In an evolving world, Today’s Interview will have John Jezzini sharing with us why Digital literacy is important for kids.
Q: What is digital Literacy?
A: In the traditional sense, literacy is something that everyone is familiar with. The ability to read and write is what we mean when discussing literacy. Literacy alone, however, is not sufficient in the modern, digital world we live in. Children need to develop their computer and internet skills at an early age. The ability to utilize digital tools or software, the capacity to consume and create digital material, and the capacity to meaningfully engage in online communities may all be considered to fall under the broad category of “digital literacy.”
Understanding and using technology are both components of digital literacy. It has to do with the capacity to locate, use, and produce knowledge online positively and helpfully. Digital literacy also entails being aware of the limitations of technology and the risks and safety measures associated with its usage. It’s different from having computer literacy. Undoubtedly, using a computer is a component of it. However, digital literacy encompasses more than just using a computer.
In addition, there are many different interpretations and applications of the terms “digital literacy,” “digital skills,” and “digital competencies,” as well as several related concepts, such as computer literacy, information literacy, 21st-century skills, new media literacies, and media and information literacy. Further, the terms “digital literacy,” “digital skills,” and “digital competencies” all have their unique meanings and can be used interchangeably with each other.
As with any relatively new idea, there is an abundance of different definitions of digital literacy. These definitions range from rather prescriptive ones that center on what a digitally literate individual should be able to do to others that take a more holistic approach and center on what a digitally literate individual should be able to accomplish.
Q: What is the importance of digital literacy to kids?
A: We now live in a world that is both enhanced and burdened by computers and gadgets thanks to the growth in technology over the years. The dominance of technology in daily life emphasizes the significance of digital literacy for adults and children. The digital world is full of advantages and benefits for everyone, but it can also be overwhelming and even hazardous if technology is not used and understood properly.
Digital literacy education for children is crucial. For children to utilize technology safely and efficiently, they must be able to comprehend it. One aspect of digital literacy is understanding how to update social media applications or shoot selfies. Also, Digital literacy is the ability to use technology effectively.
Q: John Jezzini, can you give example(s) of Digital literacy for kids available?
A: Digital literacy may be easy or difficult. Digital literacy, in its most basic form, refers to skills like utilizing social media, navigating a website, and sending emails. Digital literacy, however, also refers to better comprehending the technology that permeates our lives. It may also describe technical software abilities like building an app, a website, or a blog. Being literate in the digital world involves more than simply using social media applications. Understanding includes several crucial issues in digital literacy, such as:
- Online Security
- Cyberbullying
- Digital Trace Records
- Utilizing online resources ethically (avoiding plagiarism)
Q: What is the benefit of Digital literacy for kids?
A: Children that understand digital literacy are at a significant advantage. Children start learning digital skills at a young age in today’s highly linked environment. Numerous of these technological abilities are necessary for the classroom and the workplace. When kids start their careers, almost every job demands computer literacy.
Children are also required to possess fundamental abilities, such as the ability to write up a paper, do research using a search engine, and send an email, as well as the ability to use the internet responsibly, since the majority of schools now require projects and assignments to be completed online.
A digital literacy program is necessary more than ever. The employment of technology without a clear grasp of its purpose is where we get into problems. Children who use social media should be aware of its functionality, audience, and digital traces they are leaving behind.
Q: Are there principles guiding digital literacy?
A: Understanding the four major concepts of digital literacy is crucial. Which are:
- Comprehension: The first principle, comprehension, relates to a reader’s capacity to comprehend the information included in digital media.
- Interdependence: The world is now interdependent in some way. Consuming digital media has become a regular aspect of our life. The concept of “digital interdependence” describes the relationships between various media types. It is now simpler to absorb material from many channels because of the growth of digital gadgets.
- Social Variables: In social media, many social factors may influence how communications are interpreted online. Understanding these social elements is essential to comprehend the popularity of certain media.
- Curation: The idea of digital curation is familiar to anybody who has saved a bookmark to a Pinboard. Curation is the process of locating, compiling, and preserving digital content in a manner that facilitates future access and use.
Q: How do we encourage digital literacy at home and in the classroom?
A: Kids will have a fundamental grasp of the digital world if we have a basic conversation about digital literacy and why it is essential. Let’s start by discussing the past and where we are headed in the future. Our world is more digital, and using technology effectively is essential. Asking students about technology usage in the classroom or for learning as a starting point. Ask them to provide instances of how they use technology to learn. We learn more and more by utilizing technology through certain applications, online notebooks, online lessons, or other methods. Children must also understand that technology improves learning; it does not replace it. Children need to understand that learning without technology is possible.
It is essential to teach kids how to use the internet fully. They need to be familiar with the fundamentals of using the internet and assessing the data they come across. Additionally, it’s critical that students understand not all information they read online is reliable. There is fake news and information everywhere; therefore, verifying the authenticity of any material you see online is vital.
The following 5 areas are crucial for internet users, particularly children:
- Share Caution (Be Internet Smart)
- Keep Your Secrets Safe (Be Internet Strong)
- Avoid Fake Information (Be Internet Alert)
- Talk It Out When in Doubt (Be Internet Brave)
- Being kind is cool (Be Internet Kind)
Although there are numerous advantages to digital literacy, as technology becomes more prevalent in children’s lives, there are also many problems you should be cautious of. It’s critical to comprehend the possible difficulties. Unfortunately, young kids and teens are increasingly being subjected to cyberbullying. Children are especially susceptible to cyberbullying because they may not fully understand the internet’s restrictions. Parents and students may use the advice provided by Connect Safely to prevent cyberbullying. This contains advice like speaking with an adult, gathering proof, and refraining from taking revenge online.
The usage of digital items is crucial when attempting to develop children’s digital abilities. Even while we may feel the need to exclude technology from the classroom, people are likely to use technology more responsibly if we embrace it while keeping an eye on responsibility.
We must educate our children on using digital technologies responsibly, just as we would teach them how to swim or ride a bike. Although many children pick up the computer and app-based abilities on their own, parents and instructors should utilize these tools with their children so that they can comprehend what is happening and aid in teaching children about the programs’ objectives.
Making a class where students must utilize these digital tools helps promote digital thinking. Taking pictures is an excellent illustration. Taking pictures with the camera, then discovering how to upload the pictures to the computer and store them in a folder; the picture might be printed after altering using an editing application or by emailing or messaging that image.
A product or device that helps you manage and keep an eye on your family’s internet use is one way to promote discussions about how we use digital devices and help people understand the value of setting limits. Using these tools or devices, you can keep an eye on the time each family member spends online and where they spend it. When a family member has used up their daily allowance, you may apply restrictions and halt their internet access.
Also, read more: John Jezzini
Q: John Jezzini, What is your closing remark?
A: The importance of digital literacy will increase over time because of how the world is going. Nothing to be afraid of in the internet world. It should be seen as a fantastic opportunity for today’s youth, easing many aspects of their lives as they go through them. To acquire these abilities and provide a strong foundation to build upon from the beginning, parents and teachers need to foster digital literacy at home and in the classroom. We at John Jezzini Learning Center constantly update and equip our facilities to encourage learning.