eSMART MATTERS
BY ROWAN WALKER (eLearning Coordinator)
In today's information-rich world, digital literacy is a crucial skill for our children. It involves the ability to find, evaluate, and communicate information through digital platforms. Here's how we can foster these skills:
Teach Critical Evaluation
Encourage children to question the information they encounter online. Teach them to:
- Check the source's credibility
- Look for supporting evidence
- Be wary of sensationalised headlines
- Recognise bias in reporting
Promote Responsible Content Creation
Guide children to:
- Create positive, respectful content
- Understand the permanence of their digital footprint
- Consider the impact of their posts on others and their future selves
Develop Research Skills
Help children learn to:
- Use effective search strategies
- Utilise reliable academic resources
- Properly cite sources and avoid plagiarism
Understand Digital Tools
Familiarise children with various digital platforms and tools. This includes:
- Word processing and presentation software
- Collaborative online tools
- Digital design skills
Media Literacy
Teach children to:
- Recognise different types of media (news, entertainment, advertising)
- Understand how media can influence opinions and behaviours
- Create and analyse media messages
By developing these digital literacy skills, we equip our children to be discerning consumers and responsible creators of digital content. This not only prepares them for academic success but also for meaningful participation in our increasingly digital society.
Further Information:
1 https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/entertainment-technology/digital-life/digital-citizenship
2 https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/resources/digital-citizenship-parents/
3 https://digitalwellnesslab.org/family-guides/parents-guide-to-digital-citizenship/