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, 2019)

What is digital citizenship?

Digital Citizenship can be defined as “a concept which helps teachers, technology leaders, and parents to understand what students/children/technology users should know to use technology appropriately. Digital Citizenship is more than just a teaching tool; it is a way to prepare students/technology users for a society full of technology. Digital citizenship is the norms of appropriate, responsible technology use.” (Digital Citizenship, http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/.)

References: https://lambrickparklibrary.sd61.bc.ca/staff-resources/digital-citizenship/

The Digital Literacy Framework (PDF) elaborates on six characteristics identified by B.C. educational leaders. These characteristics are based on the National Educations Technology Standards for Students (NETS•S) standards developed by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and encompass the types of knowledge and skills learners need to be successful in the 21st century.

The characteristics are:

  1. Research and Information Literacy: Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information
  2. Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, and Decision Making: Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources
  3. Creativity and Innovation: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology
  4. Digital Citizenship: Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior
  5. Communication and Collaboration: Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively, including at a distance, to support individual learning and contribute to the learning of others
  6. Technology Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. 

The Framework provides a clearer, more detailed sense of what digitally literate students should understand and be able to do at various levels of their development. The intent is to help educators integrate technology and digital literacy-related activities into their classroom practice and to provide some basis for the development of assessment tools for digital literacy competencies. 

Reference: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/teach/resources-for-teachers/digital-literacy

Language learning and digital technologies (dans une classe française) | Scarfe Digital Sandbox

According to my own experience in kindergarten, because children did not have much information about digital literacy and citizenship, with the help of educators, we tried to teach children a sense of responsibility for the proper use and care of digital devices, and we asked parents to monitor their children’s online activities at home. Also, in Kindergarten, we tried to choose digital content suitable for children’s age, which is in harmony with their developmental stages, interests, and learning goals.