These are certainly adequate definitions, but digital literacy may also take on a definition specific to the individual using the technology. For the typical college student, digital literacy may consist of the abilities to send emails to professors, use websites to find and register for classes, or use social networking sites to keep in touch with friends from high school. On the other hand, for an adult who works in an office building, digital literacy may mean being able to use the copy machine or fax machine along with sending emails to coworkers. You don't have to be a technological expert to be digitally literate.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Digital Literacy Definition
New technology is constantly popping up everywhere, to the point that it has changed our lives dramatically. With all of these new resources, it is important to have the skills to use them efficiently. These skills can be referred to collectively as digital literacy. More specifically, the Free Dictionary defines digital literacy as "The ability to understand computer-based information." The definition from the Digital Strategy's Glossary of key terms covers a wider variety of tasks, calling digital literacy, "The ability to use digital technology, communication tools, or networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information."
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I like how you defined digital literacy in your post. The aspect of it that caught my attention is that it can have a varying meaning relative to the "user". I believe that a loose, or varying definition of digital literacy fits and accommodates our society. In any society you will find different levels of intelligence, culture, knowledge etc.. for people, but never do you say that they do not have these things. I feel that digital literacy is comparable to these things, as everyone today has been exposed to technology, but not at the same level.
ReplyDeleteNice work, Katelyn!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment that the definition of the term "digital literacy" depends on each individual's position in society. I think it is important for people to understand what kind of digital literary skills they need in order to fully take advantage of current digital culture.