Everyone needs to have some understanding of technology, whether using technology for homework or for a job. Digital fluency is a term used when discussing the skills children have with technology. Digitally fluent means being able to use digital technologies confidently (Howell, 2012, p. 133). Having knowledge about using technology at complex levels can prepare children for secondary school years (Mac Manus, 2013). Before this topic, I did not believe that every child needed a high digital fluency, as it may not be their interest. After gaining a better understanding of digital fluency, I agree that children should have a high understanding of using the internet and programs such as Microsoft Word and Power Point. This skill will be needed for work later in high school and most jobs, such as writing a resume (Howell, 2012, p.147-162).Therefore, having basic knowledge of these technologies will be useful for students in the future.
As an educator, there are many ways to see if a student is where they should be for their age. According to Howell, by the end of primary and/or early secondary school, students should be able to use Microsoft word, Power Point and Publisher proficiently and be experienced in web 2.0 tools such as Piktochart (2013,p.139). Although there are guidelines on where students should be with their digital fluency at different ages, I find that creating a digital pedagogy and helping students being fluent in technology can gain their attention in course work making it more fun to participate as well as becoming more fluent school tasks.
Digital Fluency describes skills children have to use technology and allows them to become more fluent in the skills needed in high school and possibly their career. Engaging in a digital pedagogy can help increase their fluency as well as gaining their attention in classroom topics. A digital pedagogy can be engaging for children as it can be interactive and fun.
Extra Resources
White, Gerald K. (2013) Digital fluency : skills necessary for learning in the digital age. Melbourne : ACER. Retrieved from http://research.acer.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1006&context=digital_learning
Resnick, M. (n.d). Rethinking Learning in the Digital Age. Retrieved from https://llk.media.mit.edu/papers/mres-wef.pdf
dlee85. (2013). Digital Fluency. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/dlee85/digital-fluency-21316995
Digital Generation 