Digital Literacy

“Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.”

Computing in the national curriculum – A guide for primary teachers, by Computing at School 2013

Digital Literacy, in particular the Online Safety element, is hugely important for all young people, but particularly for students with special needs who may be more vulnerable. It can be broken down into a number of strands including:

1. Keeping safe – not revealing private information online; knowing how and where to report concerns; dealing with cyberbullying; and as part of a healthy lifestyle, not spending too much time playing games or online.

2. Responsible and respectful use of technology – understanding ownership of online media; respectful Paper fake facebook resourceonline behaviour, e.g. commenting on blogs.

3. Evaluating content – searching skills; understanding how the World Wide Web and search engines work; awareness that not all content is reliable; understanding what makes a good digital artefact and why we use technology for a particular purpose.