EDU520

In EDU520, I worked with a team in which we collaborated a single wiki project in which we researched Digital Fluency, Digital Access and Digital Security and Privacy. Below is the research done for each topic. Here is also a link to the site itself: https://sites.google.com/view/edu520junegrp2/home

Digital Fluency

About

Digital fluency is the result of extensive experience using technology in a variety of settings. There are many components of digital fluency, but the most prominent markers are the ability to navigate technology quickly, accurately, and efficiently with flexibility. In general, digital natives are more likely to be digitally fluent, given the major role using technology plays in their life as they develop. Ursinus College (2022) describes this by stating “the path to becoming a digitally fluent individual is an ever-evolving, iterative process that begins with assessing and developing one’s digital literacy and information literacy skills” (para 2). Other skills and attitudes encompass digital fluency as well. Some of these include: understanding digital safety and privacy, navigating online discussions with civility, and persevering in the face of challenges and setbacks (troubleshooting).

Importance of Digital Fluency

Digital access is a prerequisite for digital fluency to form. As with any type of fluency, it takes quite some time to be digitally fluent. In order to be competitive in the job market, digital fluency is mandatory. Likewise, in order to fully engage in our online society, digital fluency is mandatory. Without the ability to navigate technology fluently, many key parts of modern life are not able to be enjoyed fully. While it may sound the same as digital literacy, digital fluency requires a step further in mastery. Sparrow (2018) describes it by stating the following:

In learning a foreign language, a literate person can read, speak, and listen for understanding in the new language. A fluent person can create something in the language: a story, a poem, a play, or a conversation. Similarly, digital literacy is an understanding of how to use the tools; digital fluency is the ability to create something new with those tools. (para 3)

To put it simply, digital fluency is important because it allows for the advancement of technology as opposed to simply the use of it. As a society that strives for greater discoveries and inventions, digital fluency allows the user to fully engage in the development of making the future become the present. This is incredibly appealing to companies, schools, and organizations, as being digitally fluent is, quite simply, investable. Check out the TedX Talk (2020) by Dr. Itoro Emembolu for a deeper dive into this topic!

Classroom Implications

In the classroom, the first thought automatically goes back to the importance of digital access. Without consistent access, fluency cannot develop. Once regular access to technology is received, the next piece is consistent use of technology. Students should be exposed to a variety of technologies and softwares and given level-appropriate challenges in using it for various purposes. When looking to develop fluency, open-ended activities are best, as they promote creativity and flexibility. Price-Dennis, et al. (2015) describes this type of teaching in their classroom by stating “we designed an inquiry that explored topics such as diversity and equity while including hybrid digital tools such as blogs, apps…to promote a learning environment steeped in critical thinking, collaboration, and expansive ways of conceptualizing written and oral communication” (section 3). These types of activities should increase in complexity as the students increase in ability, always providing a manageable challenge. Likewise, a time should always be given for structured reflection on the activity or project. There are countless resources on building digital fluency in the classroom. Please see below for a small list and explore the web for countless other excellent ideas!

Resources on Digital Fluency
Code.org– this is a free website that houses a full teaching curriculum across grade levels for students to learn coding skills.
Class Dojo– this is a classroom community building platform that allows students to interact with one another in a safe, monitored way that focuses on building healthy citizenship skills.
14 Digital Literacy Resources to Bookmark– this is a list of 14 resources to build digital literacy in the classroom, all of which are free for educators.
US Digital Literacy– this is a website that features countless digital literacy resources, including free toolkits, lessons, and strategies that can be used in the classroom.

Digital Access
About
Digital access refers to the distribution of technology and considers the factors that result in a lack of equitable opportunities. Many factors may limit or enhance the likelihood of access to technology and digital tools. One of the primary limiting factors is location. Urban populations tend to have greater access to wireless internet, whereas individuals living in rural settings have limited options, often having to depend on less reliable internet such as satellite or DSL. Another major factor is socioeconomic status, often limiting the technology that the users can purchase. Given how expensive devices can be, many individuals are unable to purchase laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. In addition, education on how to use technology is not always accessible and also follows the trend of being limited for those with low socioeconomic status and those living in rural areas.
Importance of Digital Access
When thinking about the importance of digital access, it is vital to think about digital inaccessibility and the digital divide. According to the National League of Cities (n.d.),

The digital divide is the gap between individuals who have access to computers, high-speed internet and the skills to use them, and those who do not. This gap shows up in various ways in our communities: broadband access and connectivity can fuel economic, educational, health and social outcomes. (para 3)

Without proper access to technology, it can prove difficult for individuals to properly participate in our world. As we push more towards a digital-centered world, it is increasingly disadvantageous to populations that have limited access to technology. Whether working remotely or even working in person, jobs have shifted, being technology-centered and digital fluency is a requirement. The Patterson Foundation (2022) describes the importance of digital access by stating “at the individual level, digital access enhances or constrains opportunities for participation in modern society. At the community level, it is evolving as a measure of community health and vitality.” (section 3).
Classroom Implications
Inequality with digital access is also an issue in schools across the US. Schools emulate society and are tasked with preparing children to be productive citizens. Now, one of the biggest components is for students to learn how to be productive digital citizens. American University’s School of Education (2020) describes the basis of the issue of digital inequity in schools by stating “since schools are funded through local property taxes, the schools in low-income areas didn’t have as much money to spend on technology as those in high-income communities”. (section 3). While many schools in privileged communities celebrate 1-1 laptops and iPads along with an array of smart boards, display cameras, and coding technologies, many schools in underprivileged communities struggle to share a few computers in a class of over 30 students. This is a clear depiction of inequity in education based on the digital divide. Check out the YouTube video below for a TedXYouth discussion on digital access in schools!

