How we browse through digital libraries

Mastering the digital world, like any skill, demands both a foundational grasp and the right steps to advance. Guided by the insights of DigCompEdu, we've broken down this process into straightforward, actionable steps. Within this vast digital universe, two primary roles emerge, essential for any educator: Data Finders and Data Checkers.

Data Finders are our digital explorers. They journey into the web's endless corridors to unearth the data that aligns perfectly with their teaching goals. They possess an innate sense of purpose and the knack for uncovering the most relevant treasures.

Conversely, Data Checkers are the vigilant guardians. Once the data is in hand, their pivotal role is to scrutinize it, ensuring that every bit is accurate, trustworthy, and pertinent. Their expertise lies in validating information and benchmarking it against reliable standards.

Digital Managers, meanwhile, are the orchestrators. They're responsible for overseeing and organizing all digital assets and resources. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of both finding and checking data, coupled with the skills to maintain a streamlined digital environment for optimal teaching.

Now that we have a grasp of these roles, it's time to delve into the specific skills and strategies that make each one thrive.

Navigating the vast expanse of the digital world can initially feel overwhelming, especially when searching for quality information. But you don’t have to feel intimidated. Let's simplify our digital information journey by imagining it as a shopping experience. Just like how we select the best products in a store, in the digital realm, we search for valuable data and then check its quality. Here's a closer look:

1. Finding Data: Think of the web as a big shop. Your job? Pick the right item (data) you need. Ask yourself: What kind of data do I need for teaching? Can I find it easily?
2. Checking Data: Once you have your items, which ones are good? This step is about checking what you find. Think about: Is this source good? Does the information look right when I check it elsewhere?
3. Managing Data: After selection and verification, it's time to arrange and oversee. Imagine it as organizing your shopping haul in your home. Digital Managers ensure that the data is stored, categorized, and ready for use when needed, making the teaching process smooth and effective.

With this structured approach, diving into the digital world becomes a more structured, enjoyable, and enriching experience.

Step 1: Know Your Goal: Understand what data you need for good teaching. 

Step 2: Smart Searcher: Learn how to search well on the big web. 

Step 3: Guide: Move through information and stay on the right path.

Step 4: Plan Maker: Make your own way to gather and use data. 

Guidance: Browse through our collection of videos for Data Finders. 

Step 1: Reliable Finder: See which sources are good and can be trusted in the vast web of information. 

Step 2: Cross-Checker & Bias Buster: Compare and cross-reference the data you find with other reputable sources to ensure accuracy. Be alert for any bias or skewed viewpoints. 

Step 3: Data Detective: Ensure that the information you're using is up-to-date and relevant to your current teaching needs. 

Step 4: Trust Tester: Regularly review and update your trusted source list. Keep them relevant and ensure they stand the test of time. 

Guidance: Browse through our collection of videos for Data Checkers. 

Step 1: Storage Sense: Learn the best practices to store your data securely and accessibly. 

Step 2: Categorize with Care: Develop a system to categorize and label your data for easy retrieval. 

Step 3: Share Smartly: Understand how to share your data without compromising its security. 

Step 4: Backup Basics: Regularly backup your data to prevent unexpected losses. 

Guidance: Browse through our collection of videos for Data Managers. 

After finishing this module of the Educator Guide, you should have acquired the following three competences at the basic level:

1. Browsing, searcing and filtering data, information and digital content.
2. Evaluating data, information and digital content.

3. Managing data, information and digital content.