it is clearly important to ensure that pupils understand not just the mechanics of mail-merging, but the importance of checking the data that is generated.
Read MoreBusiness emails to inspire confidence (not)
There must be a whole generation of people who know the mechanics of using technology, but have no idea of how to take charge of it. I am thinking in particular of the ridiculous marketing messages I receive, that advertise targeted marketing services. I mention this because, despite all the lambasting of “Office skills”, it is demonstrably clear that people need them. I could even make a case for this being related to digital safety. How? Reputation is important, and marketing messages that have “schoolboy errors” do nothing to enhance one’s credibility. Consider the following examples:Plausibility and accuracy in the ICT Programme of Study
At Level 4 in the English Programme of Study for ICT pupils are expected to be able to question plausibility, whilst at Level 5 they should be able to check for accuracy. What’s the difference, and are these even indicators of digital literacy?