The eight key digital literacy skills for educators are:

• The ability to quickly search through and evaluate great masses of information.
• The ability to create coherent reading pathways through complex collections of linked texts.
• The ability to quickly make connections between widely disparate ideas and domains of experience.
• The ability to shoot and edit digital photos and videos.
• The ability to create multimodal documents that combine words, graphics, videos and audios.
• The ability to create and maintain dynamic online profiles and manage large and complex online social networks.
• The ability to explore and navigate online worlds and to interact in virtual environments.
• The ability to protect one’s personal data from being misused by others.

Let’s now expand on each of these points and explain their relevance for educators:

1. Searching and Evaluating Information

This skill has become more critical than ever. In our current digital age, we’re inundated with an overwhelming amount of information. It’s not just about finding information anymore; it’s about swiftly sifting through the sea of data to identify what’s reliable and relevant. This requires not only a keen eye for detail but also a solid understanding of how search algorithms work and the ability to discern credible sources from less reliable ones. It’s a skill that’s incredibly valuable for educators and learners alike, helping to foster a more critical and informed approach to information consumption.

2. Creating Coherent Reading Pathways

The concept of creating ‘reading pathways’ through complex digital texts is fascinating. It’s no longer just about linear reading; it’s about navigating

through hyperlinked texts that interconnect in myriad ways. This skill involves understanding how different pieces of information relate to each other, even when they’re not presented in a straightforward manner. It’s like piecing together a puzzle, where each piece of information is a part of a larger picture. Educators can harness this skill to guide learners in exploring and making sense of complex digital landscapes, encouraging a more interactive and engaged form of learning.

3. Making Connections Between Disparate Ideas

The digital age has brought about an unprecedented level of interdisciplinary convergence. Being able to quickly link ideas and concepts across different domains is a critical skill in this era. It’s about seeing the big picture and understanding how a concept in one field might relate to or impact another. This skill is particularly crucial in educational contexts, where fostering a holistic understanding and encouraging learners to see connections across different subjects can lead to a more comprehensive and integrated form of learning.

4. Shooting and Editing Digital Photos and Videos

This skill is becoming increasingly important, not just for personal use but also in various professional contexts. The ability to effectively capture and edit images and videos is essential in a world where visual communication dominates social media and digital marketing. For educators and learners, mastering this skill means being able to create engaging and visually appealing educational content, which can enhance learning experiences and aid in the retention of information.

5. Creating Multimodal Documents

The art of combining words, graphics, videos, and audios to create comprehensive documents is a key aspect of digital literacy. This multimodal approach caters to different learning styles and makes information more accessible. In educational settings, encouraging learners to develop multimodal documents can foster creativity and improve their ability to communicate ideas in various formats. It’s a skill that also prepares them for modern workplace environments where presentations and reports often transcend traditional text-based formats.

6. Managing Online Profiles and Social Networks

In today’s connected world, the ability to create and maintain dynamic online profiles and manage complex social networks is vital. This skill extends beyond personal use; it’s important for professional networking, branding, and digital citizenship. It involves understanding the nuances of different platforms, curating content, and engaging with a diverse online community. For learners, learning to navigate these spaces responsibly can have significant implications for their future professional and personal lives.

7. Navigating Online Worlds and Virtual Environments

The skill to explore and interact in virtual environments is more relevant than ever, especially with the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. These immersive experiences offer new ways of learning, interacting, and understanding the world. Educators can leverage these technologies to provide experiential learning opportunities that were previously impossible, such as virtual field trips or simulations of complex scientific concepts.

8. Protecting Personal Data

In our increasingly digital world, the ability to safeguard one’s personal data is crucial. This involves understanding privacy settings, recognising potential online threats, and being aware of how personal information can be misused. Educating learners about digital security and privacy is essential in cultivating responsible digital citizens. This skill is not just about protection; it’s about empowering users to navigate the digital world with confidence and caution.

Download this list here to use as a resource.