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Digital Literacy Facts & Worksheets

Surrounded by digital devices, every person needs a set of knowledge and skills that allow them to thrive, participate, and contribute in this modern world. This is called DIGITAL LITERACY.

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Over the years, technology has been growing at an exponential rate. It has changed the way people think and live. Surrounded by digital devices, every person needs a set of knowledge and skills that allow them to thrive, participate, and contribute in this modern world. This is called DIGITAL LITERACY.

See the fact file below for more information on the Digital Literacy
or alternatively, you can download our 30-page Digital Literacy worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

The Concept of Digital Literacy

  • Digital literacy is one of the three main strands within computing, along with computer science and information technology.
  • Apart from understanding how computers work and learning to program, it is important for people to become responsible, effective, and safe users of technology. This set of knowledge and skills is called digital literacy.
  • In practical terms, the Royal Society’s report titled Shut Down or Restart? The Way Forward for Computing in UK Schools defined digital literacy as…
    “the ability to use office software such as word processors, email and presentation software, the ability to create and edit images, audio and video, and the ability to use a web browser and internet search engines. These are skills that teachers and other subjects at school should be able to assume that their pupils have, as an analogue of being able to read and write.”
  • In UNESCO’s Information for All program, digital literacy is recognized as an essential life skill.
  • Being digitally literate simply means the person is capable of using a wide range of digital technologies for the purpose of learning, creating, and sharing information.
  • He/she is capable of managing and caring for devices and data, whether it is personal or not.
  • A digitally literate person understands the value of computer networks – how they provide access to effective means of communication and collaboration across digital communities around the world.
  • A digitally literate person understands that he/she belongs in a large community found on the world wide web and knows that how you carry yourself online affects others positively or negatively.
  • He/she is aware that digital footprints (internet activity) paint a picture of the user’s identity.
  • A digitally literate person protects his/her identity and privacy online and does the same for others out of respect.

