Preparing Students for Digital Success

July 23, 2024

Possessing strong digital literacy skills is crucial for every student’s success in an online learning environment. As educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that students are not only consuming information but are also able to navigate, evaluate, and create digital content effectively. 

Why Digital Literacy Matters

Digital literacy goes beyond basic computer skills. It encompasses a wide range of abilities, including:

• Critical Thinking: Evaluating the credibility and relevance of digital information.
• Communication: Using digital tools to communicate effectively and ethically.
• Collaboration: Working with others in digital environments.

These skills are vital for students to succeed academically and professionally. They also enable students to become informed citizens who can critically assess information and participate in the digital world responsibly.

How to Develop Digital Literacy

1. Integrate Digital Literacy into Your Curriculum
   • Incorporate digital literacy activities and assessments into your courses.
     
   • Assign projects that require evaluating online sources or creating digital content.
2. Provide Access to Digital Tools and Resources
   • Ensure students have access to the necessary digital tools and resources.
   • Offer training sessions or tutorials on how to use these tools effectively.
   • Introduce students to online libraries and databases, such as Google Scholar and JSTOR.
3. Teach Critical Evaluation Skills
   • Encourage students to question the reliability and bias of digital content.
   • Utilize resources like Common Sense Education for digital citizenship lessons.
   • Provide checklists or criteria for evaluating sources.

Resources for Digital Literacy

1. Digital Literacy Resources: This platform provides a comprehensive collection of tools, lesson plans, and activities designed to help educators teach digital literacy skills across various subjects and grade levels. It offers a variety of resources that cover critical thinking, communication, and digital content creation.
2. ISTE: The International Society for Technology in Education provides standards, professional development, and resources focused on integrating technology effectively in education to enhance digital literacy among students. Their resources include detailed frameworks and practical guides for educators to develop and implement digital literacy programs.
3.  MediaSmarts: MediaSmarts is Canada’s center for digital and media literacy, providing resources, lesson plans, and activities aimed at teaching students to navigate and critically assess digital media. Their resources help students develop essential skills to understand and engage with digital content responsibly and ethically.

By integrating digital literacy into your curriculum, providing access to necessary tools, and teaching critical evaluation and digital creation skills, you can prepare your students to thrive in an online learning environment. Encouraging digital literacy not only enhances their academic success but also equips them with essential skills for their future careers and participation in the digital world. Let’s commit to fostering these skills and supporting our students on their digital literacy journey.

Upcoming Events

Quick Hits: Setting Up Your Canvas Gradebook

Thursday, July 25, 3:30-4:00pm

Join this training to learn more about grades in Canvas. Whether you are finishing up a summer course and want to ensure your grade settings are correct or you’re preparing for fall classes, this training has you covered. This training will cover grade weights, Speedgrader, and Canvas Gradebook settings. When registering, please include any questions you have about this training topic.

Facilitated by John Dickinson, IT Services Specialist.

Registration: QH: Setting Up Your Canvas Gradebook.

Clemson Online Summer 2024 Events Calendar

Review our Summer 2024 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!

We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!

All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.

Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.

Clemson Online – Where Tech and Teaching Meet