digital literacy and footprint

Digital Literacy 

Starting digital literacy programs in education is important. Using digital media teaches children and the young generation the skills they will need to use technology safely and responsibly. Furthermore, digital technology education empowers and educates children by equipping them with the resources they need to succeed in an ever-changing digital environment.

According to the American Library Association, digital literacy is “the ability to use information and communication technology to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information requiring both cognitive and technical skills”. From the definition, digital literacy refers to the abilities required to live, learn, and work in a society where communication and knowledge are provided by digital technology such as the Internet and mobile devices. 

Reading and writing ability come to mind when we think of traditional literacy. Learning phonics, sight words, and finally reading literature are all important skills to have. Of course, the ability to write and read effectively is the meaning of traditional literacy. However, because of the modern ways to use technology, digital literacy now has a broader range of skills, including reading novels on e-Book, checking the validation of information on websites, communicating through digital media to creating and sharing videos on online platforms.

As of April 17th, 2020, approximately 91.3 percent of enrolled students worldwide, or about 1.5 billion students are unable to attend school due to the Covid-19 pandemic (UNESCO, 2020). As a result, technology, such as the Internet, smartphones, and mobile devices, are becoming important.