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Should Digital Literacy Be Its Own Classroom Subject?
Should Digital Literacy Be Its Own Classroom Subject?
By Michael Millington
Tech & Learning
The article Should Digital Literacy Be Its Own Classroom Subject? by Michael Millington discusses the growing necessity for formal education in digital literacy and citizenship in schools, given the prevalence of technology in everyday life. Educators like Lisa Nielsen, the Executive Director of Technology for the NYC Department of Education, and Melissa Jacobs, Director of Library Services for the New York City School Library System, emphasize that students today require structured learning around responsible technology use. This goes beyond simply knowing how to navigate devices—it’s about teaching essential life skills such as security, critical thinking, and digital citizenship.
As technology continues to dominate our daily lives, the assumption that students know how to use it responsibly because they own smartphones or laptops is flawed. Jacobs argues that while students may be proficient in basic device navigation, they often lack the deeper skills necessary for secure and responsible usage. This includes understanding privacy settings, the risks of sharing personal information online, and how to critically evaluate information.
Millington highlights the need for digital citizenship and literacy to be treated as a dedicated subject in schools. This could involve incorporating it into various aspects of the curriculum or assigning media specialists and librarians to teach it. Nielsen suggests that professional development for teachers on digital citizenship is crucial, as educators themselves need to model healthy digital habits.
The article concludes that digital literacy and citizenship education should no longer be optional but an integral part of preparing students for success in a digital world. As technology continues to evolve, the education system must adapt, ensuring that students not only use digital tools effectively but do so in a way that is safe, responsible, and beneficial to their academic and personal growth.
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Prepared with the assistance of AI software
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com
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