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Learning with Technology Toolkit: Being Digitally Literate

What does it mean to be digitally literate?

So you know how to surf the net, create a Tik Tok, Snapchat with friends, tweet your favourite quote, and share your pics on Instagram. Does this mean you are digitally literate?

According to UNICEF: "Digital literacy goes beyond technical know-how. It refers to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that allow [you] to be both safe and empowered in an increasingly digital world".

How safe or empowered do you feel when using technology? Do your digital literacy skills go beyond technical know-how?

This interactive survey will help you assess how digitally literate you are.
Choose 'Learner' as your primary role when the page opens.

Digital Skills Questionnaire

Questionnaire by getdigitalskills.org, a collaboration between Dell and ISTE.

Key areas to focus on when developing your digital literacy skills

How did you do on the Digital Skills Questionnaire above? What did your responses reveal about your ability to navigate, evaluate, and use digital resources effectively? Digital Skills for a Global Society is an initiative that lists these key digital literacy skills. As you explore the resources in this guide, consider developing your ability to

Locate content that is relevant and reliable
  • Learn to identify trustworthy sources of information and filter out unreliable or irrelevant content.
  • Use effective search strategies to find academic and professional materials.
Evaluate sources for accuracy and bias
  • Understand how to critically assess the credibility of information sources.
  • Identify potential biases and verify information using multiple perspectives.
Interpret information from multiple perspectives
  • Analyze content with an open mind, considering different viewpoints to deepen your understanding.
  • Practice synthesizing information from diverse sources for a balanced perspective.
Safely communicate and collaborate with others online
  • Engage in respectful and effective communication with others on digital platforms.
  • Protect your personal information and maintain digital security while collaborating online.
Express your ideas through multiple forms of digital media
  • Learn to create engaging content using tools like presentations, videos, and infographics.
  • Effectively share your ideas through diverse digital mediums for academic and professional purposes.
Track and manage your digital footprint
  • Understand the impact of your online activities on your privacy and reputation.
  • Develop strategies to manage and reduce your digital footprint responsibly.
Adapt to new digital tools and technologies
  • Stay updated with emerging digital tools that enhance productivity and creativity.
  • Learn to use new technologies efficiently to support your academic and career goals.
By using the resources in this toolkit, you should be able to create and consume digital information safely and responsibly and know when, why, and how to use these digital tools.
 Essential Tools | Content Creation Tools | Searching Tools | Referencing Tools
 Collaboration Tools | Self-Assessment Tools | Assistive Technologies
What is Digital Literacy?

What is Digital Literacy? by Adobe for Education

Evaluating Digital Information

Online Verification Skills Introductory Video by CNTL-F

Additional Resources

Developing Your Digital Skills modules by ISTE

The Digital Citizenship Hub by College Libraries Ontario

Digital Media Literacy on GFCGlobal.org

The Digital Skills for a Global Society initiative is a collaboration between Dell and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), providing an interactive website for teachers, students, parents and caregivers.