Program Co-Directors
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Digital Literacy is a 12-credit graduate program for educators, librarians and media professionals. You will acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies required to participate in our read/write culture. Active participation is defined as being able to skillfully use, create and share digital texts, tools and technologies.
The concept of literacy is undergoing a profound transformation. New competencies are needed to access, analyze, create, reflect and take action using digital tools, texts and technologies in all aspects of our lives: in the school and workplace, for home and leisure, and for social interaction, relationships and citizenship in a democratic society.
Our program is intentionally designed to be interdisciplinary at the intersection of media studies and education in recognition of the diverse contexts in which learning occurs and the blurring boundaries between formal and informal learning. By completing all four courses in the program, you can become a recognized leader in digital literacy.
It is expected that you will apply to the URI Graduate School after taking one required graduate class in order to receive the certificate. For more detailed information, please contact Co-Director Julie Coiro at jcoiro@uri.edu
Coursework
The certificate program consists of four rigorous courses, two that take place in the summer using a face-to-face institute model, and two online courses that are held during the fall and spring semesters.
- EDC 531: Teaching and Learning with Digital Technologies (Summer class institute experience)
This course focuses on how literacy is changing as a result of emerging media and
technologies. Students learn how to conduct project-based inquiry using a variety of digital tools to create challenging and engaging learning opportunities for their students. - EDC 532: Seminar in Digital Literacy and Learning (Fall Online)
This course focuses on understanding major theories of online and offline reading comprehension, how to assess online reading, and productive ways of teaching digital literacy skills in grades K-12. - EDC 534: Seminar in Digital Authorship (Spring Online)
This course involves students in a range of hands-on dynamic learning experiences that integrate digital media, technologies, and best practice strategies for teaching composition and authorship in a Web 2.0 world. - EDC 535: Leading with Digital Literacy (Summer class institute experience)
This course focuses on leading and collaborating with face-to-face and digital tools to facilitate real and sustainable change in a range of educational contexts. Students gain hands-on practice in facilitation and design a robust action plan to deploy their vision for integrating digital literacy in their world of work.
A graduate certificate will be awarded when a student completes the four-course sequence with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or greater and the courses are completed within four years.
All courses have received accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Courses are open to any graduate student in any program and new non-matriculating students. Students can take one course of the program before committing to the other courses.
Time to certificate completion: One year or no more than four years.
Admission
A URI graduate application requires evidence of your ability to do graduate level course work. Applicants submit official undergraduate transcripts, a professional resume, a small application fee, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of interest.
You can register here in early March (to reserve your spot) for the first Summer Institute in Digital Literacy (EDC 531), which is held for one week in mid-July. Then, to best meet your needs, you will discuss with the Co-Directors options for applying to the Graduate School, enrolling in the two online classes (EDC 532 & EDC 534), and completing the second Summer Institute (EDC 535).
A URI grad application requires evidence of your ability to do graduate level course work. Applicants submit official undergraduate transcripts, a professional resume, a small application fee, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of interest.
URI Graduate School Application