What is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy can be defined as “the interest, attitude and ability of individuals to appropriately use digital technology and communication tools to access, manage, integrate, analyze and evaluate information, construct new knowledge, create and communicate with others" (BC Ministry of Education).

Digital Literacy consists of the following six components:

1. Research and Information Literacy

2. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making

3. Creativity and Innovation

4. Digital Citizenship

5. Communication and Collaboration

6. Technology Operations and Concepts

Why is Digital Literacy Important?

The International Society for Technology in Education has developed new standards which outline seven skill areas that teachers and digital age learners should develop together to help students thrive in an increasingly connected world. Digital literacy skills are essential to the development of these areas and to 21st-century learning. Digital literacy skills equip students to be:

1. Empowered Learners 5. Computational Thinkers

2. Digital Citizens 6. Creative Communicators

3. Knowledge Constructors 7. Global Collaborators

4. Innovative Designers