Creating Lesson Plans for Digital Literacy Instruction

 

Digital literacy is a foundational skill set crucial for adult learners to thrive in today's digital-driven workplace. Teaching digital literacy is challenging because it encompasses a wide variety of competencies and skills essential for navigating today's interconnected society.

Digital literacy extends far beyond basic computer proficiency and requires individuals to:

• acquire a detailed understanding of information retrieval, evaluation, and synthesis in online environments
• harness various digital tools and technologies effectively for communication, collaboration, and problem-solving across diverse contexts
• use critical thinking to distinguish credible sources from misinformation and fake news on digital platforms
• cultivate cybersecurity awareness to safeguard personal data and privacy due to the proliferation of cyber threats.

This blog post describes the Integrating Digital Literacy into Lesson Plan Model (Figure 1) and provides a sample lesson. By following a structured approach, people teaching adult learners can enable them to develop the essential skills needed to navigate the digital workplace. 

Figure 1. Integrating Digital Literacy Into Lesson Plans Model

1. Identify Core Digital Competencies

Choose a digital literacy framework that clearly specifies digital literacy competencies and that describes specific skills for each competency. There are many frameworks to choose from including Digital Competence Framework for Citizens, Digital Literacy Framework for Adult Learners, College and Career Readiness for Adult Education, and UNESCO’s Digital Literacy Global Framework. Using a digital competence framework will support you in using a structured approach to understanding digital skills and how they can empower adult learners to navigate the digital world with confidence.

2. Define and Map Workplace Skills Competency Areas

Identify competencies within the chosen framework, including basic computer operations, internet navigation, email communication, online safety, and digital document management. Then, explore the relevance of each competency for the workplace and identify how mastering these skills can support your learners’ personal and professional growth.

3. Develop Lesson Plans and Instructional Strategies

Break down common digital tasks into simple step-by-step instructions tailored to adult learners' comprehension levels. Decide how to demonstrate how tasks are performed such as turning on/off a computer, navigating websites, conducting online searches, creating and sending emails, downloading files, and recognizing online scams and threats. Provide ample opportunities for guided practice and reinforcement to ensure mastery of essential digital skills.

4. Implement Lesson Plans and Strategies

Now that you have planned your lessons and instructional strategies, it is time to implement them with your learners. That involves explaining the objectives to your learners, having the needed technologies and handouts ready, employing the activities, and conducting assessments of your learners’ progress. Make sure that you have determined what technology and resources you need to implement the lessons ahead of time.

5. Evaluate Lessons and Update Curriculum

Once you have implemented your lessons plans, you need to evaluate how well they worked and if necessary, update the lessons for the next time you teach the lessons.

Using the Model to Develop Lessons

Using this model, lessons for digital literacy competencies can be developed. For example, in the Maryland Digital Literacy Framework for Adult Learners 7 categories of competencies are explicated: Technical, Civic, Communicative, Collaborative, Computational Thinking, Investigative, and Productive. Each of the competence areas contain specific competencies which you can review in the framework.

Sample Lessons

We used the Maryland Digital Literacy Framework for Adult Learners to identify specific competency areas a person would need for an occupation. We present three lessons below that explain digital literacy skills a food service worker would be expected to use on the job. Each lesson contains objectives, required material and technology resources, specific activities, and assessment methods. 

 

Step 1. We begin with step 1 of the model: Identify core competencies from a digital literacy framework. We are using the Maryland Digital Literacy Framework for Adult Learners (Figure 2).  

Figure 2. Maryland Digital Literacy Framework for Adult Learners

Step 2. In step 2, we identified core competencies a food service workers would use and matched them with four of the framework’s digital literacy competencies: technical, communicative, computational, and productive.

Technical

• Use digital ordering systems or meal management software to process meal orders.
• Access digital inventory systems to track food supplies, manage stock levels, and order supplies as needed.

Communicative

• Use email to communicate with wait staff regarding meal preparation, delivery schedules, and special requests.
  

