With the advancement of technology and information over the years, we are in a society full of digital tools like computers and laptops. The greater domination of technology in our daily routine highlights the importance of digital literacy for educators as technology has made its intervention in the education sector. Digital literacy in education has paved the path for new online teaching strategies that help students understand and learn the concepts. You need to be aware of digital literacy to keep up with the changing times and needs. You can try different teaching methods and strategies with digital tools by taking Gibbon’s help to make the classes more interactive and engaging.
Teachers can combine the teaching methods and strategies with technology to implement digital literacy in the classroom. Digital literacy focuses on assessing information with digital tools such as web browsers, social media platforms and online discussion boards. It is crucial for both students and teachers. It promotes academic growth and teaches students how they can use digital literacy in education to achieve the desired results. Anyone who wishes to upgrade their online teaching skills can take the help of Gibbon to learn all the online teaching strategies and methods.
This blog is all about digital literacy and its importance for educators and students.
What is Digital Literacy?
Digital literacy in the classroom refers to the ability and knowledge to use various digital tools such as tablets, computers, smartphones and others for educational purposes. We can also define digital literacy as the awareness of digital tools. Students can use these digital tools in the classroom to explore the content for different subjects, connect with other students regarding the academic topics and create their content. The world of education is moving online, and students are comfortable learning on theirs. It is possible with digital teaching. You need to update yourself with the latest online teaching and learning techniques to fulfill the educational needs of the students.
Status of Digital Literacy in India
Though India has a large population, the illiteracy rate is more than 25 to 30%. Also, digital literacy is still unknown to more than 80% of people. Though India boasts the world’s second-largest mobile market, it is lagging in the space of internet connection. The Government of India has taken many initiatives to increase digital literacy among its citizens because it is equally essential for every individual with education and other industries.
Why is Digital Literacy Important for Teachers?
Digital literacy allows you to combine your teaching methods and strategies with digital tools. It will help students familiarize themselves with digital tools and online teaching. It assists students in getting and using information both in and outside the classroom.
The reasons why digital literacy is crucial for teachers are below.
1. Increases Student’s Engagement
You can keep students engaged in their school work with digital literacy in education. Technology has become common in students’ lives. Using various digital tools such as podcasts, blog posts, and networking opportunities will provide you with an opportunity to engage students in the classroom. For example, creating a video summary on the subject they read in class will be fruitful. It will help you in knowing their understanding of the concepts.
2. Improves Academic Performance
It can improve the students’ academic performance by allowing them to create presentations, blog posts and videos. Most students can understand and retain information while using digital tools to create content. You can make students express their views and discoveries better. It improves their ability to perform well in academics.
3. Collaboration
You always try to incorporate collaboration in your teaching methods and strategies to engage students in the classes and help students to have better academic discussions with their peers. Digital literacy provides you with more opportunities for collaboration. Students can edit presentations on different computers, share and edit notes through software, discuss various subjects in the messaging apps and reply to others’ discussion posts. These collaboration tools will help you teach students how effectively they can use digital literacy to improve their skills and knowledge.
4. Confidence
Digital literacy enhances your confidence levels. Staying updated with the latest technology makes you explain concepts better that every student can understand. You can create a more engaging environment if you have a grip on the subject and associate it with digital tools. Digital literacy also enhances students’ confidence as they can learn better and acquire more knowledge.
5. Making Students Ready for Job Market
Nowadays, almost every job has technology-related requirements. After schooling or college, students have to meet them to secure a job. So, you have to make yourself aware of digital literacy and use it effectively in the classroom to help students feel comfortable and complete different digital tasks that will help them in their future employment. You can give digital assignments to your students so that they try various online tools and software that may be useful in their future job. It helps your students to familiarise themselves with digital tools like word documents and spreadsheets. Also, teach them how to research authentic and credible content.
6. Applies to Almost All Subjects
You can use digital literacy in almost every subject. Depending on the subject you teach, you can incorporate different online teaching strategies to make your students learn better. For example, you can add students to online discussions with communities in a civics class where they can post their thoughts. It helps them to know what it’s to be a part of a collective group and the skills essential for communicating with each other. Similarly, students in a science class may need to research the validity of the topics they learnt in the classroom. You can make them understand the reliable sources for finding relevant information.
There is no age to start your learning to create a better classroom environment because digital literacy knowledge has become common for every teacher. Digital literacy does not require you to become experts, but it requires you to understand the digital tools that will help you to unlock your teaching potential. You can get help from Gibbon to make yourself completely aware of the digital tools and transform your classroom ready for digital teaching.
ABOUT GIBBON
Gibbon is a Plug and Play solution offered by EduGorilla, for anyone with a skill to teach. Gibbon helps you to take your classes online and earn independently.
- Gibbon gives you the ability to conduct & record LIVE classes, host unlimited video courses, provide online mock tests, and conduct online tests with LIVE proctoring abilities.
- Gibbon also provides you ready-made content of 1600+ Competitive, Entrance, and Academic exams from around the country.
- Gibbon helps you reach out to more students online and get a complete marketing setup.
- We have helped more than 3000 Brands, 10000 Institutes, 20000 Teachers and 2 Crore Students, transform their education and future.
Gibbon stands for “Online-Ready Teachers for a Future-Ready India”.
To get started, book your free demo now.
