Digital literacy is a crucial pillar in Merishaw School due to the increasing integration of technology in almost every aspect of our lives. It refers to the ability to use, understand, and critically evaluate digital tools and information effectively. Incorporating digital literacy as a pillar in Merishaw will offer numerous benefits to students and prepare them for the challenges of the digital age. The following is our digital literacy approach as a school:
i. Incorporation of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL)
The school is a duly certified ICDL Test Centre. This is a privilege that is enjoyed by a few schools in the country. Incorporating the ICDL into our school curriculum is a valuable addition to helping students develop essential digital literacy skills.
The ICDL certification provides a standardized assessment of computer proficiency and digital literacy, which is increasingly important in today's technology-driven world. As far as ICDL goes, the school is doing the following to succeed on this front:
Selection of appropriate ICDL Modules
ICDL offers various modules covering different aspects of digital literacy, such as basic computer use, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, online collaboration, and digital image editing. The school has selected modules that align with the needs of our students and the school's objectives.
Plan the integration
The school has created a comprehensive plan for incorporating ICDL modules into our curriculum.
Teacher training
Training and retooling never stop at Merishaw School. We continuously ensure that our teachers are adequately trained in ICDL modules and digital literacy skills. We provide professional development opportunities to help them become proficient in teaching and assessing the ICDL curriculum.
Digital literacy lab
We have set up a dedicated computer equipped with computers and necessary software for ICDL training. This will provide our students with a conducive environment for practicing their digital skills.
Assessment and certification
We plan to incorporate ICDL assessments into the curriculum to evaluate students' proficiency in each module. Students who complete the assessments will receive the ICDL certification, which is internationally recognized.
ii. Digital media arts
Digital media arts encompass a broad range of creative and technical topics that combine art and technology. These topics explore various aspects of digital media, including visual arts, interactive media, animation, and more. Depending on our capacity as a school, we may choose to offer all or some of the following:
Graphic design: Understanding the principles of visual communication and learning to create designs using digital tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or CorelDRAW.
Digital illustration: Creating original artwork using digital drawing tools and techniques.
Digital photography: Exploring photography using digital cameras and post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom.
Digital painting: Using digital brushes and painting techniques to create digital artwork that simulates traditional painting.
Motion graphics: Creating animated graphics and visual effects for videos and multimedia presentations.
3D modeling and animation: Designing and animating 3D objects and characters using software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D.
Video editing: Learning the process of editing and manipulating video footage using software such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
Game design: Understanding the principles of game design and using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine to create interactive digital experiences.
Web design and development: Building and designing websites, understanding user experience (UX), and using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Exploring the creation of immersive virtual and augmented reality experiences using specialized software and hardware.
Digital storytelling: Using digital media to tell engaging and interactive stories, incorporating elements like animation, audio, and interactivity.
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Design: Designing intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for digital products and applications.
Digital audio and sound design: Exploring techniques for recording, editing, and manipulating audio for various media projects.
Digital marketing and social media: Understanding how to use digital media for marketing purposes and building an online presence.