We live in a digital world that is constantly changing and evolving. Students need to learn how to navigate and use this world effectively and responsibly. Teachers have a crucial role in guiding their students in various aspects of the digital world, such as:
Information sources:
The internet is full of information, but not all of it is reliable or relevant. Students need to learn how to:- Find different kinds of information for different purposes.
- Save and organise information for easy access and reuse.
- Distinguish between facts and opinions, and evaluate the credibility and accuracy of information.
- Think critically and creatively about information, and use it to solve problems or create new knowledge.
Learning avenues:
The digital world offers many opportunities for learning, both formal and informal. Students need to learn how to:- Take charge of their own learning process and set their own goals and strategies.
- Learn from different sources of information, such as books, videos, podcasts, games, etc.
- Identify what they need to learn and what they can ignore or skip.
- Develop skills, understandings, habits, and behaviours that support their learning.
Human spaces:
The digital world enables people to connect and communicate with others across time and space. Students need to learn how to:- Understand the relationship between physical and digital spaces and how they affect each other.
- Use digital tools wisely and efficiently, and avoid wasting time or resources.
- Use different devices and platforms for different purposes and contexts.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully in person and online, using appropriate language, tone, structure, etc.
Participation:
The digital world allows people to create and share their own content and opinions with others. Students need to learn how to:- Remix, mash up, modify, or invent new media in ethical, legal, and compelling ways.
- Decide what to share with whom, when, where, and how, and respect the privacy and security of themselves and others.
- Contribute their expertise and perspectives to the digital world and recognise the value of diversity.
- Filter and sort the information they want from the abundance of information available online.
Publishing:
The digital world provides people with various platforms and channels to publish their work and reach a wider audience. Students need to learn how to:- Use both physical and digital media for authentic purposes that matter to them and others.
- Choose the best format, style, mode, and medium for their message and audience
- Share their work with different groups of people, such as friends, family, community, or the world
- Receive feedback from others and use it to improve their work
Connecting with experts:
The digital world connects people with experts from different fields and domains. Students need to learn how to:- Identify and contact true experts who have knowledge, experience, or skills that they need or want.
- Understand the role of generalists, who have broad knowledge across disciplines, versus specialists, who have deep knowledge in specific areas
- Know when to seek expertise from different sources, such as peers, teachers, professionals, or academics
- Listen with curiosity and respect to experts’ opinions and advice
The self:
The digital world affects people’s sense of self and identity. Students need to learn how to:- Identify and maintain important personal and social relationships in both physical and digital spaces.
- Prioritise their ideas, resources, and connections according to their needs and goals
- Monitor and manage their attention span; practise mindfulness techniques
- Choose the right scale for their work; think locally or globally, depending on the situation
- Recognise patterns, niches, and opportunities in the digital world; pursue them based on their interests