Computational Thinking

• Utilize handheld devices or tablets to receive and acknowledge meal orders

Productive

• Create and curate new menu items in digital format.

Step 3. We develop lesson plans and instructional strategies. The lessons contain: (1) an objective, (2) required materials and technologies, (3) four activities including an introduction, hands-on tutorial, practical exercise, and a review, and (4) an assessment activity. Below are examples of three lesson plans.

LESSON PLAN 1: Using Digital Ordering Systems or Meal Management Software.

 

Objective: Process patient meal orders and manage dietary restrictions using digital ordering systems or meal management software.

 

Materials Needed: Access to a digital ordering system or meal management software, computers/tablets.

 

Activities:

• Introduction to Digital Ordering Systems: Overview of the chosen system, highlighting its importance in ensuring dietary needs are met accurately and efficiently.
• Hands-on Tutorial: Walkthrough of the software interface, focusing on how to enter, modify, and confirm meal orders. Include practice on entering dietary restrictions/preferences.
• Practical Exercise: Enter mock orders into the system, ensuring to note any dietary restrictions.
• Review and Q&A: Discuss common scenarios/issues that might arise and how to address them using the system. Encourage questions and share troubleshooting tips.

Assessment: Practical test to correctly process a series of meal orders within a set timeframe.

 

LESSON PLAN 2: Accessing Digital Inventory Systems.

Objective: Use digital inventory systems to track food supplies, manage stock levels, and order supplies.

Materials Needed: Access to a digital inventory system, computers/ tablets, and inventory management guidelines.

Activities:

• Overview of Inventory Systems: Explain the system's features and role in efficient kitchen management.
• Interactive Demonstration: Show how to check stock levels, update inventory after deliveries, and input data related to usage.
• Simulation Exercise: Simulate a week's inventory management, including responding to low-stock alerts and deciding when to reorder supplies.
• Group Discussion: Strategies for minimizing waste and ensuring accuracy in stock management.

Assessment: Complete a mock inventory check and create an order for supplies based on given scenarios. 

LESSON PLAN 3: Utilizing Email or Internal Communication Platforms. 

Objective: Use email to coordinate with kitchen staff regarding meal preparations, delivery schedules, and special requests.

Materials Needed: Access to email, guidelines for professional communication, and sample communication scenarios.

 

Activities:

• Communication Best Practices: Overview of effective digital communication, including clarity, tone, and urgency.
• Platform Walkthrough: Introduce email features, focusing on creating messages, attaching files, and using communication threads or channels.
• Role-playing Exercise: Participate in an email scenario to resolve a communication challenge, such as a last-minute meal change.
• Feedback Session: Share experiences and discuss the importance of timely and clear communication in the kitchen environment.

Assessment: Draft an email responding to a hypothetical situation that requires coordination with kitchen staff, demonstrating clarity, professionalism, and adherence to communication guidelines.

Step 4. This step involves implementing the planned lessons. You will gather the technology resources and materials you need, and use the instructional strategies and assessments planned.

 

Step 5. This step requires evaluating and updating the curriculum. You always learn something when you teach and you can use this information to improve the lessons and curriculum you planned. This process is iterative so that you are always reviewing and updating the lessons and curriculum.

 

References

Conceição, S. C. O., & Hill, L. H. (2024). Digital Literacy Skills for ABE/GED Learners' Entry and Participation in the Workplace. Webinar.

Dweck, C. S. (2007). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Ballantine Books.

Law, N. W. Y., Woo, D. J., de la Torre, J., & Wong, K. W. G. (2018). A global framework of reference on digital literacy skills for indicator 4.4. 2. Available https://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/ip51-global-framework-reference-digital-literacy-skills-2018-en.pdf

Maryland Department of Labor’s Adult Education. (2021). Digital Literacy Framework for Adult Learners. http://labor.maryland.gov/employment/dwdalfederalprogramfunding.shtml

Pimentel, S. (2013). College and Career Readiness for Adult Education. Available https://lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/CCRStandardsAdultEd.pdf

Promoting Digital Literacy for Adult Learners: A Resource Guide. (2022). https://www.barbarabush.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Digital-Literacy-Resource-Guide-for-Adult-Learners-.pdf

VuorikariRina, R., Kluzer, S., & Punie, Y. (2022). DigComp 2.2: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens-With new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes (No. JRC128415). Joint Research Centre (Seville site).

