Digital Literacy and Skills

What this page covers

The resources here cover everyday digital know-how. Many mind maps and flashcard decks deal with presenting information: presentation software, vector and bitmap graphics, web authoring and desktop publishing. Others look at devices, file types, email, spreadsheets, communication skills and online safety. Exam names that turn up include GCSE ICT, IGCSE ICT, BTEC ICT, GCSE Computer Science and QCAA Digital Solutions.

Where to start

Begin with the basics. The mind map Digital devices sets out why people use devices, from messaging and video calls to leisure. Then try the Digital Literacy flashcard deck, which opens with key vocabulary such as digital media. After that, the quiz DIGITAL LITERACY AUDIT asks whether you know the do's and don'ts of being online, how to stay safe, and how to respect copyright and privacy.

Building skills in order

1. Learn the language: devices, file types and jargon.
2. Work on safe, sensible habits: folder structures, digital footprints and digital citizenship.
3. Move on to making things: slides, websites and graphics.

For the third step, the mind map Visitors and Residents is a useful change of angle, comparing two ways of using the Web. The Topic 14/15: Presentation Software and Multimedia mind map covers design templates and slide techniques, while the Animaker tool quiz tests an online animation tool.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, so you can see how ideas connect. Then take a quiz on the same theme, such as ICT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, which asks why you would use a folder structure. Note what you got wrong, go back to the map, and turn those gaps into flashcards. Teachers can use the same pairing to set a starter or a plenary.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Foundations of Computing and Digital Literacy, within Computing and ICT. It is the place for practical, everyday skills before deeper computing topics. Choose one resource today and see how it goes.