The Importance Of Fostering Digital Literacy In K-12 Education

We must start digital literacy programs as early as kindergarten in this digital age. This early introduction to the digital world prepares young kids for the skills they need to survive in the rapidly developing tech-driven world. In addition, this skill is increasingly recognized as central to school, work, and life progress. But what does it exactly mean?

What is Digital Literacy?

The new advances in technology have transformed the way people communicate, interact and work. Not only this, but it has also altered how our children learn. It includes their participation, social development and learning through various digital mediums.

Digital literacy allows children to be educated, empowered and safe in the digital world. It refers to the skills, knowledge and digital skills that they acquire. Its extent will vary depending on the societal context and the child’s age.

Why is it important for a child to be digitally literate?

Better Career Prospects

With the increasing technology integration in our daily lives, more and more jobs require one to be digitally sound. The highest-paying careers are surrounded by advanced technology. With the introduction of digital literacy in K-12 Education, you can ensure that your child is prepared for a bright future.

Better Communication

Communication all over the world is increasingly getting digital. Most of the official work and unofficial communications are now done using laptops and computers. Even typical government tasks such as applying for voter ID, PAN Card, or even booking Tatkal train tickets that required people to visit government offices are now done online. However, many people, even the younger generations in small towns, still feel intimidated by technology. With digital literacy in K-12 Education, this fear of technology can be removed, and your child can be more confident in handling any digital tasks at hand.

Access to Quality Education

Education is no longer limited to schools and colleges. Anyone can learn whatever they want using online resources. The only limitation they might face is finding a way to find that information or resource. Students from metro cities get digital literacy mostly from their parents and peer group, making it easy for them to find online resources and make the best use of them. These students also have information about various programs and scholarships offered by institutes across the world. With digital literacy in K-12 Education, we can ensure that every child is empowered to access the highest quality of education online.

Closing the Digital Divide

As mentioned earlier, even the seemingly paper-work-heavy tasks can now be done online within a few minutes. Take the example of filing taxes. Even today, many people depend on a CA to file their taxes online because they feel intimidated. Even after the government made the process pretty easy to follow for a regular taxpayer, there is a lack of digital literacy among most of us. The next generation need not have the same fate. The introduction of digital literacy in K-12 education can close the digital divide and make every individual empowered.

Global Citizenship

Digital literacy reduces communication barriers online and helps reach out to people worldwide. Children will be more aware of global cultures and become a part of the global village. With a broadened horizon, they will find it easy to adapt to different cultures, no matter where they go.

Access to learning anywhere

With the required amount of digital literacy, your child will never face the problem of disruption in education due to external factors like the pandemic. For example, most children from small towns or people who couldn’t afford technology devices experienced huge learning losses. On the other hand, kids from tier 1 towns and cities did not suffer much due to online schooling and access to good quality learning resources online.

Improved connection with teachers

Whether offline or online schools, staying connected with teachers is one of the most important factors in ensuring better quality education. Even in offline schools, students find it difficult to communicate with teachers because they are too shy or don’t get a chance. With digital literacy, students can use online platforms like integrated school apps or even emails to communicate with teachers regularly.

Learn at their own pace

With digital literacy in K-12 Education, children can learn through self-learning resources if they find a concept difficult. They need not rely on limited textbooks and other resources provided by schools.

Here are some of the typical tools involved in enabling digital literacy:

• Consumption of multimedia slides and audio-visual content
• Using game-based learning
• Learning by interacting using digital devices
• Combining virtual and physical worlds
• Participate in online forums and communities

The meaning of digital literacy has drastically changed over the years. While there was a time when candidates used to write Microsoft Office as a skill in their resume, it is considered naive if people do it at this age. The assumption is it is a basic skill for anyone to enter the digitally savvy job market. While the meaning of digital literacy might change even more in the coming years, it is important to ensure your child is proficient in the basics. Also, just because a child plays games on mobile phones, which is a pretty common sight, doesn’t necessarily make them digitally literate. True digital literacy will be achieved when they can make the right and productive use of the technology. This will require intervention from your side and the school side.

At 21K School, we are changing how children learn and grow. It is India’s first online-only school. We offer transparent quality education, regardless of your situation and location. Our teachers and students come from around the world, ensuring your child gets international education standards in the comfort of your home. Currently, we are open for admissions for students in all K-12 Education Levels.

Our school conducts online live classes for 1–4 hours, 5–6 days a week (depending on your child’s grade) and follows an annual academic calendar.

Some salient features of our school:

• Lessons conducted by highly skilled and professional teachers
• Special sessions by subject experts and real-life achievers
• Regular online events and conferences
• A wide range of electives and capstone projects
• Wide range of capstone courses & electives

Moreover, many subject experts and real-life achievers also take sessions throughout the year for the holistic development of your child.

Final Words

Digital literacy is a continuous learning process because of the new advances in the digital world. The skills the children learn today may not be relevant in the future, but as they learn the practical skills to access, manage and create information, they will get accustomed to the ever-changing technology. At 21K School, with our technology integrated curriculum, digital literacy is guaranteed for your child.

Want to introduce your child to the future of education? Visit our website and speak to our educational counsellor today!