The Importance of Teaching Digital Literacy in the ESL Classroom

In an increasingly digital world, the ability to navigate, evaluate, and create information using digital technologies has become essential. Digital literacy is particularly important for ESL learners, who not only need to develop language skills but also the digital competencies necessary to thrive in the modern, tech-driven environment. Let’s explore the importance of teaching digital literacy in ESL classrooms and dig into some practical strategies for integrating these skills into your English language instruction.

Looking for training to help you integrate digital literacy into your ESL instruction? Learn more about Bridge’s Micro-credential course in Promoting Digital Literacy in Your Classroom.

Why is digital literacy important for ESL students?

Digital literacy is important for any student, but for English language learners, this skill can be particularly important as technology offers a variety of tools to enhance language learning and digital literacy is essential for today’s job market. Whether students are preparing to enter the workforce or learning English to advance in their careers, digital literacy is an essential transferable skill.

“Teaching digital skills in the ESL classroom is important for a number of reasons,” said Robyn Socha, an ESL/intensive English professor. “You’re helping students do daily tasks like pay their bills and find information online, teaching them not only digital skills but how to use the language through those digital skills and in everyday situations so they can be successful. That’s really what we’re about as teachers – helping our students be successful.”

For adult learners, digital literacy is often a tool for career growth, mobility, or advancement. While it’s important to be proficient in using technology, understanding how to responsibly and effectively use these tools is of equal importance.

“Most jobs require some form of technology, and so your students will need to have confidence going into their jobs, knowing not only that they know how to use technology but also how to use it responsibly,” said Emily Bryson, an author, educator, and ESOL lecturer.

Socha and Bryson discussed the importance of preparing English students with digital literacy skills in the Expert Series webinar, Preparing Your EFL/ESL Students for the Future With Digital Literacy and Technology Skills. Explore Expert Series webinars and join the community to access this webinar and over 90 other on-demand webinars featuring TEFL/TESOL industry experts.

Here are some of the big-picture reasons digital literacy is important for English language students.

Enhancing language learning

Digital literacy can significantly enhance the language-learning process. Using technology in the classroom can provide students with more interactive and engaging ways to learn English. Digital tools, such as language apps, online dictionaries, and educational websites, offer students instant access to resources that can aid their understanding and retention of new vocabulary and grammar. Moreover, digital platforms can offer opportunities for real-time communication and collaboration with peers and native speakers, which is invaluable for practicing language skills in authentic contexts.

Preparing for a global workforce

The global workforce is becoming more interconnected, and employers increasingly value digital literacy. ESL/EFL students who are proficient in digital tools and platforms have a competitive edge. Digital literacy is not only about using technology but also understanding how to use it effectively in various work-related contexts, such as creating presentations, conducting online research, and communicating professionally through digital channels. For many students, mastering these skills in English opens up opportunities for employment and career advancement in a global market.

Read about how to motivate Business English students by aligning language learning goals with career advancement.

Building critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Digital literacy goes beyond knowing how to use technology; it involves critically evaluating information found online. ESL/EFL students must learn to discern credible sources from unreliable ones, a skill that is crucial in a world where misinformation is prevalent. Teaching students how to analyze and assess digital content helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These abilities are essential for academic success and everyday decision-making in a digital age.

Fostering digital citizenship

Incorporating digital literacy into ESL/EFL education also involves teaching students about responsible digital citizenship. This includes understanding online etiquette, protecting personal information, and recognizing the impact of one’s digital footprint. As students become more active online, they must understand the ethical implications of their behavior and the importance of being respectful and responsible digital citizens.

Read how the global, digital evolution is driving the need for 21st-century, transferable skills in today’s employees.

Challenges of teaching digital literacy in the ESL classroom

There can be some challenges in teaching digital literacy that depend on a number of factors. For example, teachers in low-resource areas may lack access to many of the tools needed. Let’s look at a few of the potential challenges, and then solutions or ways to mitigate some of the challenges.

