Is Digital Literacy the New Foreign Language in Schools?

Learning a foreign language is a wonderful and beneficial part of a student’s education - enhancing literacy skills, developing critical thinking, problem-solving ability and improving concentration. As a key subject within the curriculum, it’s clear the education sector recognises the benefit of language studies. But as our modern world advances towards a more digital future, it’s worth considering how our curriculum might evolve to meet the needs of future generations. For students to develop digital intelligence, might the priority currently placed on studying a foreign language also be extended to increasing digital fluency?

An In-demand Skillset
Digital literacy and technological capabilities have never been more imperative for a young person’s future. In an increasingly digitised world, Australia is facing a digital skills shortage with the Australian Government and the Australian tech sector committed to achieving 1.2 million tech jobs in Australia by 2030.

As the demand for tech talent continues to grow, and the range of opportunities within the field expands, it would be a missed opportunity to not introduce students to digital skills at an early age. By familiarising students with technology in an ‘age and stage’ appropriate manner, students can develop a confidence around tech, as well as a curiosity and skillset to build upon as their education advances. While technology careers aren’t for everyone, the toolbox of techniques and thinking processes picked up through digital learning set students up for a range of roles in the future workforce, and offer the ability for students to engage more deeply with their learning materials and overall education. By offering students the skills necessary to create and innovate both with analog and digital tools, students can access a richer learning experience with greater potential to problem solve, project manage, design, communicate and research.

With the benefits of digital capabilities abundantly clear, the question endures - could the curriculum place equal priority on digital literacy - which can be viewed as a global language - as it does on foreign language studies?

The Importance of Language
There is good reason the education sector has long placed importance on language studies. It’s worth recognising that as digital technologies become more commonplace in our society, the benefits of foreign language only increases. In a globally connected world, it’s more important than ever for students to possess cultural awareness and appreciation - some of the key learnings that studying a second language offers. Learning a language gives students a glimpse of another culture, which can offer greater empathy and tolerance for others. Because despite the difference between a culture’s history, food, customs and politics, cultural appreciation allows students to understand the many things we all have in common.

In a globalised society the ability to speak a second language opens doors and creates greater opportunities for students. In a professional sense bilingualism sets you apart from others in the eyes of an employer, especially those who have international clients or offices across multiple countries. And from a personal view, speaking another language allows you to communicate confidently and create meaningful connections while travelling or working overseas or when collaborating with colleagues based in global offices.

The introduction of a second language can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for students. It can boost confidence, create and strengthen pathways in the brain, and improve overall cognitive skills.

An Integrated Learning Solution
While it's clear that technological skills are important for the digital world we live in, the lessons learnt through language are just as essential. This isn’t to say that our curriculum should remain stagnant though, instead changes could be made to offer students 'digital language' alongside foreign languages by finding ways to integrate the use and language of technology in day-to-day learning. Teaching through technology rather than teaching it as a stand-alone subject could become more commonplace.

Whether greater focus is placed on e-learning and online courses, coding is incorporated within maths lessons, or students are assigned projects that require them to employ tech to build and present their work, by leveraging modern technology for education, students can meet their core subject requirements while also developing a seamless ability to use tech tools and software. While Strathcona offers students access to both foreign language and digital technology classes, digital literacy and technologies are also woven throughout the curriculum. For example, Strathcona is introducing students to AI by using it to develop assessment capabilities and learn skills.

The initial steps towards a tech integrated classroom have already begun, with the pandemic fast tracking the need for virtual learning to allow students to extend their education remotely. And while it’s great that young people have a natural aptitude and intuitive approach to technology, introduction of further and more complex programs is crucial for students to expand their digital capabilities and broaden the tools they use to create, collaborate and innovate. The next step may be for the education sector to further realise the importance of students being exposed to an extensive and comprehensive digital education, and to implement integrated digital literacy as a requirement within the classroom.