Cyber/Digital

Literacy
Literacy in
the Digital
Age
• Literacy in the digital age is not limited to
computer or technical literacy.
• Literacy is an umbrella concept that
embraces a wide spectrum of literacies
that emerged and became integral over
time.
• The essence of the book is the literacies
introduced, rather than computers or
other technologies.
1. Media Literacy:
Ethos, Pathos, Logos
• Ethos speaks to the “ethics” or
credibility of the author
• Pathos relates to the emotional
appeal (think of sympathy, empathy,
apathy) and how it affects an
audience
• Logos addresses the “logic” of the
message
Television Advertising
Ethos: Jordan’s ethos will reflect
favorably on their product.
Pathos: By using Jordan’s
athleticism to create a stunning
visual image, accompanied by
instrumental music and special
effects, the advertisers find their way
to the emotional heartbeat of their
audience.
What’s missing? Logos!
(Teachers must help
students see that ethos
and pathos are often
used to distract the
audience from a weak
message.)
Other Examples: Ethos, Pathos, Logos

https://youtu.be/lOznVrGIYuk
Pathos
This commercial is about a father who was born deaf
and mute. He has a daughter who treats him poorly.
The daughter would get teased for her father being
mute, and one day, she decided to take her own life.
Her father rushed her to the hospital and told them to
take everything he has, including his blood, to save
his daughter. In the end, it turned out to be a life
insurance commercial. However, it was more than
effective, as the audience was moved to tears.

https://youtu.be/L1wpMUYAjiI
https://youtu.be/vkiWuZTi6Ao
Challenges to 21st

century
students/learners
1. Understanding Ethos, Pathos, and Logos:
• Ethos: Encourage students to establish credibility and
trustworthiness in their arguments by citing credible
sources, demonstrating expertise, and showcasing their
own integrity.
• Pathos: Urge students to appeal to the emotions of their
audience, evoking feelings such as empathy, compassion,
or urgency to support their claims.
• Logos: Challenge students to use logical reasoning,
evidence, and solid arguments to convince their audience.
This includes using statistics, facts, and logical deductions
to support their points.
2. Integrating Ethos, Pathos, and Logos:
Task students with crafting arguments that effectively
utilize all three rhetorical appeals. This could involve
analyzing real-world examples or creating their own
persuasive pieces, such as essays, speeches, or
advertisements.
3. Be Critical:
• Emphasize the importance of critical thinking and analysis in evaluating
media messages. Encourage students to question the credibility of sources,
the validity of evidence, and the effectiveness of rhetorical strategies.
• Provide opportunities for students to critically examine persuasive texts,
advertisements, speeches, or articles. Prompt them to identify instances of
ethos, pathos, and logos, and evaluate their impact on the audience.
4. Application and Practice:
• Assign tasks or projects that require students to apply their understanding of
ethos, pathos, and logos in real-world scenarios. This could involve
analyzing political speeches, dissecting advertising campaigns, or crafting
persuasive essays on relevant topics.
• Provide feedback and guidance to help students refine their persuasive
communication skills, emphasizing the importance of clarity, coherence, and
effectiveness in their arguments.
2. Civic Literacy
2. Civic Literacy
2. Civic Literacy
2. Civic Literacy
3. Discourse Literacy
- also known as discourse competence or discourse skills, refers to the ability
to understand and effectively participate in various forms of communication,
including written, spoken, and digital discourse. It involves comprehending
the structure, conventions, and nuances of different types of discourse, as well
as being able to produce coherent and meaningful communication in a variety
of contexts.
Importance of Discourse Literacy:

