Advancing Digital Literacy Education for Georgia’s Next Generation
In a 2022 report, McKinsey & Company noted that “at least 50 percent of Gen Zers see news on social media daily” and “up to 15 percent of people aged 18-24 regularly get their news from TikTok.” Moreover, a December 2023 survey showed around 43 percent of individuals aged 18 to 29 expressed a significant level of trust in election coverage provided by social media platforms.
Ultimately, these statistics reflect a shift in how younger generations consume information. In an age where information is readily available, critically assessing digital content is crucial. Given these trends, the need for comprehensive digital media literacy education in Georgia has never been more pressing.
The American Library Association (ALA) defines digital literacy as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.” The definition summarizes the skills necessary for navigating a vast information landscape where misinformation can quickly spread and influence public opinion. As technology evolves and shapes beliefs, Georgia should prioritize enhancing digital literacy in its educational programs.
Georgia has made significant strides in promoting digital literacy through video webinars designed for K-5 and 6-12 grade teachers. In the K-5 Digital Literacy webinar, Dr. Meghan Welch, who earned her doctoral degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University with a focus on digital literacies, collaborated with Alison Eber, a fourth-grade teacher at the 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue in City Schools of Decatur.
Together, they emphasized a dual focus on “digital citizenship,” which addresses internet safety, and “media literacy,” which enhances critical thinking skills. Furthermore, they emphasized teaching students how to conduct research and verify the reliability of sources, equipping them with the skills to gather accurate and meaningful information.
However, digital literacy efforts should not end there. In 2022, 31% of eighth-grade students performed at or above the NAEP Proficient level of the reading assignment, a three-percentage-point decline from the 34% reported in 2019, the previous assessment year. This alarming decrease underscores the importance of developing students’ reading and comprehension skills, particularly in evaluating digital content. Expanding digital literacy across all curricula could foster the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for interpreting information.
While recent webinars focus on foundational skills, ongoing professional development is crucial for educators to continue providing meaningful instruction for students. In a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 47% of elementary school teachers “say they aren’t sure about the impact of AI tools in K-12 education.” As technology advances, educators must have training and knowledge on emerging topics, such as AI and machine learning, ensuring they can address these tools in educational settings. Educators will be equipped to guide students through the complex digital environment by providing workshops and other advanced resources.
Schools can partner with local libraries and community organizations to further digital literacy initiatives, such as learning online research and digital safety skills. Collaborating with such institutions allows schools to broaden their reach and give them additional avenues for learning and exploration.
As younger generations become more politically active, schools should continue teaching students how to evaluate information and engage with the news. This is critical because news sources will ultimately shape students’ opinions. A survey by Stanford University revealed that 96% of high school students could not accurately judge the credibility of a piece of information online. Teaching students to engage with news sources and question misinformation critically prepares them to make informed decisions, particularly during elections. By instilling these skills, Georgia can nurture a generation of informed citizens who actively participate in democratic processes.
Georgia’s policymakers must prioritize funding and resources to sustain and expand existing digital literacy efforts. Investing in teacher training and curriculum development will ensure that digital literacy remains a core education component. Collaborating with local libraries and educational community organizations can bring innovative solutions and tools into the classroom, further enriching students’ learning experience.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for digital literacy will only grow. In a world where misinformation can spread quickly, equipping students with the skills to navigate this landscape is crucial. Georgia has a unique opportunity to lead the way in promoting digital literacy, ensuring that its students are not only consumers of education but also critical thinkers and responsible digital citizens.
By fostering a comprehensive digital literacy framework, Georgia can prepare its students to engage meaningfully with the digital world. This will foster skills that transcend the classroom and empower them to make informed decisions. Committing to digital literacy will enhance individual student outcomes and contribute to a more informed and engaged society. Investing in students today is an investment in a brighter, more informed future for Georgia.
Sophia Beasley is a third-year student at the University of Georgia studying Marketing with emphases in Business Analytics and Digital Marketing. She is a member of the communications group.