Key Aspects of Digital Literacy

  • In today’s world, most daily activities like work, entertainment, communication, and learning take place in the digital space. Being familiar with the digital tools currently available is crucial.
  • Mastering some of the basics of productivity software is one example.
  • Productivity software includes applications that handle spreadsheets, presentations, word documents, videos, audio, etc. It makes work easier to do.
  • Basic web skills such as browsing and searching are also essential to any internet user.
  • These skills enable the user to access any information on the world wide web. He/she can search for, view, and study online content about any topic.
  • The internet and the world wide web offer different ways to communicate and collaborate with other digital citizens.
  • Understanding the inner workings of these two empowers people to use their digital resources more effectively and safely.
  • Computers and Networks
    • Computers are not just limited to laptops and desktops. Any electronic device that is made up of both hardware and software is called a computer.
    • Computer hardware is the physical parts that make up the device, like the circuits and motherboard that operate for the device to function.
    • Computer software is a program that runs the computer. It helps the computer carry out specific tasks.
    • There are two kinds of computer software: systems and application.
    • The role of system software is to operate the computer, sending instructions to the hardware components.
    • Application software is the programs that help users manage, create, save, and share information – word, presentations, editing, etc.
    • Smartphones, remotes, microwaves, and tablets are some examples of computer devices that are common in most households.
    • Several linked computers create a network. When devices are connected together, it allows users to communicate with each other.
    • There are several kinds of computer networks available to date.
    • Personal area network is limited to a person’s workspace. Devices that are linked together only within ten meters.
    • Next to PAN is the local area network. It connects computers in a small area like a residence, office, or a restaurant.
    • Wide area networks cover a large land area and connect several computer networks together. The biggest WAN is called the internet.
    • The internet differs from the world wide web.
    • The internet is mainly the link, or connection of devices, that enables them to send and receive data to and from one another.
    • Devices follow internet protocol when communicating with each other. For devices to quickly locate and identify each other, they use a unique IP address. An IP address is made up of four sets of numbers that look like this: 112.202.231.68.
    • When computers share data, it is often broken down into smaller packets for easier transfer. This is called packet switching.
    • The world wide web is a “system of interlinked documents stored on servers.” It is likened to a huge library containing an unimaginable amount of information.
    • The internet’s role is to connect these “libraries” by way of its networks. This makes information accessible to every person in the world.
    • These interlinked documents can only be viewed through web browsers. One must use hyperlinks to navigate to these documents.
  • Web Basics
    • There are several internet browsers available. The top 3 most popular web browsers are Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
    • Any internet user should know the different parts of the web browser and how to use them.
    • Any internet user should know the different parts of the web browser and how to use them.
    • Windows allow the user to view online documents or content.
    • The address bar, located at the top of the browser, displays the URL (unique resource locator) or the address of the website.
    • Window controls allow the user to operate the web browser. The red, yellow and green buttons are used to exit, minimize and expand the window. Back and forward buttons are used to go from previous webpage to the next. The refresh button helps the user reload the current web page being viewed.
    • Bookmarks is a space where users can store important/useful websites.
    • The search bar is where the user types and enters keywords of topics they are looking for.
    • The search bar is connected to the search engine. Search engines help users find information in the web. It helps organize millions of information and make it accessible for internet users.
  • Handling Online Sources
    • Users need to evaluate the reliability of digital resources they find. Here are some sample guide questions:
    • Did the website give credit to where it is due?
    • Is the author’s name displayed on the website? How about the publisher?
    • Can you determine the origin of the content or document presented?
    • Has the website been updated?
    • Does the document contain facts supported by other credible sources in print or online?
  • Online Etiquette
    • Etiquette also matters in the cyberspace. Since all users deal mostly with real people online, it necessary for every digital citizen to practice good manners and treat each other with kindness and respect.
    • Rules of online etiquette:
    • Respect and protect people’s privacy.
    • Respect other people’s opinion/views.
    • Be mindful of the language you use. Use appropriate language.
    • Avoid conflict.
  • Online Safety
    • All digital citizens must learn to protect themselves online and avoid unsafe practices.
    • Make sure to keep personal information private, such as your full name, home address, phone number, device passwords, etc.
    • Think before sharing something online. Anything a person posts reveals a part of who he/she is and can either make a good or bad impression.
    • All online activities, like sharing and browsing, leave digital footprints that might be impossible to delete in the future (since there are millions of servers around the world). It is important to be mindful of how one spends time in the online space.
    • Users should report any malicious or inappropriate content they come across online.
    • Creativity is another key aspect of digital literacy.
    • All the digital resources and tools are made for a purpose. These are designed to facilitate content creation.
    • Digital citizens should not only be passive users of technology. Everyone should be empowered to actively create.

Digital Literacy Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Digital Literacy across 30 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Digital Literacy worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Digital Literacy. Over the years, technology has been growing at an exponential rate. It has changed the way people think and live. Surrounded by digital devices, every person needs a set of knowledge and skills that allow them to thrive, participate, and contribute in this modern world. This is called DIGITAL LITERACY.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Digital Literacy Facts
  • Computers Around Us
  • Understanding Data
  • Working Networks
  • Internet Protocol
  • How Data Travels
  • World Wide Web
  • Let’s Search
  • Check Your Sources
  • Digital Manners Matter
  • Safety First

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of digital literacy?

When students use tools like Adobe Creative Cloud for their schoolwork, they understand the material better. This helps them communicate what they know using both digital and visual means.

Who invented digital literacy?

The term “digital literacy” was first used by Paul Gilster in 1997. It means more than just being able to use technology. The idea of digital literacy became important as computer usage became more common in society. Before 1997, people would talk about “computer Literacy” instead.

How does digital literacy help students?

When students know how to use technology, they can do more than just follow directions. They can create new things. These skills help students think deeply about what they are doing instead of just following directions.

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Link will appear as Digital Literacy Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, November 16, 2019

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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