1. Effective Communication: Discourse literacy enables

individuals to express themselves clearly and persuasively in
different communication settings. Whether it's writing an essay,
giving a presentation, participating in a discussion, or engaging
in online discourse, strong discourse skills are essential for
conveying ideas, opinions, and information effectively to others.
2. Critical Thinking and Analysis:
Discourse literacy involves the ability to critically analyze and
evaluate various forms of communication, including identifying
underlying assumptions, recognizing rhetorical strategies,
assessing credibility and bias, and distinguishing between fact
and opinion. These critical thinking skills are crucial for
navigating complex information environments and making
informed decisions.
3. Social and Cultural Understanding:
• Discourse literacy encompasses an understanding of the
social and cultural contexts in which communication takes
place. This includes recognizing language variations,
understanding cultural norms and expectations, and being
sensitive to diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• DL promotes empathy, respect, and effective communication
across different cultures and communities.
4. Academic Success: Strong discourse literacy is closely
linked to academic success across disciplines. In
academic settings, students need to be able to
comprehend complex texts, participate in classroom
discussions, write coherent essays, and engage with
scholarly research. Developing discourse skills enhances
students' ability to meet academic standards and excel in
their studies.
5. Democratic Participation:
• Discourse literacy is essential for active citizenship and
democratic participation. In democratic societies, citizens
need to be able to engage in civil discourse, critically evaluate
political information, participate in public debates, and make
informed decisions as voters.
• DL fosters an informed and engaged citizenry, strengthening
democratic processes and promoting civic engagement.
6. Digital Citizenship: With the proliferation of digital
technologies and online communication platforms, digital
discourse literacy has become increasingly important.
Individuals need to be able to navigate digital spaces
responsibly, critically evaluate online information,
engage in constructive online discussions, and protect
themselves from misinformation and online threats.
4. Personal Literacy
• focuses on students and their journey of self-reflection
and awareness of their identity in an online community
addresses a crucial aspect of education in the digital
age.
• Students are not only consumers of information but
also active participants in online communities where
their digital identities play a significant role.
4. Personal Literacy
• promotes personal literacy skills essential for responsible
digital citizenship, ethical behavior, and positive engagement
in the digital world
• It empowers students to navigate online spaces thoughtfully,
authentically, and responsibly, while also fostering a deeper
understanding of themselves and their place in the digital
landscape.
5. Visual Literacy
• addresses evaluating websites and online resources
through a number of innovative activities.
• Burniske borrows John Berger’s argument that “The
way we see things is affected by what we know or what
we believe”
 How can educators encourage their students to
enhance their critical literacy skills by fostering a
deeper understanding of visual literacy?

Ethos is represented in the creator and owner of the

website, logos in argument and logical information
presented on the site, and pathos in the use of
visuals and textual arrangement.
 How can educators encourage
their students to enhance their
critical literacy skills by fostering
a deeper understanding of visual
literacy?
1. Analyzing Visual Texts:
• critically analyze visual texts, such as
advertisements, infographics, political
cartoons, photographs, and videos
• deconstruct these visuals by examining
elements such as composition, color,
symbolism, and perspective, and consider
the intended message, target audience, and
underlying biases
2. Exploring Media Representations:
• Engage students in discussions about media representations and
stereotypes portrayed in visual media.
• Help them recognize how images can challenge societal norms,
cultural values, and power dynamics.
• Encourage them to question whose perspectives are represented and
whose are marginalized.
3. Creating Visual Narratives:
• Provide opportunities for students to create their own visual
narratives, such as digital stories, comics, or multimedia
presentations.
• Encourage them to consider the rhetorical choices they make in
selecting images, designing layouts, and crafting messages, and to
reflect on the intended impact on the audience.
4. Comparing Visual and Written Texts:

