Growing up surrounded by digital media.
The newest generation of students is growing up surrounded by digital media and technologies. For them, the ability to access information and communication technologies is increasingly important to take part in the economic, political and social life of what is becoming known as the knowledge society.
What are digital literacies?
There are many ways of defining digital literacy. Its key aspects include three literacies.
Information literacy
The capacity to access and evaluate information, and to use and manage it.
Media literacy
The ability to analyze media and to create media products.
ICT literacy
Information and Communication Technologies literacy: the ability to apply technology effectively.
In a world that is constantly changing, Ontario students will be better prepared to adapt, achieve and excel, regardless of the challenges they face.Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario, 2014
Why digital literacy and digital citizenship matter
In a technology-driven society and a globalized world, preparing students for success means a focus on skills such as digital literacy and citizenship. At Peak we strongly believe that being digitally literate brings the need to develop the skills of safe, responsible digital citizenship.
An understanding of the potential social issues related to technology.
Legal and ethical behaviour, practised.
A digital footprint that reinforces the positive relationships they are trying to achieve.
(2023), Strand A
Digital Media Literacy
Ontario's Language curriculum has four strands. Digital media literacy connects to three of them, and Strand A holds a dedicated Digital Media Literacy expectation. Students learn about:
Rights and responsibilities online
Their rights and responsibilities when interacting online and developing their digital identity.
Data, security and privacy
Navigating online environments while managing their data, security and privacy, including seeking appropriate permission.
Evaluating information
Using digital and media tools to evaluate information and demonstrate their learning.
How digital and media texts work
The conventions and techniques of digital and media texts, and the relationship between text forms and content, audiences and creators.
Design
Using digital and media tools in the design process to develop innovative solutions.
Online community
Interacting with and contributing to an empathetic, respectful and inclusive online community.
One line of that expectation is also a rule the school keeps: seeking appropriate permission.
Students learn to navigate online environments while managing their data, security and privacy, including seeking appropriate permission.
No photograph or video of a student is published until a parent has returned a signed media consent form.
Photographs and video. First name shown alongside. Work, results and achievements. A family can agree to one and decline another, and a blank counts as a no.
Consent stays in place for as long as the student is at the Academy, and a family can withdraw it at any time, in writing or by email.