It may seem like digital literacy is pretty straightforward, but there are so many levels that educators need to know about this topic. We thought we would gather together a few things we believe are vital for teachers to understand digital literacy. 

Text Speak Is Not Bad

It is okay if they use text speak. It shows a complex understanding of language. 

A Blog and Blogging Are Different

Try not to use the word blog and blogging interchangeably. A blog is the content, and blogging is the act of writing the blog. 

Don’t Just Use Slideshows

Some more resources and tools can be used than PowerPoint. Make sure that you let your students use multiple media formats to allow them to have a deeper understanding of digital literacy. 

Get Away from Google-Friendly Questions

Try to make sure you ask the more complex question than ones that can be answered with a quick Google search.

Don’t Over-Rely On Cool Tech For your Lesson

There are plenty of new tools and programs out there but only use them if they are going to enhance the lesson plan. 

Teach Originality

Make sure that the students are not just regurgitation things from online. Teach that originality is a vital tool to have in the world. 

Talk About Plagiarism

Ensure that they understand what plagiarism is in this day and age where copying can be called repurposing content. 

Quality Content Is Important

Make sure to take time to teach them about quality content and how to detect it. 

Critical Thinking & Skepticism

Two things that may seem like mute skills to have to some is skepticism and critical thinking. But they are still essential, especially in an age where anyone can post content and claim they are facts. Having an adequate level of skepticism and the ability to use critical thinking could save individuals from believing everything read. 

Teach More Than One Literacy

With the advancement of the digital world, there has been an expansion in literacy types. So make sure when teaching digital literacy, you also incorporate things like meta-literacy and digital citizenship. 

Go For Deeper Results

It is essential to go farther than the Google search’s front page, and the students should understand that. 

Use Your Tools

Use tools to filter through the mass amounts of available information. 

Teach HTML Too

If you want to upgrade your digital literacy plans, then include a little HTML coding instructions.

Create Digital Products

Find a way to incorporate the digital product into your plans. This will help teach digital citizenship and give them a new avenue for their creativity. 

Use Multiple Resources

Make sure that when teaching digital literacy, you teach them to look at more than one source, not only to find facts but to get multiple viewpoints. 

Make Sure to Include WordPress

WordPress is also a vital platform for the student to understand. It can be used to help with writing skills and their voice. 

Interviews 

Encourage them when they have a question to interview the person via email or even video conferencing. 

Scientific Discourse

When diving into scientific papers, they will struggle with the technical jargon. So teaching them about scientific disclosure will help them be more patient with the longer format pieces of content. 

Digital Writing Lessons

Academic papers and digital writing are very different. In the new era, digital writing takes place, so making sure they understand how to create essays of this style is essential. 

Empowerment via Digital Resources

Make sure to impart the knowledge that they can use these platforms to empower themselves and others. Ensure they understand the impact on people and things can be as big or small as they want, but it should be down with care and digital citizenship in mind. 

Concluding Thoughts

So there you have it 20 things that every educator should know about digital literacy skills. We hope this has helped you.