 

Hard Skills, Soft Skills, and Digital Literacy for the Workplace: Ways to Stay Employed

 

Image credit: Microsoft Stock Images

Employers report a skills gap between what they expect and what potential employees can offer (Bessen, 2014). Bessen stated that “Since information technologies have radically changed much work over the last couple of decades, employers have had persistent difficulty finding workers who can make the most of these new technologies” (para. 5). Others state the real skills gap exists in the lack of soft skills, the “interpersonal and relationship-building skills that help people to communicate and collaborate effectively. These people skills are more critical than ever as organizations struggle to find meaningful ways to remain competitive and … productive” (National Soft Skills Association, n.d., para. 3). This blog post explores hard and soft skills needed for the workplace and explains how digital literacy can augment soft skills.

 

Hard skills are the qualifications that will enable you to be hired and include job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities that employees need to perform their job duties effectively. They are primarily cognitive abilities (Ferreira et al., 2023) that may be developed while pursuing a college or university degree, during relevant work experience, and/or from completing professional certifications online. Hard skills can include technical skills, knowledge of software, and professional skills. Hard skills can be specific to a workplace, occupation, or industry and may not transfer to other work settings. Remarkably, most of the success on the job comes from having well-developed soft skills, and only a small part consists of technical skills and knowledge.

 

Soft skills are an essential component of the personal and professional characteristics employers seek when hiring employees. Soft skills are related to behavior, attitude, and values and can be crucial to professional success (Ferreira et al., 2023). They are involved in working well with colleagues, taking responsibility, working as part of a team, communicating with your colleagues, negotiating ideas, and the ability to collaborate with other people. Multiple capacities can be designated as soft skills including personal accountability, teamwork, negotiation skills, conflict resolution, flexibility, adaptability, problem solving, self-confidence, critical and analytical thinking, customer service, work ethic and initiative, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal relations. There are many ways to define soft skills. Still, central characteristics in many definitions are a positive attitude and the ability to interact effectively with others to facilitate productivity. Soft skills are hard to measure but are essential to obtaining, succeeding, and keeping a job (National Soft Skills Association, n.d.).

 

Employers value soft skills because they contribute to a positive work environment, enhance teamwork and collaboration, improve productivity, and facilitate career advancement. Soft skills are required to apply hard skills in the workplace effectively. Soft skills are often considered just as important as technical skills in many job roles, and employees who possess strong, soft skills are more adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges and changes in the workplace. Soft skills and digital literacy are closely linked in the modern workplace due to the increasing reliance on digital technologies and tools for communication, collaboration, and productivity.

 

Digital Literacy complements soft skills in the workplace by providing the technical foundation and tools needed to communicate, collaborate, and innovate in digital environments. Soft skills and digital literacy are closely linked in the modern workplace due to the increasing reliance on digital technologies and tools for communication, collaboration, and productivity. Soft skills enhance digital literacy by promoting effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, time management, leadership, emotional intelligence, creativity, conflict resolution, and networking in the context of digital technologies and workflows. Together, digital literacy and soft skills empower individuals to thrive in the dynamic and interconnected landscape of the modern workplace. Today's workplace features many options for remote and hybrid work arrangements, and it is impossible to display soft skills without digital tools (Acosta, 2022).

 

Table 1 presents definitions of selected soft skills in the lefthand column and the ways digital literacy facilitates the expression of soft skills in the digital environment in the righthand column.