• Facilitate comparisons between visual and

written texts on the same topic or theme.
• Help students explore how different modes
of communication convey information,
evoke emotions, and shape understanding.
• Encourage them to analyze how visuals
complement, enhance, or contradict textual
content.
5. Interdisciplinary Approaches:
• Integrate visual literacy into various subject
areas, including English language arts,
social studies, science, and art.
• Explore connections between visual texts
and academic content, such as analyzing
historical photographs, interpreting
scientific diagrams, or dissecting visual
metaphors in literature.
6. Digital Storytelling and Multimedia
Projects:
• Assign digital storytelling or multimedia
projects that require students to research,
collect, and manipulate visual elements to
convey a message or tell a story.
• Provide guidance on selecting appropriate
visuals, citing sources, and using digital tools
effectively and ethically.
6. Digital Storytelling and Multimedia Projects:
• Assign digital storytelling or multimedia projects that require
students to research, collect, and manipulate visual elements to
convey a message or tell a story.
• Provide guidance on selecting appropriate visuals, citing sources, and
using digital tools effectively and ethically.
6. Evaluative Literacy
• revolves around cultivating students' ability to critically assess and
improve not only their work but also the work of their peers. This form of
literacy is essential in both academic and real-world contexts, enabling
individuals to make informed judgments and decisions.
• By leveraging technology, educators can significantly enhance the
development of evaluative literacy in several ways:
1. Electronic Peer Review of Writing Sessions:
• This approach uses digital platforms to facilitate
peer feedback on writing assignments. The
process encourages students to critically analyze
their peers' work, focusing on aspects such as
structure, argument strength, coherence, and
adherence to writing conventions.
• This not only helps improve their evaluative skills
but also offers fresh perspectives on their own
writing, encouraging self-reflection and revision.
2. Documenting and Archiving Online Writing and
Learning Activities through Electronic Portfolios:
• Electronic portfolios (e-portfolios) allow students to
collect and organize their work digitally. This process
encourages ongoing reflection on their learning
journey, helping them to recognize growth, understand
areas of improvement, and articulate achievements.
• E-portfolios also facilitate the visualization of learning
trajectories, making the evaluation and reflection
process more tangible and engaging.
3. Keeping Track of Learning Using Online Learning Records:
• Online learning records or digital learning logs enable students to
document their learning experiences, reflections, and progress over
time.
• This continuous process of documentation and reflection fosters a
deeper understanding of one's own learning process, encouraging
self-assessment and critical thinking about personal growth and
areas for development.
• It allows students to set personal learning goals, monitor their
progress towards these goals, and adjust their learning strategies
accordingly.
Through these technology-enhanced strategies, students engage in
a dynamic process of creation, reflection, feedback, and revision,
which is central to developing evaluative literacy. The digital
dimension adds layers of interactivity, accessibility, and
engagement, making the evaluative process more collaborative
and reflective.
7. Pedagogical Literacy
• Pedagogical literacy refers to a teacher's deep understanding and
reflective practice of the art and science of teaching.
• It encompasses knowledge of instructional strategies,
understanding of learning theories, and the ability to effectively
implement teaching methods that cater to the diverse needs of
students.
• This form of literacy is central to a teacher's role because it directly
impacts their ability to facilitate learning in a manner that is
engaging, inclusive, and effective.
7. Pedagogical Literacy
• When teachers contemplate their pedagogical literacy, they engage
in a reflective process that examines the effectiveness of their
teaching strategies, the appropriateness of the content they
deliver, and their ability to adapt to the evolving needs of their
students.
• This reflective practice enables teachers to integrate various forms
of literacy—such as digital literacy, cultural literacy, and critical
literacy—into their teaching, thereby enriching the learning
experience and fostering a more holistic educational environment.
7. Pedagogical Literacy
• Burniske's critique of teachers who focus excessively on materials
at the expense of student engagement or who use technology
without a clear pedagogical purpose highlights a crucial point: the
essence of teaching lies not in the tools or content themselves but
in the interaction between the teacher, the student, and the subject
matter.
• By intellectually challenging students, teachers can stimulate
critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the
content, leading to a more meaningful and impactful learning
experience.
7. Pedagogical Literacy
• Furthermore, Burniske's observation that "Telecomputing is not
about computers. It’s about educating our students, serving our
communities, and improving our societies" underscores the idea
that technology should be used as a means to an end rather than
an end in itself.
• The ultimate goal of integrating technology into education should
be to enhance learning outcomes, foster connections between
students and the broader community, and contribute to societal
progress.
7. Pedagogical Literacy

• It is about mastering the craft of teaching in a way that recognizes

and harnesses the potential of various literacies and technologies
to enrich the educational experience.
• It requires teachers to be reflective practitioners who continuously
seek to improve their teaching methods, engage students in
meaningful ways, and use technology judiciously to enhance
learning and contribute to the betterment of society.
Final Output:

Crafting Persuasive Digital

Campaigns Using Ethos,
Pathos, and Logos
Objective:

Students will develop a digital campaign on a social issue

of their choice, demonstrating their ability to apply ethos,
pathos, and logos effectively in a digital context. This task
will also enhance students' digital literacy, requiring them
to select appropriate digital tools and platforms for their
campaign.
Instructions:

Selection of a Social Issue: Choose a social issue that you are

passionate about. This could range from environmental
conservation, mental health awareness, to social justice issues.
Research and Planning:
• Conduct thorough research on your chosen issue to gather
facts, statistics, and stories.
• Identify your target audience and tailor your message to their
values and concerns.
Development of Content:

Ethos (Credibility): Establish credibility by associating your campaign with reputable

sources, experts on the subject, or by demonstrating your own knowledge and
commitment to the cause. Create content that reflects honesty, expertise, and
trustworthiness.

