This tutorial will introduce you to the notion of digital literacy and the new abilities required to interact safely and successfully with the digital world.
You will consider your digital literacy and digital footprint, building constructive tactics to proactively take charge of your own digital identity, based on your own digital experiences.
What is Digital Literacy ?
Digital literacy means having the skills you need to live, learn, and work in a society where communication and access to information is increasingly through digital technologies like internet platforms, social media, and mobile devices.
Developing your critical thinking skills is essential when you’re confronted with so much information in different formats – searching, sifting, evaluating, applying and producing information all require you to think critically.
The Concept of digital literacy
Digital literacy is a relatively recent term that originated during the Internet revolution in the 1990s. People used to talk more about “computer literacy” before that. However, in 1997, historian and educator Paul Gilster invented the phrase “digital literacy,” suggesting that it encompassed more than just computer abilities. “It’s about mastering ideas, not [computer] keystrokes,” he remarked.
While you’re a university student, digital literacy is really crucial. It will also be quite useful when you enter the professional world. In your job, you’ll be expected to communicate with people in digital environments, use information appropriately, and collaborate to develop new ideas and products. Above all, as the digital landscape continues to develop at a rapid speed, you’ll need to preserve your digital identity and well being.
Communication is also a key aspect of digital literacy. When communicating in virtual environments, the ability to clearly express your ideas, ask relevant questions, maintain respect, and build trust is just as important as when communicating in person.
You’ll also need practical skills in using technology to access, manage, manipulate and create information in an ethical and sustainable way. It’s a continual learning process because of constant new apps and updates, but your future self will thank you if you keep your digital life in order!
Elements of digital literacy
Taking Stock of Your Digital Self
In many facets of your life, you most likely already use a variety of technology and digital tools. Mobile technologies, such as a phone or tablet, can be used to download documents or information from the Internet, as well as to communicate with friends and family.
Information and communication technologies (ICT) might be used primarily for work or learning, or they can be used mostly for amusement. In fact, people frequently employ a variety of technology and instruments for a variety of objectives.
The Concept of Digital
So, what exactly is digital? When you considered your digital self, you undoubtedly considered the digital tools and technology at your disposal. “Oh, I use text messaging on my phone to communicate with friends,” for example. “I communicate with faculty at university using email on my laptop or in the computer lab,” for example.
However, the digital component (like literacy) is context-dependent. Your technology, which you may take for granted, is not the same as that used by your grandparents or pupils in another nation. This is why, to acknowledge the diversity of what is both available and useful, the concept of digital literacy is now more commonly referred to as digital literacies as a plural.
The Concept of Literacy
It’s worth noting that the term literacy has always had a certain prestige attached to it. Countries are frequently ranked in terms of literacy rates, such as what percentage of the adult population can read and write. However, the labels literate and illiterate are more complicated, and a lot relies on context. Literacy is viewed as a situated activity in “new literacy studies,” meaning that it is dependent on where you come from and what your goal is.