what is digital fluency?

The ability to efficiently and effectively interpret information as well as to discover meaning, design content, construct knowledge and communicate ideas in a digitally connected world, is how Jamie Good defines digital fluency.   It is so much more than just knowing how to surf the net.  Someone who is digitally fluent can easily navigate their way online.  They understand what tools to use and are able to explain where and how to access this digital information to produce the desired outcome.  Digitally fluent people are critical thinkers, being able to create, remix, and share ideas through the use of technology. “’Fluency’ derives from the word ‘flow’ and when we think about being ‘fluent’ in any context, it refers to being flexible, accurate, efficient, and appropriate…In a digital context for learning, ‘fluency’ involves using technologies” (Spencer, 2015).

Developing digital fluency skills in our students is vital in today’s digital world.  The use of technology must be made routine, and readily available if we are to achieve digital fluency with our students.  I agree with Howell (2012, p.134), in that by engaging our students in creative, experimental and purposeful activities we can guide them to become digital content creators, technology innovators and digitally fluent users of technology.  To achieve this we need to encourage independent learning, let the students take control.  Take a back seat, and focus on allowing our students the freedom to explore.

As digital educators, we need not be geniuses when it comes to computers, but having an open and enthusiastic approach will allow our students to gain the most learning they possibly can out of each and every lesson.

 

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                                                   References

 

Howell, J. (2012).  Teaching with ICT: Digital Pedagogies for   Collaboration and Creativity. South Melbourne, VIC: Oxford   University Press.

 

Good, J. (2015).  What is Digital Fluency?  Retrieved from   https://youtu.be/oOdwSRm_13E.

 

McIntyre, E. (2016).  Digital Fluency.  Retrieved from   https://youtu.be/BImmhIQPMAY

 

Spencer, K. (2015).  What is Digital Fluency? Retrieved from   https://karenmelhuishspencer.com/2015/10/30/what-is-digital-fluency.