Digital Literacies
“We want to reflect on the way that people are actually reading in the 21st century, not just reading a printed story and answering some questions. It's one of many ways that we make meaning in the world today, but there are so many others.”
— Elena Forzani
In today’s classrooms, digital literacies are more than just a set of technical skills—they’re essential tools for communication, critical thinking, and participation in our digitally connected world. From navigating social media to creating multimodal texts, students are constantly engaging with digital platforms that shape how they read, write, and make meaning. As educators, we’re challenged to not only teach students how to use these tools effectively but also to help them question the assumptions embedded in digital content and technologies. Embracing digital literacies means preparing students to be thoughtful, creative, and critical participants in the digital landscapes they already inhabit.
Here are four episodes about expanding digital literacies pedagogies in the classroom.
As you listen, we invite you to consider these questions:
How do your students already use digital tools and platforms in their everyday lives, and how might those practices inform your teaching?
What opportunities do you see for incorporating critical digital literacy—like analyzing algorithms, media bias, or digital authorship—into your classroom?
How can digital literacies be used to amplify student voice and connect classroom learning to real-world audiences or issues?