This Canadian website looks at the various aspects and principles relating to digital literacy and the many skills and competencies that fall under the digital literacy umbrella. The relationship between digital literacy and digital citizenship is also explored, and tips are provided for teaching these skills in the classroom. The site includes media literacy, provides research, and links to teacher resources.
Type of Material:
Collection
Recommended Uses:
Instructors can start by using Media 101 to introduce the topic. Then instructors can choose lesson plans that are grade and topic specific. Lessons are designed to be done in class. Instructors can assign homework based on the in-class material (e.g., locating and critiquing ads).
Technical Requirements:
The website works across browsers.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Users will be able to:
Define digital literacy
Explain the connection between digital literacy and education
Illustrate the components of digital literacy citizenship
Target Student Population:
College General Ed, College Lower Division, Educators, Communications studies majors, Library and information professionals majors
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
basic ICT literacy
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The website clearly explains media and digital literacies, and offers several K12 lessons for teachers and parents. These lessons and other resources are self-contained and very details, so they can be used independently. Resources provide accurate and current information (e.g., Pokemon Go), including research studies. A blog and press center provide even more updated information and news. The content has a Canadian focus, and the core competencies draw from the European Framework for Digital Literacy. Links work, and documents (including images) are attributed.
Concerns:
Content is text heavy
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The overall learning objectives address central ICT literacy standards. Lesson plans explicitly list learning objectives, and Canadian literacy outcomes are listed. Indeed, teachers can search for lessons by literacy outcome. The Media101 lessons are structured, and build upon prior knowledge. The organization has mapped digital literacy, connecting it with their lessons, so they can be implemented sequentially. With this efficient structure, instructors can easily use the material. Substantial content has highly relevant information that will be applicable to ICT and information literacy.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The website gives clear instructions, which are complemented by engaging images and videos. The lessons are very interactive, and users can comment on the site's blog. The website itself has much information, but its layout and navigation are easy to follow; the user does not feel overwhelmed. The user can also view the website and its resources in French.
Concerns:
No help feature is available. Some of the website does not appear to be ADA-compliant.
Creative Commons:
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