This guide will focus on several facets of digital literacy such as evaluating online resources, fact checking, evaluating images and videos, understanding and effectively using search engines, and safely and appropriately interacting online.  At the conclusion of the guide, students will find engaging activities to test their knowledge of digital literacy.  Also included are lesson plans and discussion prompts that educators and parents will find useful as they help students navigate the sprawling landscape of online content.  

Excerpt from What is Digital Literacy - Learning.com

"Digital literacy means having the skills to effectively use technology, and the knowledge and skills to do so safely and responsibly. 'Digital' refers to technology, ranging from computers and the internet to technological objects and programs such as cellphones, smart home systems, check-in kiosks at airports and more. Literacy refers to the ability to use this technology—and to use it well. "
 

The American Library Association’s Digital Literacy Task Force defines digital literacy as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.”

Suggested Reading:

• Digital Media Literacy - PebbleGo Next Social Studies UDLib/SEARCH

Exceprt from Evaluating Digital Sources - Purdue Online Writing Lab

"Because so much information is now available online, it’s important to know how to navigate digital sources versus print sources. Today, almost every print source has a digital edition (e.g., ebooks, online newspapers), and some academic journals only publish digitally. However, despite the many credible digital sources available today, there are still many unreliable sources available on the internet. [The reading below includes] some suggestions for evaluating digital texts.  [And it provides] a breakdown of the different types of sources available online."

• Evaluating Sources: General Guidelines - Purdue Online Writing Lab