 

Soft Skills Defined	Links with Digital Literacy
Communication
Ability to articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and convey information effectively through verbal, written non-verbal communication.	Digital literacy enhances communication by enabling individuals to use various digital communication platforms such as email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and social media. Soft skills like clarity, conciseness, and active listening are crucial for effective digital communication, ensuring messages are understood and relationships are maintained.
Teamwork
Capacity to collaborate with others, contribute ideas, and work effectively as part of a team towards common goals. This includes being able to compromise, resolve conflicts, and support team members.	Digital literacy facilitates virtual teamwork by enabling team members to collaborate regardless of geographical locations through online project management tools, shared documents, and collaborative platforms. Soft skills like adaptability, collaboration, and empathy are essential for effective virtual teamwork, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among team members.
Problem-Solving
Ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems using critical thinking and creative thinking skills. This involves assessing situations, evaluating alternatives, and implementing effective solutions.	Digital literacy equips individuals with the technical skills needed to troubleshoot issues with software, hardware, or digital systems. Soft skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and persistence are vital for identifying causes of problems, exploring alternative solutions, and implementing effective problem-solving strategies in a digital environment.
Adaptability
Ability to adapt to changes in the workplace, including changes in responsibilities, procedures, technologies, or environments. Being adaptable involves being flexible, open-minded, and willing to learn new skills.	Digital literacy enables individuals to adapt to changes in technology, software updates, and new digital tools used in the workplace. Soft skills like flexibility, openness to learning, and resilience are essential for embracing technological advancements and adjusting to evolving digital landscapes in the workplace.
Time Management
Skill to prioritize tasks, manage workload efficiently, and meet deadlines effectively. This involves setting goals, organizing work schedules, and allocating time appropriately to different tasks and projects.	Digital literacy empowers individuals to use productivity tools, calendars, task managers, and automation features to optimize time management and prioritize tasks efficiently. Soft skills such as organization, self-discipline, and prioritization are crucial for managing digital workflows, setting realistic goals, and meeting deadlines effectively.
Creativity
Ability to think innovatively, generate new ideas, and approach problems from different perspectives. Creativity involves being curious, experimenting with new approaches, and being willing to take risks.	Digital literacy fosters creativity by providing individuals with access to digital content creation tools, multimedia platforms, and online communities for sharing ideas and feedback. Soft skills such as curiosity, experimentation, and risk-taking are essential for exploring new digital mediums, expressing ideas innovatively, and collaborating on creative projects.
Conflict Resolution
Skills needed to address conflicts constructively, facilitate discussions, and negotiate solutions that satisfy all parties involved. Conflict resolution involves active listening, empathy, and communication skills.	Digital literacy supports conflict resolution by providing individuals with effective communication channels and mediation tools for addressing misunderstandings and resolving disputes in virtual environments. Soft skills such as negotiation, diplomacy, and compromise are vital for navigating conflicts, finding common ground, and restoring trust in digital interactions.
Networking
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with colleagues, clients, and contacts within and outside the organization. Networking involves effective communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to collaborate and share resources.	Digital literacy expands networking opportunities by enabling individuals to connect with peers, mentors, and industry professionals through social networking sites, professional forums, and virtual events. Soft skills such as communication, relationship-building, and reciprocity are essential for cultivating meaningful connections, sharing expertise, and leveraging digital networks for career advancement.

 

Acosta (2022) states we are “witnessing the rise of a new set of digital soft skills that will become ever more important as engaging digitally becomes the norm. The earlier people master these new skills, the better prepared they will be for the future” (para. 4). Ferreira et al. (2023) indicate that soft skills will be primary determinants of success for individuals during their careers. The digital transformation being experienced around the world bears major implications for both employers and employees as reskilling and upskilling will be needed for employers to develop the hard, soft, and digital literacy skills to thrive in the current workplace.

