Digital literacy in 2019
With the increase in the importance of technology in today’s society, digital literacy has gained recognition as a valuable aid to lifelong learning. Due to globalization, social media, online resources, and technology have had a massive influence. For children, access to computers and the internet increases their chances of college attendance rapidly. For adults, the evolving tech world may help them succeed or even hold them back.
The society has been changing, and now it is becoming increasingly important to further education after joining the workforce. The influence that technology has on business necessitates this new mandate. In early learning until adulthood, digital literacy shows high promise for success.
Children have been the main focus in the edtech industry when it comes to digital competency. However, it is now becoming essential to incorporate digital literacy to into adult education the same way it has been on children, but with a few modifications.
The influence of Digital Companies on Digital Literacy
The internet is a great resource that fuels digital literacy in various ways. Through search engines like Google and Yahoo, students can access a lot of valuable information in seconds. Companies like Amazon also offer significant opportunities for students to buy digital study resources easily.
While some students can freely access digital resources from the internet, some are locked out due to geo-restrictions policies. This, however, is not a drawback since technology is advanced, and companies like ExpressVPN can offer assistance. ExpressVPN and other similar firms contribute to digital literacy by unlocking the digital world and information. Read a review about this VPN provider right here.
Therefore, students can access information from all over the world freely and easily.
The Importance of Digital Literacy
Digital literacy increases the effectiveness of learning. It is clear that the traditional classroom setting restricts the space and time of the students’ learning capabilities. Offering them technology tools opens the door to the entire universe.
Both adult and lower level students can learn from anywhere at any time, and learn about anything through the digital world. It is a way to widen learning beyond the classroom walls to help promote a lifetime of sharing knowledge and learning. Digital literacy is essential in many ways including:
Taking education everywhere
If students learn to use today`s digital media, they can use the skill everywhere since technology is all over. For example, they can use smart devices like tablets, computers, mobile phones, and other devices at home. Students can walk around with their knowledge, employing their digital literacy know-how for learning outside the classroom.
There are no time and space restrictions in such a case. Students can, hence, open their minds to willful learning.
Interacting with peers
Another benefit of promoting digital literacy in the classroom, particularly in older students is the interpersonal networking they can do. When students do their assignments through cloud environments, they can communicate with each other, making suggestions, offering judgment and reviewing. This helps motivate students to perform better as well as build negotiation and collaboration skills which they can use throughout their whole lives.
Constant connection with the teachers
Besides staying connected with their colleagues during assignments, teachers become more relevant in web-based learning. They can access everything that their students are doing. This helps them evaluate the learning potential of their students, and what they are working on as well as check their peer reviews.
Gathering this analytical data assists in assessing each student’s ability and performance. Cloud computing generally gives the teacher more visibility over a students’ progress.
Working at a manageable pace
Each student has unique needs, whether in the elementary or secondary level. Digital literacy enables students to work at their own pace as long as they stay focused. This flexibility helps reduce the pressure of trying to keep up with others as seen in the classroom setting.
A teacher can track and step in to adjust the material for the student to complete the assignment successfully. As educators, expanding instruction through digital media provides personalized support for every student`s needs. When the students finally connect with their peers, they feel at ease, keeping learning interesting for all ages.
On the other hand, the traditional thinking states that it`s easier to speak to the entire class, and letting all students work on similar assignments. It is, however, hard to offer personalized learning in a big classroom with strict time limits. Digital literacy tools provide an opportunity for individualized learning for every student.
Students can, therefore, work on varying projects at a go, finishing them at their speed.
Decreasing behavior issues
When students leave the classroom, they can go home and chat with their friends online, share photos and become connected to the digital space instantly. Students are accustomed to these persistent personal connections, so staying in a restricted classroom environment might cause boredom and frustration. For most students, they find freedom by acting out.
I’m a single mother of 2 living in Utah writing about startups, business, marketing, entrepreneurship, and health. I also write for Inc, Score, Manta, and Newsblaze
I agree this level of digital illiteracy is scary–especially in our elected officials. I’ve dabbled with VPNs a bit and do believe ExpressVPN was the most straightforward.