech skills, it\u2019s a mindset, a critical habit, and a form of participation in today\u2019s world. Whether we\u2019re talking about AI tools, social media, or collaborative writing platforms, the core remains the same: helping students think clearly, act responsibly, and create meaningfully in digital spaces. <\/p>\n
References<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Bawden, D. (2008). Origins and concepts of digital literacy. In C. Lankshear & M. Knobel (Eds.), Digital literacies: Concepts, policies and practices (pp. 17\u201332). Peter Lang.<\/li>\n
- Gilster, P. (1997) Digital Literacy . New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc.<\/li>\n
- Pool, C. R. (1997). A New Digital Literacy: A Conversation with Paul Gilster. In Educational leadership (Vol. 55, Number 3, pp. 6-). Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.<\/li>\n
- Reedy, K. (2018). The trouble with terminology: Reframing digital literacy for the student experience. In Digital Literacy Unpacked (pp. 13\u201323). Facet Publishing.<\/li>\n
- Lankshear, Colin, and Michele Knobel. New Literacies: Everyday Practices and Social Learning, McGraw-Hill Education, 2011.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The post Digital Literacy Simply Explained<\/a> appeared first on Educators Technology<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When was the last time you heard someone talk seriously about digital literacy? I\u2019d guess it\u2019s been a while. And honestly, I think I know why. As Lankshear and Knobel (2011) pointed out over a decade ago, literacy as a concept has become so institutionalized and regulated (tied to national tests, international benchmarks, and endless […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":361,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/359"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=359"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":364,"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/359\/revisions\/364"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/361"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.greencarsnow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- The Essential Elements of Digital Literacies<\/strong> \u2013 Doug Belshaw<\/em>
- Digital Literacy<\/strong> \u2013 Paul Gilster<\/em>
- Foundational Skills
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