With the advent of technology, it is no doubt that the educational institution has also taken a big leap into integrating technology into its world. Therefore, we have no choice other than to go with the flow, to use technology once in a while in our teaching learning situations. It is especially true now that the youth utilize media and technology mostly in their times, with some using their gadgets to be updated on social media and other social media platforms. Also, major corporations and companies and social service processes now use digital technology in their products and services, may it be in placing orders over a product or receiving payment of the goods. The total avalanche of digital products and process is unstoppable, and we, teachers, have to equip ourselves in it.
Putting digital literacy in our educational curriculum could be of big help. We, teachers, can use digital technology such as LCD projectors, computers, tables, and smart phones in our classroom discussions. We can utilize such equipment to have faster learning discussions, and to also gauge the interest of our learners. We can also use Youtube videos, clips, and music that we can download online to further make our class an engaging one. However, as much as we want to integrate it, we also have adequate knowledge on how to utilize such. We have to be better on knowing how those gadgets function, and how to fix such whenever a problem arises.
In case for our students’ activities, we can put performance-based activities in our classroom lessons through requiring them to create powerpoint presentations, mini-clips, or some intricate, comprehensive digital tools. These activities will teach them how to use those digital tools, and how to be more efficient in this fast-paced world we live in. Doing these activities could also help them to be critical thinkers because inventing tools, or designing websites require a mind that can analyse facts and create outputs. It will also help them to be persistent in the pursuit of learning as these tasks need to have a person who does not easily give up in faces of trials.
Truly, teaching digital literacy is now a need more than a want. We have to make our students responsible and efficient digital citizens of our society. And as much as we want to give them the technical hullaballoo of the digital world we are facing, we also have to teach them that digital literacy also means doing and sharing digital content or products that help other people’s lives.
By: Marey E. Cezar | Teacher I | BNHS | Balanga, Bataan
