How do you overcome the digital literacy gap in your learning network?

1 Assess your own digital literacy

The first step is to assess your own digital literacy and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Digital Literacy Framework, to evaluate your skills and competencies in different areas, such as digital identity, digital learning, digital communication, digital citizenship, and digital creation. This will help you to recognize your learning needs and goals, and to seek out relevant resources and opportunities to improve your digital literacy.

2 Support and mentor others

The second step is to support and mentor others in your learning network who may have lower levels of digital literacy than you. You can offer guidance, feedback, encouragement, and resources to help them develop their skills and confidence. You can also share your own experiences, challenges, and successes with digital learning, and model good practices and behaviors. By supporting and mentoring others, you can also enhance your own digital literacy, as well as build trust and rapport in your learning network.

3 Learn from others

The third step is to learn from others in your learning network who may have higher levels of digital literacy than you. You can ask questions, seek advice, request feedback, and observe how they use, create, and communicate with digital technologies. You can also join online communities, forums, groups, or courses that are relevant to your learning interests and goals, and interact with other learners who have different levels of digital literacy. By learning from others, you can expand your knowledge, skills, and perspectives, and discover new ways of digital learning.

4 Use accessible and inclusive technologies

The fourth step is to use accessible and inclusive technologies that can accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of your learning network. You can choose technologies that are user-friendly, intuitive, and compatible with different devices, platforms, and formats. You can also use technologies that have features and functions that can enhance the accessibility and usability of your digital content, such as captions, transcripts, alt text, contrast, font size, and language options. By using accessible and inclusive technologies, you can ensure that your digital content is clear, engaging, and effective for your learning network.

5 Review and reflect on your digital learning

The fifth step is to review and reflect on your digital learning and the digital literacy gap in your learning network. You can use tools, such as portfolios, blogs, journals, or surveys, to document your progress, achievements, challenges, and feedback. You can also use tools, such as analytics, dashboards, or reports, to measure your engagement, performance, and impact. By reviewing and reflecting on your digital learning, you can evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate your successes.

6 Stay updated and curious

The sixth step is to stay updated and curious about the latest trends, developments, and innovations in digital technologies and digital learning. You can follow blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or social media accounts that cover topics related to your learning interests and goals. You can also experiment with new tools, platforms, or methods that can enhance your digital learning experience and outcomes. By staying updated and curious, you can keep your digital literacy skills relevant, fresh, and adaptable to the changing needs and demands of your learning network.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?