Digital Literacy for Foreign Language Teachers in Chinese Universities?—A Study on Its Meaning and Application

With the rapid evolution of information technology and the exponential development of artificial intelligence (AI), higher education has entered the age of digital intelligence. In this context, digital literacy has become an essential competency for educators. Grounded in Yoram Eshet-Alkalai’s five-dimensional framework of digital literacy—photo-visual literacy, reproduction literacy, branching literacy, information literacy, and socio-emotional literacy—this study explores the meaning, features, significance, and application of digital literacy for foreign language teachers in Chinese universities. Moreover, this paper uses several cases to elucidate how these five dimensions manifest in the professional practices of foreign language teachers in Chinese universities. Through clarifying what their digital literacy is, what dimensions it has, and what it can do, this study aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical insights for a comprehensive understanding and effective application of digital literacy for foreign language teachers in Chinese universities.

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