Digital Literacy and its growing significance among Gen Z

Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, and produce information on digital platforms.

Our increasingly complex digital world demands that Gen Z be equipped with digital literacy skills, so they know how to use technology safely and avoid its dangers.

For instance, students should know how to use social media in a safe and effective way –knowing not to post sensitive information, being aware of cyberbullies & scams and being careful not to post identifying/personal information.

Principles of Digital Literacy

Comprehension 

Comprehension refers to the ability for readers of digital media to be able to understand its content.  

Interdependence

Today, the world exists in an interconnected state. Digital media consumption is a part of our everyday lives. Digital interdependence reflects how one media form connects with another. Increase in digital devices has made it easier to consume content from different mediums.

Social Factors

There are a variety of social factors in the world of social media that can affect how messages are perceived in the digital world. Understanding these social factors is key to understanding the success of different types of media.

Curation

Curation refers to finding, organizing, and saving digital media in a way that makes it easier to access and use the saved information in the future.

Behaviours of a digital literate citizen include:

• Use technology legally
• Use content legally
• Use technology in a positive way
• Don’t troll or abuse others online
• Don’t post pictures of others without permission
• Think critically about online information

Importance of digital literacy for Gen Z

In today’s digitally connected world, kids are introduced to technology from an early age which gives them the opportunity and confidence to explore technology and learn digital/tech skills.

NEP 2020 emphasises on equipping students with digital literacy, coding, and computational thinking skills to empower them to become digital leaders and ensure a secure & safe digital world.

With digital literacy skills, students will know how to deal with cyber bullies and how to avoid phishing schemes, viruses, and spyware. It will prepare them for the challenges and unexpected outcomes of the future.

Encouraging digital literacy

Educators have an important task ahead: to empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to learn, develop, thrive, and stay safe in this digital age.

Now more than ever, a digital literacy curriculum is imperative to promote digital citizenship skills in the classroom.

Educators can develop digital literacy skills in students with the help of ICT programs that provide advanced tech curriculum for schools which include Digital Citizenship (Ethics & Ergonomics, Cyber Security, Social Networks, Troubleshooting), AI, AR, VR, Coding, Media Design, App Design, Game Design, Web Design, 3D Printing, Robotics, IoT and Cloud Computing etc. with ready-to-use content.

Advanced ICT programs provide students the platform to explore and create using 21st Century tools. They empower students with valuable lifelong skills they need to be successful today and in tomorrow’s workforce. These skills include software skills, digital literacy, logic development, problem solving, creative thinking, decision making, artistic literacy, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills.

ICT 360 provides NEP aligned, STEM accredited ICT curriculum with ready-to-use content, design and computational thinking approach to projects as well as interdisciplinary learning material on an online platform that caters to today’s relevant technologies and future skills requirements. It is designed to help teachers improve their instructional practices with 21st century teaching skills through train-the-teacher program, build a strong foundation to empower students with the ability and skills to design & create amazing things on their own in a fun & engaging environment, excel in academics and prepare them to be industry- and career-ready.

With 50+ partner schools across India, it aims to empower students with creativity, problem-solving, design and advanced tech skills from an early age. These skills are essential for future job roles like AI & ML Specialist, Game Designer, Graphic Designer, Software & Applications Developer, Animator, Robotics Engineer, Data Analyst, and IOT Specialist.

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