DIGITAL LITERACY

The rate at which information is passed across the world is so rapid and comes in different forms. Children and teenagers have access to various forms of technology that allow them to send, retrieve, and post pictures and messages on various social media platforms. Playtime for most children is nothing other than time on their tablets and other smart devices. Emails, texting, and tweeting have taken over letter writing, and youths prefer to read online than read actual books. Incorporating digital literacy in the classroom is essential because we are in a world where technology and digital literacies are necessary to succeed in school and the workforce. In short, being literate in the 21st century means being able to navigate the digital world effectively. 

Regular assessment of students’ literacy skills shows they are being prepared for life beyond the classroom (Bolden, 2019b). Although youths are called digital natives, they still need to be taught how to navigate their way safely in the digital world to become digital citizens. Students need to learn to be safe on the internet and be respectful of other users. It is the responsibility of both educators and parents to ensure student safety. As teachers, it is essential to take advantage of their interests to motivate and help them learn. With this said, teachers are challenged to be digitally literate and digital citizens themselves to support students' needs adequately. Although my students are in kindergarten, I engage them in online reading. They listen to books online, complete guided research through the school database, and even present their findings on apps such as flip grids. Educators should request regular professional developments on using various technology and applications on the district websites to sufficiently support students and sustain their interest. When teachers are confident in using technology, they will also empower their students to be creative, communicative, and collaborative in a digitally rich environment.