Teaching the Skills That Matter: Digital Literacy in Action

Summary

This video in the 'Teaching and Skills That Matter in Adult Education' series focuses on digital literacy instruction. It emphasizes that digital literacy goes beyond basic computer skills, highlighting the importance of applying these skills to real-life contexts. The video showcases a digital literacy lesson by Sara Cole, demonstrating best practices such as using templates in Google Docs, understanding relevant vocabulary, and offering opportunities for self-directed learning. The goal is to help adult learners develop both foundational digital skills and the confidence to use them in their everyday lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Digital literacy is more than just basic computer skills—it's about applying those skills creatively in real-life contexts.
• 😀 The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) identifies digital literacy, along with civics education, financial literacy, health literacy, and workforce preparation, as critical topics for adult learners.
• 😀 Best practices for teaching digital literacy include using relevant vocabulary, direct instruction, and providing opportunities for self-directed work.
• 😀 The goal of digital literacy instruction is to help students apply their skills in everyday life, such as communicating via email or using technology to complete tasks.
• 😀 Teachers should introduce computer skills first through direct instruction and then provide opportunities for students to practice and apply these skills in real-life contexts.
• 😀 Templates in digital tools like Google Docs can save time on formatting, allowing students to focus on the content they want to present.
• 😀 Students benefit from practicing digital literacy skills in a group setting, where roles are assigned and everyone contributes to the task, such as creating a recipe together.
• 😀 It is crucial to ensure students are comfortable with relevant vocabulary (e.g., 'font') to fully understand and use digital tools.
• 😀 Self-directed work is vital in helping students deal with challenges and make choices when applying digital skills, building confidence and independence.
• 😀 Meeting students where they are—offering differentiated instruction based on their readiness—helps overcome barriers like perceived irrelevance of technology.
• 😀 Digital literacy is not only about acquiring skills, but also about helping students use these skills to improve their academic and daily lives, increasing resilience and confidence.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video series 'Teaching and Skills That Matter' in Adult Education?

The series highlights five key content areas critical to adult learners: civics education, digital literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and workforce preparation skills. It also shares best practices for teaching these topics effectively.

How does digital literacy go beyond basic computer skills?

Digital literacy involves more than just proficiency in computer skills. It emphasizes the ability to recognize the relevance of these skills in specific contexts and apply them creatively to everyday life.

How does Sara Cole incorporate best practices in digital literacy instruction in her classroom?

Sara Cole integrates six of the nine TSTM central skills in her digital literacy lesson on Google Docs. These skills include communication, critical thinking, problem solving, navigating systems, processing and analyzing information, and self-awareness.

What is the purpose of using templates in digital literacy lessons?

Templates allow students to focus on content rather than design. By using templates, students can efficiently create documents, such as a recipe sheet, and apply their computer skills in real-life scenarios.

Why is it important to ensure that students know relevant vocabulary in digital literacy instruction?

Knowing the correct vocabulary, such as terms like 'font,' helps students better understand and apply their computer skills. It also reinforces their ability to navigate and communicate effectively in digital environments.

How does the lesson provide opportunities for self-directed work?

Sara Cole's lesson allows students to take on roles in their groups, such as chef, technology officer, lead presenter, and editor. This gives them the chance to make decisions and apply their skills in a real-world context, encouraging independence and problem-solving.

What is the significance of differentiating instruction in digital literacy for adult learners?

Differentiating instruction helps address the varying levels of digital literacy among adult learners, some of whom may have never accessed the internet or may not see its relevance in their daily lives. It ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, can build and apply their digital skills.

How can digital literacy support learners in other academic areas?

Digital literacy can enhance the acquisition of skills and knowledge in various academic contexts by providing adults with the tools they need to access, analyze, and share information effectively, which is crucial for success in both academic and professional settings.

What are the two main roles of a teacher in a digital literacy classroom?

The teacher's roles are to ensure that students have foundational computer skills and to help them apply these skills to further their learning. This dual approach supports both academic content goals and students' overall digital literacy development.

What is the significance of teaching digital literacy in adult education?

Digital literacy is critical in adult education because it helps learners who may have interrupted formal education or are developing literacy for the first time. By gaining digital skills, these learners can improve their ability to navigate daily life and future career opportunities.