Digital Literacy as a Strategic Educational Priority

Never before has human society faced such a rapid change in the way we gather knowledge, make decisions, and behave. This accelerated integration of digital technologies, primarily artificial intelligence systems, now lies at the forefront of far-reaching transformations that reshape society, the economy, and science. These technologies are not merely tools that enhance everyday life. AI systems are changing the nature of work and, in doing so, they define the skills every child and young adult needs to develop to thrive in modern society.

In the face of these transformative times, digital literacy – fluency in the language of technology and the tools it offers – is no longer a bonus; it is a necessity. This capability includes a basic understanding of how algorithmic systems operate, awareness of their potential biases, the ability to identify when information has been deliberately manipulated, and the capacity to navigate digital environments thoughtfully and safely. It is a proficiency that shapes the quality of citizens’ decision-making, influences their trust in institutions, and strengthens overall social resilience.

Reports that rely on data from all across the globe indicate that, in recent years, the spread of disinformation, information manipulation, and cyberattacks has intensified into a challenge that threatens the stability of democratic societies – one that may even directly undermine our security and well-being as individuals. It is therefore essential for every person to develop a deep understanding of the ways by which information is created, processed, and disseminated. Only then will citizens be able to make informed decisions in an information-saturated environment.

Education in a Technological World

When the line between what is true and what isn’t begins to blur, and information spreads at lightning speed, the education system cannot remain idle. It must offer a comprehensive pedagogical response that fosters critical thinking, addresses the ethical implications of the technology and its uses, and encourages students to take personal and civic responsibility for how they consume, use, and share information.

Recognising digital literacy as a necessity in every aspect of life aligns with a growing global realisation: meeting 21st-century challenges requires a broad educational and social framework that makes digital knowledge and contemporary skills – first and foremost, the ability to question – accessible to students and the general public. These forms of knowledge must reach all segments of the population as an integral part of the general scientific education. These skills should be promoted throughout the education system and across society: among students and teachers, in public institutions, academia, and in the private sector.

Even in higher education, artificial intelligence must not be treated as a field confined to computer science. Engagement with AI must be integrated into broad, interdisciplinary programs of study that combine education, law, the social sciences, the natural sciences, health, and economics. Teacher training institutions must ensure that every prospective teacher acquires a basic understanding of artificial intelligence. At the same time, teachers must be trained to teach school students critical thinking and basic algorithmic literacy.

Israel’s future employment prospects depend largely on investment in human capital. In a world where leadership at the technological frontier requires human expertise to develop, interpret, and operate complex systems, investing in specialist training, alongside building broad digital literacy across society, is a prerequisite for scientific and technological prosperity, and no less so for sustaining the country’s social resilience.

Israel faces a significant opportunity to turn digital literacy into a national asset. A thoughtfully integrated approach – combining public training in responsible technology use, the cultivation of critical thinking, and the provision of reliable, vetted information – can help build a society fit for the age of artificial intelligence; one in which individuals can make informed decisions, distinguish trustworthy information from misleading content, and navigate an evolving digital environment safely.

It therefore follows that Israel’s future will not be shaped solely by scientific research or the high-tech industry, but also by the ability of classrooms and educational centres to prepare citizens for a rapidly evolving digital environment. Digital literacy is not merely a technological project. It is a social, educational, and scientific commitment aimed at ensuring Israel’s strength in the 21st century.