Integrate digital and media literacy as critical elements for education, report says

A new study released October 2 by the Knight Commission reveals that access to digital tools gives a “distinct political, social, and economic advantage” to those who have them over those who do not. The report, Informing Communities: Sustaining Democracy in the Digital Age, explores the changing attitudes toward information access. Distance learning institutions, students, and instructors should take note: the report indicates that integrating digital and media literacy are critical elements for education.

The Knight Commission on the Information Needs in a Democracy was created by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in conjunction with the Aspen Institute to focus on information needs of communities. Rather than using a panel of experts, the report committee was a group of people with diverse views and responsibilities. They found that “there need be no second-class citizens in the democratic communities of the digital age.”

Individuals with digital tools such as internet access have a new and more familiar relationship with information, as they seek to “own” it, by actively engaging, responding, and connecting, rather than passively receiving and absorbing it. Information is a “core community need” in a democracy.

The Commission developed three objectives for the nation: “maximize the availability of relevant and credit information to all Americans and their communities, strengthen the capacity of individuals to engage with information and promote individual engagement with information and the public life of the community.”

The study found that people need credible and relevant information to be free and self-governing, and access to digital tools increases access to information. Quality journalism is required in the system, and the marketplace should encourage better and more accurate information flows.

A democracy is an informed society of individuals participating in their communities, seeking ways to improve their own lives as well as the lives of others. Access to quality digital tools yields learning opportunities without regard to social status.

This report strengthens the need for more distance or online learning options for students. The Commission encourages the development of new media applications, adding more public content online by governments, and support for online learning programs. The path to success and fulfillment includes access to information and education.

Libraries should become centers for media training, and digital literacy should be a critical element for education at all levels. Access to digital tools creates networking opportunities to engage the community to action and learning.

Informing Communities: Sustaining Democracy in the Digital Age provides a framework for action – now is the time to seize opportunities to use technology to create a more transparent and connected democracy, and provide opportunities for all to participate and become engaged in their community. Distance learning provides opportunity only to those with access to digital tools. Educators must design better media to make learning accessible to all by building a more connected digital community.

© Cindy Wolfe. All rights reserved.

Download the Report here:
Knight Commission on the Information Needs of Communities in a Democracy: Informing Communities: Sustaining Democracy in the Digital Age
John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

For additional information:
Educator resource: Aspen Institute for Business Education
Virtual High School: A world of learning opportunities
How do I know if distance learning is right for me?