Digital Literacy and Competency

By: Santiram Dahal

Digital literacy

digital literacy is using ICT tools to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information. It requires knowledge, skills, and attitude to apply different contexts and situations. Generally, normal operating computer, word, Excel, PowerPoint, internet, and email is considered as digital literacy.



Digital competency

Digital competency is the practical and critical use of digital technologies for information, communication, and basic problem-solving in of all aspects of our life. It involves knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding the use of innovative technology. It is one of the vital competencies of 21st century skill. Digital competency also includes logical and critical thinking, high-level information management skills and well-developed communication skills. Digital competency is essential for every sector of society. Teaching is considered as master of all profession, so digital competency is most essential aspect of teaching profession.



Digital competency for a teacher

Why teachers should be digitally competent? This question is asked frequently for a teacher. I think a teacher should be digitally competent because of the following reasons: 

  • Digitally competent teacher can find digital resources and tools for effective delivery of class.
  •  A digitally competent teacher can model and responsible use of digital technologies for communication, collaboration and participation in society. They can also help to develop media literacy skills among students
  •  Digitally competent teacher can address the issue of digital divide, because digitally competent teacher finds and share freely available and quality resources for students
  • They ca encourage their students to be creative and innovative with digital technology
  •  Digital competency leads teachers and students for self deterministic and lifelong learner
  • Digital competent teacher has knowledge of gamification and can run the class in active, interactive and fun environment.
  • They can effectively evaluate the students competency by using online tools
  • They can find quality resources and deliver quality instruction to their students
  • They can run IoT devices effectively in the classroom
Examples of Digital competency in Classroom

  • ating interactive lessons: Teachers can use digital tools to create interactive lessons that engage students and help them learn more effectively. For example, teachers can create quizzes, games, and simulations that allow students to practice what they are learning.
  • Providing feedback: Teachers can use digital tools to provide feedback to students in a timely and efficient way. For example, teachers can use online grading systems to give students feedback on their work.
  • Collaborating with students: Teachers can use digital tools to collaborate with students on projects and assignments. For example, teachers can use online forums and chat rooms to allow students to work together on projects.
  • Staying up-to-date on trends: Teachers can use digital tools to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in education. For example, teachers can subscribe to blogs and podcasts that discuss educational technology.
  • Preparing students for the workforce: Teachers can use digital tools to prepare students for the 21st century workforce. For example, teachers can teach students how to use digital tools to create presentations, collaborate with others, and solve problems.




Online digital tools 
there are thousands of online digital tools available freely for teachers and students. these tools are not only effective for academic excellence but also interactive and collaborative in nature. we are practicing varieties of widely adopted web-based tools in the day-to-day classroom. among them, I have prepared two web-based tools.
mentimeter and padlet.
Follow the link.

Conclusion

This is the age of information and communication technology. There are three types of citizens are in this world. One is digitally incompetent, digitally migrated, and a digital native user. The majority of teachers today are digitally migrated users. We need to teach digitally native users. So, we need to be upgraded and updated ourselves to retain in the teaching field. Before entering the class, students have massive access to learning resources online. If we are unaware of this fact we can not run the class effectively. So, we need to develop digital competency such as knowledge, skill, and attitude of ICT tools. 





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