 

References

Acosta, M. (2022, November 29). Hybrid working: Why your company should embrace digital soft skills. World Economic Forum. Available https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/11/hybrid-working-digital-soft-skills/

 Bessen, J. (2014, August 25). Employers aren’t just whining – the “skills gap” is real. Harvard Business Review. Available https://hbr.org/2014/08/employers-arent-just-whining-the-skills-gap-is-real

 Ferreira, C., Robertson, J., & Pitt, L. (2023). Business (un)usual: Critical skills for the next normal. Thunderbird International Business Review, 65(1), 39–47. https://doi-org.lynx.lib.usm.edu/10.1002/tie.22276

National Soft Skills Association (n.d.) The real skills gap. Available https://www.nationalsoftskills.org/the-real-skills-gap/#:~:text=Research%20conducted%20by%20Harvard%20University,and%20knowledge%20(hard%20skills).

Ready-to-Use Digital Literacy Resources for Lesson Planning

 

This blog post reviews digital literacy resources for planning lessons. The great news is that you don’t have to be a technology expert or start from scratch to develop lessons because digital literacy experts and educators have already developed and shared lessons that you can implement in your teaching.

The following table contains resources sharing developed lessons, curriculum, and online courses with detailed instructions. Hyperlinks for each resource can be accessed in the left hand column.

Free Resources
Resource	Description
Google Applied Digital Skills	Applied Digital Skills with Google provides free, accessible lessons on varied topics that can be filtered by google tool, topic, and type of learner (elementary/middle/high school students and adult learners). Lessons range from 45 minutes to 9 hours. Each lesson is taught through self-paced, step-by-step videos that reduce the pressure on teachers to be technology experts. By the end of each video, learners will have completed an engaging project that teaches important digital skills through relatable content. This site intersects with Google.com and Google. Classroom. The site provides certificates of completion that learners can add to their résumé.
DART	The Digital Access and Resilience in Texas (DART) curriculum integrates beginning English language learning with foundational digital skills. The curriculum is intended to supplement existing English language instruction in lower-level adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. The DART curriculum contains 20 lessons that provide the foundation that lower-level English language learners need to recognize and type the wide variety of characters required for most online passwords.
DigitalLearn.org	Digital Learn offers digital literacy resources and training modules designed to help individuals acquire essential digital skills including computer use, internet navigation, email etiquette, online safety, and using productivity software like Microsoft Office programs. Aims to bridge the digital divide by providing accessible and user-friendly learning materials that cater to individuals with varying levels of digital proficiency.
GFCGlobal	GCF Global offers self-paced online courses organized by the following categories: Computers, The Job Search, Creativity and Design, Microsoft Office, the Internet, Core Skills, Google, and Skills for Today. Its lessons address more than 200 topics, including more than 2,300 lessons, more than 2,000 videos, and more than 50 interactives and games.
Learning.com	Learning.com provides educators with solutions to prepare their students with critical digital skills. A web-based curriculum for grades K-12 engages students as they learn keyboarding, online safety, applied productivity tools, computational thinking, coding and more.
TechBoomers	Techboomers is a website that teaches older adults and other inexperienced Internet users about websites that can help improve their quality of life. Offers a large library of up-to-date information regarding the most popular and useful internet-based products. Beyond basic training, Techboomers works to empower older adults to become Internet experts within their personal networks in such a way that builds both their connections and their confidence with using technology.
Typing.com	Typing.com supports students in learning keyboarding skills necessary to achieve digital literacy. Also provides limited lessons on digital literacy.
Paid Resource
Resource	Description
Northstar	Northstar Digital Literacy gives subscribing organizations the ability to increase access to digital equity by providing constituents with tools to master the digital skills needed to work, learn, and participate fully in daily life.

 

References

• Applied Digital Skills with Google. Available https://applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/en/learn
• The Digital Access and Resilience in Texas (DART). Available https://tcall.tamu.edu/dart-DL-ESL-Curriculum.html
  
• DigitalLearn. Available https://training.digitallearn.org/
• GCFGlobal. Available https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/
  
• Learning.com. Available https://www.learning.com/
• Northstar Digital Literacy. Available https://www.digitalliteracyassessment.org/
• TechBoomers. Available https://techboomers.com/
• Typing. Available https://www.typing.com/