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Every Learner Everywhere

The Digital Literacy Playbook

Created By:
Every Learner Everywhere® February 2026
An educator stands with two students, smiling as they look at a laptop together learning digital literacy.
Topic: Digital Learning & Courseware Effective Teaching Practices Evidence-based Teaching Practices Faculty Preparedness Professional Development Student and Faculty Experience Student Experience
Role: Administrators Faculty
Institution: 2-Year Institutions 4-Year Institutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world. It has already impacted everything from facial recognition software to personalized news feeds. AI holds the promise of providing an economic boon to developing nations, to revolutionize medical research and diagnostics, and to shorten the workweek in certain industries through increased productivity.

But amidst the excitement lies a critical need for digital literacy, as AI poses challenges to data privacy, security, and the reliability of output, as well as a host of ethical concerns. In this resource, we’ll explore why digital literacy is the essential foundation for navigating the age of AI, unpacking the skills and knowledge needed to use digital tools effectively and to critically analyze the complexities and potential pitfalls of the online world. By helping your students build a strong foundation in digital literacy, you’ll be equipping them to better navigate any digital realm.

What is digital literacy?

Digital literacy serves as the foundational element of the framework, encompassing a wide array of competencies required to navigate the digital world. To achieve digital literacy, two key skill sets are needed:

  1. Technical skills: the ability to effectively use digital tools and platforms.
  2. Cognitive skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, and the capacity to interpret and analyze digital content.

By fostering both technical and cognitive skills, faculty can guide students to achieve a solid foundation for digital literacy, preparing them for the complexities of the digital world.

Download the Digital Literacy Playbook

Recommended Citation:

O’Sullivan, P. and O’Donoghue, K. (2025). The Digital Literacy Playbook. Every Learner Everywhere.

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