Digital Literacy
What is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy is more than technological know-how: It refers to the knowledge, skills and attitudes that allow children to be both safe and empowered in an increasingly digital world. This encompasses their play,  participation, socializing, searching and learning through digital technologies. t means being able to understand and use technology. It relates to the ability to find, use and create information online in a beneficial and useful way. Digital literacy also means knowing the limitations of technology and understanding the dangers and precautions that the use of technology requires.  It is different from being computer literate. Sure, being able to use a computer is a part of it. But digital literacy goes more in-depth than the simple use of a computer.  What constitutes digital literacy will vary according to children’s age, local culture and context.
Digital literacy can be simple or complex. In the simplest terms, Digital literacy means things such as the ability to navigate a website, send an email or use social media. However, digital literacy also refers to a deeper understanding of the technology that surrounds us. It can also refer to practical software skills such as creating a blog, coding a website or an app.

Digital literacy is not just knowing how to check SnapChat or Instagram. Several important topics within digital literacy include understanding:

Key Concepts
Digital Literacy, according to the Google Be Awesome curriculum, states that it is important to teach students to :
  • Think critically and evaluate websites, email, and other content online.
  •  Protect themselves from online threats, including bullying and scams.
  •  Get smart about sharing: what, when, how, and with whom.
  •  Be kind and respectful toward other people online, including respecting their privacy.
  •  Ask for help with tricky situations from a parent or other trusted adult
Google's Internet Code of Awesome
Five fundamental topics of digital safety and citizenship form the Internet Code of Awesome:
• Share with Care (Be Internet Smart)
• Don’t Fall for Fake (Be Internet Alert)
• Secure Your Secrets (Be Internet Strong)
• It’s Cool to Be Kind (Be Internet Kind)
• When in Doubt, Talk It Out (Be Internet Brave)