Raluca Tunison
<EMAIL_ADDRESS>Ontario Tech University
Abstract
This chapter provides a broad overview of the concept of digital literacy, and how it fits within the modern digital landscape. A historical overview from the concept of the “digital native” to the pedagogies underpinning digital literacies are discussed. Different conceptions and definitions of digital literacy are also provided, focusing on both career-oriented perspectives as well as civics and digital citizenship considerations. The definition of digital literacy differs depending on its scope or the lens through which it is viewed, and may also change over time as digital media and tools evolve. The integration of digital literacy in the K-12 curriculum in Canada through the MediaSmart framework is analyzed, as well as several considerations for assessing students’ achievement of literacy skills.
Keywords
digital literacy, digital citizenship, media literacy, 21st century skills
Introduction
As digital technology has perfused our lives, the idea of a new type of literacy has emerged: digital literacy”. Access to digital technology has increased our access to knowledge and information, but has also provided the opportunity to develop new pedagogies (Law et al., 2010). However, in order to effectively navigate the use of emerging technology and digital tools, learners need to develop a set of skills that enable the effective use of existing technologies and the ability to adapt to new digital tools.
Digital literacy isn’t limited to skills needed to operate digital technology. These skills can also relate closely to critical medial literacy as well as social and civic consciousness. Developing digital literacy skills may help stoke civic interest and help support civic engagement in young adults (Martens & Hobbs, 2015). Digital technology changes the way individuals can engage with their society. While previously local civic issues were most salient, citizens now have to ability to engage in civic and social activity on a broader scale (Buchholz et al., 2020).
By fostering the development of digital literacy skills, educators are providing learners with a toolkit that will help them navigate a complex and changing world. Still, rapid technological and social changes, from the development of smartphones, and social media to social shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, have made it all the more important to understand the breadth of digital literacy skills that students need to develop.
Background
A starting point for thinking about digital literacy can be Marc Prensky’s (2001) discussion of the difference between “Digital Native” students and their “Digital Immigrant” teachers. Within it Prensky argues that through exposure to technology, students are being socialized through technology, and thus interact with the world in a new way. At the time the view was that these students’ ability to navigate the digital world had become an innate part of their development. From a pedagogic