We often believe we understand the meaning of ‘digital literacy’, but it can be a misleading term. Do we mean digital skills? Online safety? Where does AI fit in? As computer science education evolves to meet the needs of our increasingly digital world, we believe that true digital literacy empowers young people to engage with technology thoughtfully, critically, and confidently.
In this issue of Hello World, out today for free, we discuss what digital literacy means, how it is taught in different countries around the world, and how educators are rethinking digital literacy for their students and themselves.
Digital literacy
As the use of digital technology grows, a broader view of digital literacy is necessary. Digital literacy is more than knowing how to use software. It’s the ability to use digital technologies effectively, safely, and responsibly.
In Issue 26 of Hello World, we explore this topic in detail and hear insights from educators across the world, including:
- Becci Peters shares how Computing at School (CAS) in the UK is supporting digital literacy skills for students and educators
- Sourav Pattanayak discusses how digital literacy is defined in India, and the formal and informal ways educators are teaching digital literacy
- Sandra Hartman explores strategies for enhancing digital literacy in the US
- Gavin Davenport asks what would happen if we considered digital literacy in the same way as we consider traditional literacy
This issue also includes inspiring articles from the world of computer science education:
- Leah Dungay tells us about a programme combining physics, video games, and the Large Hadron Collider to engage young people in particle physics
- Gina Fugate shares how digital accessibility enhances digital experiences for all
- Halima Bhayat shares her inspiring journey in computer science
And there is lots more for you to discover in issue 26.
New podcast series in audio and video
We’re also pleased to announce that the Hello World podcast has returned alongside the magazine with a miniseries also focused on digital literacy.
We asked for your thoughts on the podcast in our previous annual survey, and you kindly sent us lots of helpful feedback. Based on that, we’re trialling new episode formats, welcoming additional hosts, and bringing in more expert voices from around the world.
On Tuesday 15 April we’ll be releasing our first teacher tips episode, a shorter podcast with 3 teachers sharing practical, actionable tips for improving digital literacy in the classroom.
The week after, Tuesday 22 April, you’ll be able to hear a brilliant conversation between the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s Chief Learning Officer, Rachel Arthur, and two special guests: Dr Jessica Hamer from King’s College London’s School of Education and Becky Patel from Tech She Can. They’ll be discussing the current state of girls’ engagement in computing — a wide-reaching and important conversation exploring how we can empower more girls in computing through school, university and their careers.
Then on Tuesday 29 April the final episode in the miniseries will be a panel debate about “digital natives” where we’ll be asking, ‘Are young people who grew up with technology around them truly tech-savvy, or are they dependent on digital tools without understanding how they work?’ James Robinson — Senior Learning Manager here at the Raspberry Pi Foundation and regular host of the podcast — will lead this discussion as global educators debate the myth of the “digital native,” uncover how it could overlook complex issues of access, skills, and education, and consider what it really takes to be tech-smart in the modern world.
More information and links to listen can be found inside the magazine.
Share your thoughts & subscribe to Hello World
We hope you enjoy this issue of Hello World, and please get in touch with your article ideas or what you would like to see in the magazine.
- Share your thoughts and ideas about Hello World and the new issue with us via the Raspberry PI Foundation social media channels
- Find out how you can write for the magazine
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