DEVELOPING DIGITAL LITERACY: TEACHING RESEARCH IN THE DIGITAL AGE AND BUILDING ETHICAL DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

This paper examines the role of digital literacy skills in general educational programs. First, this paper provides a summary of the relationship between Generation Z students and global educational policy shifts that highlight and enthusiastically embrace the development of 21st century skills in post-secondary education. Second, this paper examines shifting definitions of digital literacy to build a complex and cohesive understanding of the pluralities of literacies in the digital age. Third, this paper connects these goals with classroom practice by offering a model of instruction to highlight research methodologies through a series of tutorials and active learning engagements that allow students to learn how to effectively navigate digital architectures while developing critical thinking and evaluative reasoning skills that support oral and written communication development. Finally, this paper concludes by connecting these digital age skills to the larger goals of career development and readiness and global digital citizenship.