With technology advancement over the years, and data growing faster than before, it can be said that technology is the future. We live in a world that is enriched and burdened by computers and gadgets. Digital literacy highlights the importance and domination of technology in our everyday lives not just for adults but also children. Teaching kids digital literacy skills is very important. Kids need to be able to understand the technology that they use so they can use it safely and effectively. Having known that Literacy is the ability to read and write, but in today’s digital world, being literate isn’t enough anymore. It is important for children to become digitally literate as well.
Kids are at a great advantage of understanding digital literacy. In a world which is so connected, kids learn digital skills from an early age. Many of these tech skills are essential in the classroom. Almost any industry children move into when they start their career will require some form of digital literacy. It is important that children have an idea of digital literacy to be able to type document, submit their assignments electronically, search and download documents online to aid their research and assignments.
It is against this backdrop that Lola Cater for the Needy Foundation partnered with Digital Solution International to hold a Digital Literacy session with students at the LEA Primary School, Kado Estate Abuja to broaden their scope of learning.
50 students were in attendance for the session that commenced with the question “what is digital literacy”, few of the students made positive attempt to define the term. It is quite exciting to know that they had little knowledge on the subject matter, Hence, We gave them a clear definition and kick started the session proper, led by the Chief Technology Officer for Digital solutions International. He took sessions on Device usage and management, Internet applications, software and hardware usage. He emphasized on how students of their age can leverage on technology to evaluate and compose clear information, and learn from the global space, this would enable healthy competitions within the school and beyond
The students were curious and attentive to details, one of them asked “can I compare what my teacher teaches me in class, if it’s the same worldwide, or are what we are thought here different from what other children learn in private schools and others?” The facilitator answered the student by saying he is sure schools use the same or similar curriculum and for if they are learning the same thing worldwide, he said yes. Technology is an everyday need, which means it is needed widely.
After the session, we went round the computer lab to check out the computers and other devices in the lab. We observed that they have desktop and few mini laptops that are out dated and some are faulty. When we interviewed the computer teacher on some of the challenges she faced, she rightly pointed out the need for more modern computers and possibly fixing the ones they already have, in other to ensure the students have both theoretical and practical knowledge of technology.
It is essential for students to know more about the various types of digital literacy and how to apply it appropriately. We hope to educate more students on digital literacy and encourage more students especially girls in Information technology.
