INSTRUCTIONAL PROBLEM: TEACHING DIGITAL LITERACY
MACKENZIE KIBBY
THE PROBLEM
Currently, many of the teachers are not proficient in teaching digital literacy skills. While they may have some basic familiarity with technology in their personal and professional lives, they lack the specific knowledge and strategies required to teach digital literacy effectively in the classroom. Teachers might be unfamiliar with how to incorporate essential skills, such as evaluating digital content, teaching safe and ethical online behavior, and utilizing educational technologies to enhance learning. Furthermore, many teachers may not feel confident in addressing issues related to digital safety, media bias, or fostering critical thinking in a digital context.
DESIRED KSAs
Teachers should be able to incorporate digital literacy skills into their lessons, guiding students on how to use technology responsibly and efficiently.
Teachers should be able to teach students how to critically evaluate the credibility, bias, and accuracy of digital information.
Teachers should be able to model and teach online safety, privacy protection, and ethical behavior in digital spaces.
Teachers should be able to use a variety of digital tools to enhance learning, such as online research methods, productivity software, and collaborative platforms.
THE KSA GAP
The gap lies in teachers' current lack of training and confidence in teaching digital literacy skills. Many teachers may feel unprepared to guide students in using technology responsibly, as they have not been trained to teach these skills explicitly. There is also a gap in understanding how to integrate digital literacy across subjects, and how to foster critical thinking in students when navigating digital environments.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Many teachers have not received adequate training in digital literacy instruction.
Teachers may feel pressured to focus on traditional content areas and standardized testing, leaving little time for integrating digital literacy into the curriculum.
POSSIBLE IMPACT
If teachers are not equipped to teach digital literacy, students will miss out on critical skills needed to navigate and succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Without guidance on topics such as digital safety, online ethics, and privacy, students may be more susceptible to cyberbullying, misinformation, or security threats.