Digital Access Resources

19 Technology Grants and Organizations to Help Expand Your Classroom– a website that details 19 different options for funding your classroom in order to acquire technology.
Affordable Connectivity Program– a website that describes the Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps low-income families secure an internet connection.

Looking for a Free Laptop? How Low-Income People Can Apply– a blog page that details programs that can help low-income families get a laptop for free or at a low cost.

Digital Security and Privacy

Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are somewhat interrelated with each other. Digital security is necessary in todays digital age. We do our personal and business transaction online, information is stored in our phones, apps etc. We receive digital messages either by text or email. Our personal information must be kept private. Therefore, digital security is the process of protecting ones online identity. According to the article titled, “Digital Security Versus Private Information,” (Ghauri, A. F., p16) states, “Digital security is essential to trust in this digital age. Within this environment, digital security is the policy and framework that proved the essential and practical principles to address without restricting use, the openness of digital technology, and dynamic nature without inhibiting the potential to foster innovation to the social technologies.” Its important for both security and privacy to be maintained.

Privacy vs Security

Privacy is often associated with certain rights which may control some personal information. Security means protecting certain information relating to privacy policies. (Ghauri, A. F., p. 11) stated that digital security and privacy policy can be considered the priority of different public policies in the era of a data-dependent economy. The main challenge of business, government, and other organizations are to manage the risks related to the private information of any organization.

Security Risk

There are nine different types of security risk that can damage computer hardware, software, and our private data, also data within an organization. All computer security are referred to as digital risk that can causes damages to businesses and organizations. The security risks that are discussed by (Ghauri, A. F., p. 12) are as follows: data, cybersecurity, reputational, talent storage and cultural, privacy, third party, technology, artificial intelligence and compliance’ risks.

Data risk– associated with the misuse of sensitive business data and even customer data.

Cybersecurity risk– is associated with the connection to the internet in compromising network, most common is ransomware attacks.

Reputational risk– the decreasing of the valuation of a company. This is referred to as the downfall of its reputation because of some type of business plan failing.

Talent storage and cultural risk-lack of a skillful workforce, leading to a slow business growth. Culture is associated with the values, attitudes and behavior of team members.

Privacy risk– storage of personal and private information. Information must be stored correctly.

Third Party risk-potential treat of digital security concept that are presented to employees of an organization. Also pertains to sensitive customer data.

Technology risk- disruption of technology, associated with cyber attacks. service outrages, password theft etc.

Artificial intelligence risk– compromising the integrity of artificial system, choices are not made according to its design.

Compliance risk– security compliance, the meeting of various controls and the availability of data.

Managing Digital Security Risk

In managing and maintaining security risk there are some mitigation strategies that was developed. (Ghauri, A. F. p12-13) listed the strategies as identifying the key assets, understanding the potential treats, monitoring the unwanted exposure and taking action against the risks.

Privacy and Security For Digital Technology

Integration in the Classroom

Schools everywhere in the United States uses Google, Microsoft, and Apple tools within the classrooms. Educators need to be trained in using these applications for enhancing students learning. This is where, I can understand why we are being introduced to all these online tools and applications, if we are not trained in using digital technology, there would be concerns relating to privacy and security. According to the article titled, “Privacy and Security Considerations For Digital Technology Use in Elementary Schools,” (Kumar, P. C., Chetty, M., Clegg, T. L., Vitak, J.), stated that schools can play an important role in helping children develop privacy and security skills. There are resources available in schools to teach children privacy and security, but they do not receive lessons on privacy and security. Therefore, there’s not much attention given in classrooms on privacy and security, especially in elementary schools.

References

Ghauri, Faysal. A. (2021). Digital Security versus private information. Journal of Computer science ijcsid. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security. ACADEMIA

Kumar, P. C., M., Clegg, T.L., Vitak, J.(2019). Privacy and Security Considerations For Digital Technology Use in Elementary Schools. In CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Proceedings. 1-13, Glasgow, Scotland UK. ACM, New York, NY, USA. http://doi.org/10.1145/3290605.3300537.

Regan, PIn .M., FitzGerald, G & Balint, P. (2013). Generational views of information privacy? Innovation: The European Journal Of Social Sciences, 26(1/2),81-99. doi: 10.10.1080/13511610.2013.747650.

Written by Naomi Kissoon

Check out the video below by TedX Talks (2018) for more information on this topic! Nick Espinosa, an expert at cybersecurity and network infrastructure, lays out five laws of cybersecurity.

Reflection:

I believe that students collaborating is essential to their learning. Students and people in general learn from one another by sharing ideas and materials. Everyone is unique in their own way and when multiple unique people collaborating together they have great ideas when they brain storm. I’ve always been a fan of collaborating not only just in school but also at work as well. My experience with collaborating with my group for this project was great. We had the chance to share ideas and get to know each other. We communicated very well and worked as a team to help one another throughout the process. I would definitely do this again because of how easy going it was to work with my group.