D I G I TA L L I T E R A C Y : W H E N T H E O R Y A N D

PRACTICE MEET

By Isriani Hardini, M.A.

 What is digital literacy?

• The term ‘digital literacy’ was first used in a book published in 1997 by Paul Gilster.
He defined it as “The ability to understand and use information in multiple
formats from a wide range of sources when it is presented via computers”.
• The concept of literacy goes beyond simply being able to read; it has always meant
the ability to read with meaning, and to understand. It is the fundamental act of
cognition (Gilster, 1997: 1).
• Digital literacy recognised the internet as a medium that needed specific literacies
to critique the information that it provides, to separate truth from fiction and
understand how hypertext and non-linear reading allows new meanings to be
constructed.
• Digital literacy is defined as ‘a combination of all those capabilities which equip an
individual for living, learning and working in a digital society’ (Jisc, 2011: 2).
• This includes the critical evaluation of digital content and (in an educational
context) its application to learning, for teachers in their pedagogic practice and for
students as part of their learning.
• In addition, there is a social dimension to digital literacy in that digital literacy
includes the ability to use digital media for social participation in any context,
whether for leisure, education, work or citizenship.
• Digital literacy looks beyond functional IT skills to describe a richer set of digital
behaviours, practices and identities.
• What it means to be digitally literate changes over time and across contexts, so
digital literacies are essentially a set of academic and professional situated
practices supported by diverse and changing technologies.
• This definition quoted above can be used as a starting point to explore what key
digital literacies are in a particular context e.g., university, college, service,
department, subject area or professional environment.
Information Literacy Landscape

Digital literacy relates to

information literacy
Digital literacies encompasses a range of other capabilities represented
here in a seven elements model:
 Digital literacy as a developmental process

• Literacy is about development so understanding digital literacy in this way is

important.
• We acquire language and become increasingly proficient over time and eventually
reach a level of fluency.
• Beetham and Sharpe’s framework (2010) describes digital literacy as a
development process from access and functional skills to higher level capabilities
and identity.
• However, this will change depending on the context so it also reflects how
individuals can be motivated to develop new skills and practices in different
situations.
 BEETHAM AND SHARPE ‘PYRAMID MODEL’
OF DIGITAL LITERACY DEVELOPMENT MODEL (2010)
What are some examples of digital literacy?
• Understanding how to use web browsers, search engines, email, text, wiki, blogs,
Photoshop, Powerpoint, video creation/editing software, etc. to showcase learning.
• Evaluating online resources for accuracy/trustworthiness of information.

What is digital literacy and why is it important?

Students who are building digital literacy skills understand the basics of Internet
safety such as creating strong passwords, understanding and using privacy settings,
and knowing what to share or not on social media. But the benefits of teaching your
students digital literacy skills begin in the classroom right now.
How do you become a digitally literate student?
• Emphasise the importance of critical thinking.
• Use social media for learning and collaborating.
• Provide guidance on how to avoid plagiarism.
• Teach students to manage their online identity.
• Help students manage digital distractions.
• Provide authentic contexts for practice.
• Guide students out of their comfort zone.
How is digital literacy used in the classroom?
• Teach students about online safety.
• Introduce students to “fake news”
• Challenge covert (hidden) advertising.
• Think critically about body image.
• Share emotions.
• Encourage pupils to think ethically.
• Collaborate with colleagues.
What are the advantages of digital literacy?
• Digitally literate students improve the quality of their school work by easily accessing online resources
including lecture videos, library databases, and teacher-student e-mail correspondence. Digitally literate
people save time and money by paying bills, applying for jobs, doing their taxes and banking online.

Common challenges and concerns teachers experience when integrating technology and digital media in
the classroom include:
• Students misusing technology.
• Teacher knowledge and professional development.
• Keeping students safe online.
• Cost of new technology.
• Keeping up with changes.
What is digital learning in the classroom?
• Digital learning is an instructional practice that ultimately helps students. It makes
use of a broad range of technology-enhanced educational strategies. It includes
blended learning, flipped learning, personalized learning, and other strategies that
rely on digital tools to a small or large degree.

What are examples of digital tools?

• A video or movie maker app is considered a digital tool that can be used to help
students create a movie to help explain a concept they’re learning. Other digital
tools and resources include: Word processing documents. Slide presentation
software.
 References

• Gilster, P. (1997) Digital Literacy, Wiley.

• Jisc. (2011). Developing digital literacies, briefing paper. https://www.webarchive.org.uk

• Reedy, & Pa rker, Jo. (2018). Digital Literacy Unpacked. London: Facet Publishing.

• https://www.mvorganizing.org/what-are-some-examples-of-digital
literacy/#What_are_some_examples_of_digital_literacy