Toolkit for "Speaking of Digital Literacy"

We all know digital literacy is important, but what does it look in action? Find out by using this toolkit for "Speaking of Digital Literacy" to get to know the TT Digital Literacy Framework and preview samples from our new lesson series.

Essential Questions

1. Why are so many students vulnerable to media manipulation and “fake” news?
2. What support do students need to learn how to locate and verify reliable sources?

Part I: Digital Literacy Framework

The Teaching Tolerance Digital Literacy Framework identifies seven key areas in which students need support developing digital and civic literacy skills. The Teaching Tolerance Digital Literacy Project will offer four age-appropriate lessons on each competency identified in the framework: one each for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

The Framework

The numbered items represent the overarching knowledge and skills that make up the framework. The bullets represent more granular examples of student behaviors to help educators evaluate mastery.

1. Students can locate and verify reliable sources of information.
   • Evaluate sources for reliability.
   • Use a variety of tools to evaluate sources for bias.
   • Understand and identify common reasoning errors.
2. Students understand how digital information comes to them.
   • Evaluate search algorithms.
   • Choose high-quality sources for information.
3. Students can constructively engage in digital communities.
   • Display inclusivity and empathy during group communications.
   • Evaluate group communications for bias and hate.
4. Students understand how online communication affects privacy and security.
   • Map and monitor their digital footprint.
   • Identify platforms and techniques for safe digital communication.
5. Students understand that they are producers of information.
   • Make and share digital content.
   • Remix and share digital content.
6. Students understand their role as customers in an online marketplace.
   • Evaluate the role of online advertisements.
   • Understand the larger economics of digital marketplaces.
7. Students can evaluate the value of the internet as a mechanism of civic action.
   • Understand the use of digital tools for active citizenship.
   • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of digital remedies for injustice and calls to action.

Part II: Sample Digital Literacy Lessons

Grades K-2: Choosing Reliable Sources

Grades 3-5: Evaluating Reliable Sources

Grades 6-8: Analyzing How Words Communicate Bias

Grades 9-12: Evaluating Online Sources