As our world continues to industrialize, it has become essential that humans adapt to new technology for use in their everyday lives. Collectively, the ability to acquire and implement these skills can be referred to as digital literacy. According to the University of Illinois Library, this capability is summarized by “the ability to use digital technology, communication tools or networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information” (Hjeltness). Being digitally literate involves being proficient in using modern technology as well as staying up to date with the latest inventions. It is now crucial that all people be digitally literate in order to function well in today’s business and even social realms. As stated in “What is Digital Literacy?” the lack of digital literacy can even become “a barrier to social integration and personal development” (Hilding-Hamann). This is clear when considering that contacting friends has evolved from writing letters to sending text messages. The prevalence of the internet and other networks for communication are also examples of this adaptation.
Additionally, many companies and services have minimized their use of paper in recent years, so being unable to operate a computer properly could be detrimental when seeking employment. Employers will not want to waste their time and money training someone the vital skills needed to communicate with customers, record data, format images, etc. Being able to sift through information is also a key part of digital literacy. One can access unlimited amounts of information through the internet and computers, but he or she must realize which ideas are of value and which are unimportant. Using modern resources is impractical if one cannot take the information gained, and apply it to the non-digital world. Also, one should be able to use their knowledge of one piece of technology, such as a cell phone, to attempt to figure out how to operate another, such as a digital camera. It is likely that some people will take longer to become digitally literate since people all learn at different paces. However, as children begin to grow up with the newest technology, it will be easier and more comfortable for them to figure out the technology of the future. Overall, digital literacy has become a key aspect in the modern world.
Works Cited
Additionally, many companies and services have minimized their use of paper in recent years, so being unable to operate a computer properly could be detrimental when seeking employment. Employers will not want to waste their time and money training someone the vital skills needed to communicate with customers, record data, format images, etc. Being able to sift through information is also a key part of digital literacy. One can access unlimited amounts of information through the internet and computers, but he or she must realize which ideas are of value and which are unimportant. Using modern resources is impractical if one cannot take the information gained, and apply it to the non-digital world. Also, one should be able to use their knowledge of one piece of technology, such as a cell phone, to attempt to figure out how to operate another, such as a digital camera. It is likely that some people will take longer to become digitally literate since people all learn at different paces. However, as children begin to grow up with the newest technology, it will be easier and more comfortable for them to figure out the technology of the future. Overall, digital literacy has become a key aspect in the modern world.
Works Cited
Hilding-Hamann, Knud. "What is Digital Literacy?" Digital Literacy. 17 Sept 2009. Danish Technological Institute. 11 Jan 2010
Hjeltness, Sarah. “Digital Literacy Definition and Resources.” University Library. 15 Oct 2008. University of Illinois. 11 Jan 2010
In your opening sentence, what is 'it' referring to? Grammatically, it seems that you are referring to the world. Second sentence....should you use referred to, or are you trying to be more specific? A suggestion is using 'defined.'
ReplyDeleteGood use of a source to support your definition!
Try and use a sentence at the beginning of each paragraph that will describe what you will talk about it that paragraph. It helps the audience follow your definition/argument and keeps them reading.
Overall, well written. Your vocabulary is proficient and it is obvious you understood the assignment.
I found your definition very thorough and accurate in defining digital literacy. One specific thing that struck me about it was that it, unlike most of the others, gave a very serious implication for a lack of digital literacy; missing out on employment opportunities. Typically other students cited smaller examples of how a lack of digital literacy can affect one's life, but the great degree of this one makes it much more powerful in proving the point that digital literacy is now a necessary skill.
ReplyDeleteYour definition of digital literacy was enhanced by the examples that you used. It is interesting to see how the digital world has transformed everything, herein lies the need for a digitally literate world. As you show, communication has evolved from letters to text messages and businesses no longer use paper. Digital literacy coincides with efficiency, and the examples that you use demonstrate how technology has created a more efficient world.
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