Varying levels of access to technology

One of the primary challenges in teaching digital literacy is the varying levels of access to technology among students. In some regions, students may have limited access to computers, smartphones, or the internet, which can hinder their ability to practice and develop digital skills. Teachers must be mindful of these disparities and find creative solutions to ensure that all students can participate in digital literacy activities.

Different levels of digital proficiency

ESL/EFL students come from diverse backgrounds, and their levels of digital proficiency can vary significantly. While some students may be tech-savvy, others may have minimal experience with digital tools. This variation requires teachers to differentiate instruction and provide support tailored to each student’s needs. Understanding students’ prior experiences with technology can help educators design lessons that build on their existing skills.

Limited teacher training

Another challenge is the limited training that some ESL/EFL teachers may have in integrating digital literacy into their curriculum. To effectively teach digital literacy, educators need to be comfortable with the technology themselves. Professional development opportunities and resources are crucial for helping teachers develop the skills and confidence needed to incorporate digital literacy into their teaching.

Practical strategies for teaching digital literacy in the ESL classroom – plus examples!

Integrating digital tools into language activities

One of the most effective ways to teach digital literacy is by integrating digital tools into everyday language activities. For example:

Using language apps: Encourage students to use language learning apps such as FLOW Speak to practice vocabulary and grammar. These apps often include interactive elements that make learning engaging and fun.
Online research projects: Assign research projects where students must find information online, evaluate the credibility of sources, and present their findings. This helps students practice both language and digital literacy skills.
Virtual pen pals: Set up a virtual pen pal exchange with students in other countries. Using email or messaging apps, students can practice their writing skills while also becoming familiar with digital communication tools.

Read about creating engaging multimedia content for Business English learners.

Teaching critical evaluation of online information

Developing students’ critical thinking skills is essential for digital literacy. Teachers can create activities that encourage students to evaluate the reliability and credibility of online information. For example:

Source comparison: Provide students with different articles on the same topic from various websites. Ask them to compare the articles and discuss which sources are more reliable and why.
Fact-checking exercises: Teach students how to use fact-checking websites to verify information. Create exercises where students must fact-check statements or news stories to determine their accuracy.

Promoting digital citizenship and online safety

It’s crucial to teach students about responsible behavior online and the importance of protecting personal information. This can be done through:

Role-playing scenarios: Create scenarios where students must decide how to respond to different online situations, such as encountering cyberbullying or receiving a suspicious email. Discuss the choices and the implications of each decision.
Digital footprint lessons: Teach students about digital footprints and how their online actions can have long-term consequences. Activities can include analyzing case studies of people who have faced real-world consequences due to their online behavior.

Read about strategies to develop teamwork and social skills in the Business English classroom.

Utilizing collaborative tools

Collaboration is a key aspect of digital literacy, and by using collaborative tools in the classroom, you’ll help your students build collaborative, communicative, and interpersonal skills while teaching digital literacy. Introduce students to tools that facilitate collaboration, such as Google Docs or online discussion forums, and provide tasks or projects that require teamwork and collaboration. This can include:

Group projects: Assign group projects that require students to use collaborative tools to complete tasks. This could be creating a joint presentation, writing a report, or conducting a survey.
Online discussions: Set up discussion boards or online forums where students can share ideas, ask questions, and respond to their peers. This encourages digital interaction and helps students practice written communication skills.

Incorporating digital literacy into the ESL classroom is essential for preparing students to navigate the digital world confidently and responsibly. By understanding the importance of digital literacy and implementing practical strategies in the classroom, teachers can equip their students with the skills needed to succeed both in their academic pursuits and future careers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too must our teaching practices to ensure that students are not only proficient in English but also digitally literate citizens of the world.

Explore the 10-hour Teaching Digital Literacy Micro-credential course as well as other courses on transferable skills in Bridge’s Teaching 21st-Century Skills suite of Micro-credentials.