Global Digital Literacy
Free Online Courses
People across the world can now gain valuable skills in using the internet, thanks to free courses from two of the global leaders in education and skills training. The mEducation Alliance and the online college, Alison.com, have teamed up to launch two global digital literacy courses that will give learners everywhere the skills they need to use online resources successfully – and certificates to prove it.
Digital literacy means being able to interpret, communicate, and create information using websites, social media, emails and any other online format.
Those taking the Global Digital Literacy and the Diploma in Global Digital Literacy courses will gain the knowledge and confidence they need for the 21st century workplace, as well as essential skills in navigating the digital personal and social environment. The courses cover basics of using email, search engines and social media and also how to keep your personal information secure, to avoid scams, and how to be a digital champion.
You can download the course infographic and slide deck for additional information or to share with your networks.
The Global Digital Literacy online course (approx. 1.5 – 3 hours of material) is a general overview of digital literacy. The Diploma in Global Digital Literacy is a longer course (approx. 15 hours of instruction) that provides a greater appreciation of digital literacy through multiple modules including:
- Introduction to Digital Literacy
- Information and Data Literacy
- Digital Identity
- Communication and Collaboration
- Digital Content Creation
- Problem Solving
- Digital Safety and Security
- Digital Technologies and Change
Both courses consist of asynchronous e-learning sequences, training content, specific toolkits to support theoretical learning and practical application of digital literacy core competencies, as well as assessment tools and videos from leading experts and global digital literacy champions from the field.
Featured Interviewees in the Global Digital Literacy Courses
Rivka Otten, Head of Gaming and Simulations at Tilt in The Netherlands. Tilt is a game building company that also engages as a counter-disinformation warrior with a shared desire to disrupt the use of computational propaganda.
Farai Munjoma, CEO of Shasha Network. Shasha Network is a non-governmental organization with a mission to close the career aspiration gap for young people across the world.
Mark Anthony C. Sy, Head of the Technology Unit at the Department of Education Philippines, explains how they are implementing digital literacy through the national curriculum.
Mike Feerick, CEO of Alison, reflects on the vastness of the internet and how it not only opens opportunities for individuals to become learners, but teachers in various capacities as well.
Bryce David Hartley, Market Engagement Manager at GSMA. Bryce introduces us to the Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit, a free 12-module course. It includes the basics of using mobile internet, staying safe online, and popular apps.
Afrooz Kaviani Johnson, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF HQ. Protecting children is especially important now that the digital world has exposed them to so many more dangers.
Riina Vuorikari, Lead for the DigComp 2.2 update at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. The DigComp emphasizes that one can always learn more about how technology can be used in today’s society.
Anthony Bloome, Founder and Executive Director of the mEducation Alliance, speaks about how important it is for youth to learn digital skills and examples of youth who are using these skills for community development.
Youth Digital Champions Featured
The Global Digital Literacy courses feature Youth Digital Champions (YDCs), youth utilizing their digital skills for positive community and global development. The mEducation Alliance annually puts out a call for Youth Digital Champions.
2022 Winners
Christian Elongué
Literacy, Digital Media
Cameroon
Organization: Muna Kalati
Manasi Gupta
Mental Health, Digital Media
India
Organization: Huesofthemind
2021 Winners
Vianca Jasmin Anglo
Human Rights, Internet
Philippines
Organization: Women in Technology
Mubarak Idris
Health, Internet & Multimedia
Nigeria
Organization: Bridge Connect Africa Initiative (BCAI)
Reflections from the Primary Author of the GDL Courses: Dr. Helen Crompton
The primary author of these courses is renowned digital literacy expert, Dr. Helen Crompton. Dr. Crompton is Associate Professor of Instructional Technology at Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA. Among her many accomplishments, she is recognized as one of the top nine experts on mobile learning by the United Nations.
“It was an absolute joy to work with the mEducation Alliance in developing the Global Digital Literacy Course and Diploma in Global Digital Literacy. These courses marry my two passions – empowering people with technology and using that technology for positive change in the world. Harnessing the power of technology through skills and knowledge enables people to establish a positive presence in modern society.
I am thrilled that the partnership with the Alison platform allows both courses to be free to all. I do have a favourite section, and that is on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to support people in being creative. I am excited for people to see how easy it is to use these tools. The AI does the hard work for you, and in three clicks of the humble mouse, you will create magical images in the style of famous artists using your photographs. These will help create powerful images highlighting the change needed for your advocacy
work.”
– Dr. Helen Crompton, Associate Professor, Old Dominion University
