Digital literacy is an important skill for social services practitioners to effectively access and use online information resources. It includes skills like identifying trustworthy online information, communicating digitally, and participating in online communities of practice. Developing digital literacy can help practitioners overcome barriers like limited internet access and preference for verbal communication, and allow for knowledge sharing networks. A pilot project created an online community for practitioners to discuss cases, share evidence, and build research and information literacy skills through supported collaboration.

1. Digital literacies for 21st century human services practitioners learning, knowing & networking

7. Seven pillars model of information literacy

8. Seven pillars model

9. The information literacy cycle Question What is the question I need answered? Share How can I share this information? Source Where might I find the information I need? Find How can I extract the information I need? Evaluate Is what I’ve found reliable/accurate/sufficient? Combine How can I add this to what is already known? Apply How can I apply this information to my practice?

15. Online Case-based community of inquiry case template brainstorm list & plan critical appraisal of evidence peer review Share & evaluate insights Discuss & reflect Identify learning objectives Research & analysis Present case Clarify case Summarise & close Face2Face

16. Online Case-based community of inquiry case template brainstorm list & plan critical appraisal of evidence peer review Share & evaluate insights Discuss & reflect Identify learning objectives Research & analysis Present case Clarify case Summarise & close Face2Face