Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Junior Secondary School 3

SUBJECT: HOME ECONOMICS

CLASS:  JSS 3

DATE:

TERM: 1st TERM

 
WEEK 5-6

TOPIC: DIGITAL LITERACY

FOR WEEK 5-6

Meaning of digital literacy 

Digital Literacy is the ability of individual to use digital technology tools to access, manage, integrate, analyze and evaluate information and communicate with others in order to participate effectively in society”.

Digital literacy encompasses computer hardware, software, the Internet, cell phones, PDAs, and other digital devices. A person using these skills to interact with society may be called a digital citizen.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Meaning of digital citizenship

Digital citizenship can be defined as the norms of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use.

• Digital access: full electronic participation in society. 

• Digital commerce: electronic buying and selling of goods. 

• Digital communication: electronic exchange of information. 

• Digital literacy: process of teaching and learning about technology and the use of technology. 

• Digital etiquette: electronic standards of conduct or procedure. 

• Digital law: electronic responsibility for actions and deeds. 

• Digital rights and responsibilities: those freedoms extended to everyone in a digital world. 

• Digital health and wellness: physical and psychological well-being in a digital technology world. 

• Digital security (self-protection): electronic precautions to guarantee safety. 

TYPES OF DIGITAL LITERACY.

• Photo-visual literacy: This is the ability to read and deduce information from visuals. 

• Reproduction literacy: This is the ability to use digital technology to create a new piece of work or combine existing pieces of work together to make it your own. 

• Branching literacy: This is the ability to successfully navigate in the non-linear medium of digital space. 

• Information literacy: This is the ability to search, locate, assess and critically evaluate information found on the web. 

• Socio-emotional literacy: This refers to the social and emotional aspects of being present online, whether it may be through socializing, and collaborating, or simply consuming content. 

• Media literacy:  This involves the interpretation and production of shared meanings, and the ability to access, analyze, evaluate and create messages across a variety of contexts.

CHARACTERISTICS OF DIGITAL LITERACY

• It supports and helps develop traditional literacy

• It's a life-long practice

• It's about skills, competencies and critical reflection on how these skills

• It's about social engagement

DIGITAL LITERACY USE IN EDUCATION

Schools are updating their curriculum for digital literacy to keep up with accelerating technological developments. This often includes computers in the classroom, the use of educational software to teach curriculum, and course materials being made available to students online. Some classrooms are designed to use smart boards and audience response systems. These techniques are most effective when the teacher is digitally literate as well.

Teachers often teach digital literacy skills to students who use computers for research. Such skills include verifying credible sources online and how-to cite web sites. Google and Wikipedia are used by students "for everyday life research. Educators are often required to be certified in digital literacy to teach certain software and, more prevalently, to prevent plagiarism amongst students.

DIGITAL LITERACY USE IN THE WORKFORCE

 Many jobs require a working knowledge of computers and the Internet to perform basic functions. As wireless technology improves, more jobs require proficiency with cell phones and PDAs (sometimes combined into smart phones).

Some jobs are increasingly performed primarily on computers and portable devices. Many of these jobs require proof of digital literacy to be hired or promoted. Sometimes companies will administer their own tests to employees, or official certification will be required.

Manufacturers and retailers, for example, are expected to collect and analyze data about productivity and market trends to stay competitive. Construction workers often use computers to increase employee safety. Job recruiters often use employment Web sites to find potential employees, thus magnifying the importance of digital literacy in securing a job.