INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL LITERACY

1.2. What are the principles of digital literacy?

The principles of digital literacy include understanding how digital technologies work and how to use them, critical thinking, the ability to evaluate and analyse digital information, the safe and ethical use of digital tools, and the ability to create your own content and communicate with others through digital tools.

There are four key principles of digital literacy to consider when you are learning or developing digital literacy skills and using technology:

• Understanding - you must first achieve a level of understanding of digital literacy through lessons, home practice and group work. This will help you grasp the basic concepts of safety and digital literacy, which will form the basis of your learning.
• Interdependence - This is the concept that different digital platforms are dependent on each other. You will learn that all forms of digital media are interconnected. It can also help you to understand data protection, as the sheer volume of media means that forms of media must not only co-exist but also complement each other.
• Social factors - it is important that you understand that digital presence online has social influences and factors. The sharing of information, content, media and stories through a particular digital platform can determine the success of that media.
• Curation is the principle that defines the curation of your content and digital information. As you gain more confidence online, you will develop skills in curating content - discovering, sorting and saving it.