It is clear that digital literacy is becoming one of the most common "languages" in the world. Everywhere you look around, you are surrounded by it and its implications. In order to successfully write this entry, I needed to understand how to find an article on the internet using a search engine, cite my websites using other online tools, write these paragraphs in Microsoft word, and then post it all on blogger.com. All of these individual tasks require a certain degree of digital literacy. This chain of events comes easily to someone like me, who has grown up in the "information age", but for others with less exposure to technology it may seem challenging. It is necessary now and will be even more necessary in the future for individuals that struggle with technology to get a firmer grasp on digital literacy.
Digital literacy does not only encompass how to use the internet effectively and use computer programs, but also how to use technology safely. One of my articles brought up the interesting point that digital literacy can also pertain to things such as leaving laptops in the back of cars and selling hard drives with data still on them. This information could be put to bad use in the hands of the right, or wrong, person. Another overlooked skill is avoiding predators on the internet. Not only sexual predators put one at risk, put many users on the internet may be financial or racial predators. Being able to use the internet smartly and safely is just as important as being able to use it at all. One should not go posting things on the internet that could out them at risk, especially on pages easily viewable such as Facebook. The internet is full of positive things, but there are also many dangers that lurk in cyberspace.
Websites:
www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Quarterly/EDUCAUSEQuarterlyMagazineVolum/ConnectingtheDigitalDotsLitera/157395
http://digiteen.ning.com/forum/topics/what-is-digital-literacy
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I found your analysis of the dangers of cyberspace and digital literacy interesting. I had not really thought about the potential dangers of being digitally literate. Especially for those who are not fluent in the "language". Many internet users unknowingly put themselves at risk simply because they do not know better.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the point that Michael brought up that as teenagers growing up in the information era, doing simple tasks on the computer is second nature to us. Most of the older population have trouble when dealing with technology, because becoming digitally literal in today's world can be put on par to learning an entirely new language. Also, I liked the point that he brought up with the dangers in cyberspace. Those who are not accustomed to technology are not always as cautious as those who are, thus making them more susceptible to internet scams, fraud, and invasion of privacy.
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