Why should teachers care about digital literacy? Explore the potential benefits and/or challenges, depending on your reading

The text that I explored was Palfrey and Gasser’s ‘Born Digital – Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives’. Digital Natives are people who were born after 1980 and have a clear understanding and knowledge of how to use modern technology. In today’s world, more and more people are becoming exposed to technology from a very young age.

Nowadays, it is rare not to own an iPad or an iPhone. The Internet can be accessed whenever needed; emails can be checked; colleagues can be contacted; locations can be found. They do not ‘just make phone calls, they also send text messages, surf the net and download music.’ (Palfrey et al, 2008) Surely, this is something we all need in our lives. There could be situations where we need to find a place urgently, or get onto the Internet to find out crucial information. Pupils must learn about this from a young age, because they may need them in their lives, not just in the future, but now.

I have a Nokia. I can call, I can text, I can even take pictures and videos, but I can’t get onto the Internet. In an incident where I have lost my way walking to someone’s house, one might say: ‘Look it up on Google Maps’, but I can’t. When I pull out my ‘brick phone’, people are surprised. Isn’t it a good phone, though? I mean, it does what a phone is required to do – it phones people!  

We refer to people who were born before 1980 as settlers, or digital immigrants – basically outcasts from the technological world - because they are not as experienced with technology. Some may argue that digital immigrants lead fuller lives because they are not reliant on the Internet to provide them with entertainment, but think about what digital natives can do that they can’t. Technology allows us to become more creative: we can make movies, post videos on Youtube and create blog posts. This is why technology is successful within the classroom – lessons become exciting and motivating, allowing children to expand on their creativity and technological skills. Children are far more likely to engage and participate fully in lessons. However, this can lead to issues. What if children become addicted to technology? Will they then be reluctant to take part in lessons unless technology is involved?

One problem highlighted in the Palfrey and Gasser reading (2008) is the antisocial element; ‘maybe your daughter never comes down to dinner on time because she’s always busy online.’ Once, when I went out for dinner with my friends, I noticed that every one of us was texting rapidly under the table. 

Nowadays, it is normal to talk to someone online before meeting them. Of course, this can be dangerous in instances where the person is a complete stranger, but if you have mutual friends, it’s fine. Or is it? People are now ‘leaving more traces of themselves in public places online.’ Have you ever had a quick ‘stalk’ down someone’s Facebook profile before going on a date with them? Did you see them in a different light to when you first met them? Technology gives people the outlet to express themselves and be more open, to give out more information to the 500 people they barely know.

For these reasons, teachers must care about digital literacy, firstly because it can be a great resource within the classroom, and secondly because of the issues that can arise from it.

Bibliography

Palfrey, J & Gasser, U (2008) Born Digital – Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives New York: Basic Books p. 1-7