Essential Competencies of Digital and Media Literacy (ECDML)

Essential Competencies

1. ACCESS: Finding and using media and technology tools skillfully and sharing appropriate and relevant information with others
2. ANALYZE & EVALUATE: Comprehending messages and using critical thinking to analyze message quality, veracity, credibility, and point of view, while considering potential effects or consequences of messages
3. CREATE: Composing or generating content using creativity and confidence in self-expression, with awareness of purpose, audience, and composition techniques
4. REFLECT: Applying social responsibility and ethical principles to one’s own identity and lived experience, communication behavior and conduct
5. ACT: Working individually and collaboratively to share knowledge and solve problems in the family, the workplace and the community, and participating as a member of a community at local, regional, national and international levels

“A Constellation of Life Skills”

Digital and Media Literacy Plan of Action defines digital and media literacy as a constellation of life skills that are necessary for full participation in our media-saturated, information-rich society. These include the ability to do the following:

• Make responsible choices and access information by locating and sharing materials and comprehending information and ideas 
• Analyze messages in a variety of forms by identifying the author, purpose and point of view, and evaluating the quality and credibility of the content 
• Create content in a variety of forms, making use of language, images, sound, and new digital tools and technologies 
• Reflect on one’s own conduct and communication behavior by applying social responsibility and ethical principles 
• Take social action by working individually and collaboratively to share knowledge and solve problems in the family, workplace and community, and by participating as a member of a community.