Pathos (Emotion): Generate emotional appeal through storytelling, personal

testimonials, or impactful imagery and videos. Your content should evoke emotions such
as empathy, anger, hope, or solidarity to motivate your audience toward action.

Logos (Logic): Use logical arguments and evidence to support your cause. This could
include data, case studies, logical reasoning, and clear explanations of why the issue
matters and how your audience can make a difference.
Selection of Digital Platforms and Tools:
• Choose digital platforms that best reach your
target audience, such as social media (Instagram,
Thread, Facebook), blogs, or email newsletters.
• Utilize digital tools for creating your content, such
as graphic design software (Canva, Adobe Spark),
video editing tools, or website builders.
Campaign Launch and Engagement:
• Launch your campaign by posting your content
across the selected platforms.
• Engage with your audience through comments,
discussions, and by encouraging them to share
your content. Monitor the campaign's impact by
tracking engagement metrics and feedback.
Reflection and Analysis:
• Reflect on the effectiveness of your campaign.
Consider what worked well and what could be
improved.
• Analyze how ethos, pathos, and logos contributed
to your campaign's impact. Discuss any challenges
you faced in integrating these rhetorical strategies
in a digital context.
Reflection and Analysis:
• Reflect on the effectiveness of your campaign.
Consider what worked well and what could be
improved.
• Analyze how ethos, pathos, and logos contributed
to your campaign's impact. Discuss any challenges
you faced in integrating these rhetorical strategies
in a digital context.
Sample Outline of Output:

Campaign Name: "Mind Matters: Let's Talk"

Objective:
To create a supportive campus culture where mental health
is openly discussed, and students feel empowered to seek
help without fear of stigma.
Target Audience:
College students, with a focus on freshmen
and international students who might be at
higher risk due to major life transitions.
Target Audience:
College students, with a focus on freshmen
and international students who might be at
higher risk due to major life transitions.
Ethos (Credibility):
• Partner with the university's counseling center and student
health services to ensure that the information provided is
accurate and reliable.
• Feature stories and messages from respected figures on campus,
such as popular professors, administrators, and student leaders
who have advocated for mental health or shared their own
experiences.
• Highlight endorsements from reputable mental health
organizations.
Pathos (Emotion):
• Share real student stories and testimonials about their mental
health journeys, focusing on challenges, recovery, and the
importance of seeking help. These can be shared through video
diaries, blog posts, or social media stories.
• Create a series of impactful images and short videos that
convey the emotional weight of struggling in silence and the
relief of finding support. Use these visuals in social media
campaigns to capture attention and foster empathy.
Logos (Logic):
• Provide statistics on mental health issues affecting college
students to highlight the prevalence and significance of the
issue. For example, data on how common mental health issues
are among college students, how mental health impacts
academic performance, and the benefits of seeking help.
• Offer clear, actionable steps for students to take if they or
someone they know is struggling with mental health issues,
including how to access campus mental health resources,
hotlines, and community support services.
Campaign Components:

Social Media Blitz: Use Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to share

educational content, student stories, and mental health resources.
Incorporate hashtags to track engagement and encourage sharing.

Interactive Webinars and Workshops: Host online events featuring

mental health professionals, student ambassadors, and guest speakers to
discuss mental health topics, coping strategies, and how to support
friends.
Campaign Components:

Digital Resource Hub: Develop a section on the university's

website dedicated to mental health resources, including FAQs,
how to access counseling services, self-help tools, and emergency
contacts.

Campus-wide Email Campaign: Send out regular newsletters

featuring mental health tips, student stories, and reminders about
the importance of mental well-being and available resources.