7 Critical Reasons Why Teachers Need Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is the best way to prove how digital learning gives educators the opportunity to induce the desired learning in the classroom. 

Research indicates that the effective incorporation of educational technology by teachers results in greater student engagement, understanding, and comprehension.

Digital adoption in Indian Schools has risen by 45% since 2019, fueled by national initiatives such as PM eVidya and other progressive measures.

However, 31% of teachers claim they are not adequately proficient in using digital tools. This points to a dire need for increased digital literacy across educators.

This article outlines the ways that digital literacy enhances teaching, dismantles learning barriers, and equips students for a technology-driven future.

Why Digital Literacy Matters for Teachers: 7 Reasons

As of the 2023-24 academic year, only 26.77% of India’s approximately 9.8 million schoolteachers have received training in computer-based teaching methods. However, that leaves over 73% without such training. 

Here’s why teachers should be up to speed when it comes to digital tools in the classroom:

1. Going Beyond Basic Digital Skills

Knowing how to use technology in education means more than just basic computer skills now. It’s about understanding all kinds of digital tools and how to use them for learning.

At present, it involves:

• Vital Evaluation of Online Resources: Assessing online resources to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• Utilising Reliable Platforms: Using learning platforms for reliable content access and seamless lesson delivery.
• Creating Multimedia Content: Digital literacy enables teachers to create and curate multimedia-rich educational content by integrating animations, simulations, and interactive exercises.

2. Better Teaching Effectiveness

Digital literacy allows teachers to take traditional lessons and make them interactive. This is done via a number of key aspects, such as:

• Interactive Presentations: With presentation tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar alternatives, teachers can create content that students will love.
• Video Content: Include educational videos and animations to help establish a visual context that makes comprehension easier.
• Smart Classroom Management: It allows teachers to use classroom technology more effectively, delivering lessons and engaging students.

3. Enabling Universal Access to Learning

According to a survey, 27% of students do not have access to smartphones or laptops essential for online classes. Inclusive teaching means understanding that students have different access to technology.

• Get Offline Capabilities: Only 57.2% of Indian schools have functional computers, and only 53.9% have access to the Internet, according to the most recent data from the Union Education Ministry’s UDISE Plus. 

So, digital solutions with offline content ensure learning continuity in low-resource environments.

• Inclusive Learning Design: Research demonstrates how blending different teaching approaches enables personalised learning experiences. This creates opportunities for every student to achieve desired learning outcomes through methods that best suit their needs.

4. Promote Digital Citizenship and Responsible Usage

As technology integrates into education, teachers must cultivate responsible online behaviour in their students. Digital literacy empowers teachers to:

• Promote Online Safety: Educators can teach students about cyber threats and safe practices. Organise sessions where students learn to identify phishing emails and suspicious links through interactive quizzes.
  
• Model Digital Responsibility: Teachers can demonstrate appropriate online behaviour and media usage.
  
• Create Safe Learning Environments: Ensuring a secure digital space fosters trust and focus among learners. Use tools like Padlet for students to share concerns about online behaviour anonymously.

5. Develop Personalised Learning Approaches

One of the most significant advantages of digital technologies in education is the ability to tailor learning experiences. Teachers with digital proficiency can:

• Adapt to Learning Styles: Students have varying preferences and abilities. This is difficult for a single teaching method to cater to all. 
  
  With iPrep PAL, a learning super app, educators can identify and address individual learning preferences.
  
• Implement Data-Driven Strategies: Educators often struggle to analyse student performance data to form their teaching strategies.
  
  iPrep comes with granular analytics containing detailed insights into student performance, enabling targeted interventions.
  
• Foster Inclusivity: Personalised paths ensure that every student, regardless of their pace, progresses effectively.

With iPrep PAL, teachers can develop customised learning paths for each student, enhancing both academic performance and confidence.

6. Chart an Impressive Professional Development Journey

Teachers can boost their careers by learning new digital skills—makes sense, right? Online courses, mentors, and workshops all help. 

Also, E-portfolios? They’re a proven way to show what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown.

Here’s how:

• Access to Global Resources: Teachers can explore diverse teaching materials and methodologies from around the world.
  
• Building Learning Networks: Online platforms enable educators to connect, collaborate, and share best practices.
  
• Continuous Skill Enhancement: Digital tools like webinars, courses, and certifications ensure lifelong learning.

Teachers should expect—no surprise here—2-4 hours each week for online courses, plus extra time to actually implement what they learn. 

Then there’s 1-3 hours a month for workshops and another hour every two weeks for mentorship. Sound like a lot? It pays off in the long run.

7. Future-Ready Education System

Teachers need to keep learning—no question about it. Rarely do we see a skill more crucial than digital literacy. The payoff is engaging experiences that boost student success.

This generally involves:

• Adopting Emerging Technologies: Teachers can integrate AR, VR, and AI into classrooms.  It will help them explain concepts better and make lessons immersive.
  
• Preparing for Hybrid Models: The future of education lies in blending online and offline teaching. Digital literacy equips teachers to adapt effectively.
  
• Developing Sustainable Strategies: Creating long-term plans for integrating digital learning ensures continuity and resilience.

Schools using iPrep Digital Class—how’d they do it? They switched to hybrid, blending in-person and online for a well-rounded education.

iDream Education: Empowering Educators and Students for a Digital Future

Digital literacy is essential for teachers, as it empowers them to handle interactive learning, promote responsible online behaviour, and personalise education.

At iDream Education, our vision is to facilitate universal access to learning and growth, breaking down educational barriers to empower students. 

We partner with System Integrators, the Government, CSR initiatives, NGOs, and other ecosystem partners to deliver our digital content and learning platform through Smart Classrooms, ICT Labs, Tablets, Notebooks, and Mobile Devices. 

Our digital content spans classes 1st to 12th, covering all subjects as per NCERT/State Boards in English and Hindi, with ongoing efforts to include additional languages.
If you’re interested in learning more about our innovative digital learning solutions, including iPrep Digital Class and Digital Library, mail us at [email protected] or call us on 917678265039.

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