Six Resources to Teach Digital Literacy in the Classroom 

October is National Information Literacy Awareness Month. While educators always teach their students how to find, access, and evaluate information, they can take a moment to remind their students what literacy means and inform them that October celebrates literacy.

Many children and adults need to improve their level of digital literacy in this connected world.

What is digital literacy?

The American Library Association says digital literacy is "the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills."

Being digitally literate means the person has the skills to "find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills" by using the Internet. For K-12 students, this means using the Internet safely, whether it is communicating through social media outlets, or using it to find information for homework assignments, reports, or projects. As a student, it is important to master digital literacy, for it gives them the proper preparation for their future endeavors. EducationWorld has curated a list of six activities, games, and videos teachers can bring to the classroom to teach their students digital literacy.&

1. Child Focus: "E Safety": This campaign ad is an e-safety awareness campaign geared towards kids and is provided by Creative Conspiracy (CC). The video follows a young boy as he plays a computer game, and an ad for a free teddy bear pops up. The boy clicks the ad and his computer begins to shut down. Watch as his father teaches him to always come to him when there is a question with the Internet.

2. Digital Etiquette with Tim and Moby: Provided by BrainPOP, students can follow Tim and Moby as they teach students how to properly use the Internet, from being honest about your identity to avoiding cyberbullies. It also teaches students how to talk to adults and professionals on the Internet, and how to avoid posting inappropriate information. At the end of the video, students can take a quiz, and complete an activity. 
3. Webonauts: Webonauts Internet Academy is a game provided by PBS KIDS GO! where students can "have some fun while exploring what it means to be a citizen in a web-infused‚ information-rich world." In the game, students can create their own space suit to complete a series of missions involving Internet safety and literacy. At the end, students can graduate from the academy and get a printable diploma. 
4. Solomon's Story: Provided by Common Sense Media, students can watch as Solomon searches the Internet and teaches viewers how to find reliable sources. Students will learn how to use key words, fact check, and more. 
5. Digital Passport: Digital Passport is a series of "web-based games and videos to engage 3rd - 5th graders in independent learning." The game is filled with lessons from older students about being a good digital citizen and games where students can practice key skills, like creating a safe password. Students can also learn how to develop smart texting habits, respect copyrights, and more. With every level completed, students can earn badges and receive their own digital passport. The game is free to register and play. 
6. All Digital Citizens Printable: This poster provided by Common Sense Media can teach students about what digital citizens do by labeling certain parts of the body, such as the person's head to "protect private information for themselves and others."

Article by Kassondra Granata, EducationWorld Contributor