Digital/AI Literacy

Read more about students’ ability to use technology, including artificial intelligence, to discover, evaluate, and utilize information

Explainer

What Is Digital Literacy?
For educators, digital literacy means much more than learning to read online. Here's a guide to understanding it.
Carla Jefferson, the director of digital and online learning for the Darlington district in South Carolina, presents a panel session on AI integration at the ISTELive 25 + ASCD Annual Conference 25 in San Antonio on July 1.
Carla Jefferson, the director of digital and online learning for the Darlington school district in South Carolina, talks about AI integration at the ISTELive 25 + ASCD Annual Conference 25 in San Antonio on July 1.
Kaylee Domzalsk/Education Week
Artificial Intelligence How This District Is Using AI in Instruction—and Navigating Public Concern
The Darlington district in South Carolina shares how it's rolling out generative AI.
Lauraine Langreo, July 23, 2025
3 min read
Photo of a boy's hands using a smartphone and typing back and forth with a chatbot. There is a screened box floating around the phone that shows a back and forth conversation with the artificial intelligence system.
iStock/Getty
Artificial Intelligence One-Third of Teens Are as 'Satisfied' Talking to a Chatbot as a Real Person
Teenagers turn to AI companions for social connection and to talk through problems.
Alyson Klein, July 16, 2025
4 min read
Telephone, Mobile Phone, Hand, Smart Phone, Social media, Engagement, Social Issues, Technology, The Media, Scrolling
iStock/Getty Images
Ed-Tech Policy Could a Digital Driver’s License Help Students Manage Their Cellphone Use?
Experts say that schools need to teach students healthy cellphone habits, even if their devices are banned at school.
Arianna Prothero, July 11, 2025
5 min read
Photo of teen girl using cellphone.
Georgijevic / E+
Student Well-Being & Movement The Online Behaviors Most Harmful to Kids’ Mental Health, According to a New Survey
A new survey asked 11- to 13-year-olds how they felt when they engaged in certain behaviors online.
5 min read
Illustration of female teacher in classroom using artificial intelligence.
iStock/Getty
Artificial Intelligence Microsoft, OpenAI Partner With AFT to Train Teachers on AI
The announcement comes as a rising number of school districts are providing AI training to teachers and administrators.
Alyson Klein, July 8, 2025
4 min read
Aerial view of an diverse elementary school classroom using digital  devices with a digitized design of lines connecting each device to symbolize AI and connectivity of data and Information.
iStock/Getty
Curriculum How Digital Games Can Help Young Kids Separate Fact From Fiction
Even elementary students need to learn how to spot misinformation.
Arianna Prothero, July 3, 2025
3 min read
A photo illustration of a hand holding a magnifying glass that is focusing on a motherboard chip with the letters "AI".
iStock/Getty
Artificial Intelligence Inside Middle Schoolers' Take on AI
Middle schoolers are well aware of AI’s pitfalls, including its tendency to get facts wrong and its potential to stifle their own learning.
Alyson Klein, June 30, 2025
4 min read
Katelyn Webster, from left, Eryn Miller, Grace Bischoff, and Hanna Pearsall take notes as Amanda Pierman teaches her upper school science class at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 10, 2025. Pierman uses AI to help teach her classes and the student’s computers mirror the main screen. They are then able to answer questions live using their computers.
Katelyn Webster, from left, Eryn Miller, Grace Bischoff, and Hanna Pearsall take notes as Amanda Pierman teaches her upper school science class at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, Fla., on Feb. 10, 2025. Pierman uses AI to help teach her classes and the student’s computers mirror the main screen. They are then able to answer questions live using their computers.
Josh Ritchie for Education Week
Artificial Intelligence Video What Teachers Need To Level Up Their AI Use: 4 Lessons Learned
Two teachers and a researcher discuss how educators are experimenting with AI during an Education Week K-12 Essentials Forum.
Lauraine Langreo, May 29, 2025
4 min read
Curriculum Video These Two Key Questions Form the Heart of Digital Literacy Instruction
Crucial lessons around digital literacy and digital safety can be framed around these two questions.
Olina Banerji & Sam Mallon, May 22, 2025
1 min read
President Donald Trump, with first lady Melania Trump and others, after signing the Take It Down Act during a ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House, May 19, 2025. The new law criminalizes the creation and sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery online, which has been a growing challenge for schools.
President Donald Trump, with first lady Melania Trump and others, after signing the Take It Down Act during a ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House, May 19, 2025. The new law criminalizes the creation and sharing of non-consensual intimate imagery online, which has been a growing challenge for schools.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
Student Well-Being & Movement Trump Cracks Down Against Explicit AI Images. What It Means for Schools
A new federal law could give schools more leverage to deal with a growing challenge of sexually explicit AI-generated images and videos.
Olina Banerji, May 19, 2025
9 min read
Ashlie Crosson, English teacher at Mifflin County, Pa., High School, has been named National Teacher of the Year.
Ashley Crosson, an English teacher at Mifflin County, Pa., High School, has been named National Teacher of the Year.
Courtesy of Brett Sims
Teaching Profession The New Teacher of the Year Shares Her Secrets for an Engaging English Class
Pennsylvania English teacher Ashlie Crosson helps students connect to global issues.
Sarah D. Sparks, April 29, 2025
3 min read
Illustration of chatbot artificial intelligence AI technology education concept isometric illustrations.
iStock/Getty
Artificial Intelligence What Trump's Draft Executive Order on AI Could Mean for Schools
The executive order calls for federal agencies to help schools train teachers and instruct students how to use AI.
6 min read
Photograph of the back of a teenage boy sitting at a computer and writing math equations in a notebook with a calculator near by.
E+
Artificial Intelligence Why This School System Is Integrating AI Literacy With Algebra 1
A new course offered by the Florida Virtual School aims to build students' understanding of math and AI concepts.
Lauraine Langreo, April 16, 2025
3 min read
Photo of teacher helping students with their tablet computers.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
Classroom Technology Video Teachers, Try This: Digital Literacy Lessons for Elementary Students
Students are encountering technology at an early age. It's important they know how to interact safely with a digital world.
Lauren Santucci, April 10, 2025
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