The United States is in a global race to remain technologically competitive in order to keep the wellbeing and future secure for future generations. One crucial method of fulfilling this goal is achieving digital literacy among the citizens, especially in the education sector. To have the youth of the nation raised with the ability to communicate across cultures electronically is to secure the future in international trade of material and digital goods and define a flexible, verified definition of digital literacy.
Digial literacy, according to C. Finn of the Tech & Learning online magazine, is a “means for ascertaining the computer skills competency of an individual to function in the workplace.” His definition is focused and suggests that digital literacy only applies to a specific audience. However, B. Jones-Kavalier of the Educause Quarterly expands upon this limited definition to include “digital competencies to effectively navigate the multidimensional and fast-paced digital environment.” This is a much broader definition that broadens the scope of digital literacy, but at the same time this definition becomes more ambiguous and less useful. Despite the many definitions of digital literacy, a common thread runs through all: technology and understanding. These two concepts will continue to play a larger role not only in the business world, but also in the future of educational curricula.
Works Cited
Finn, Charles W. P. "The Mandate of Digital Literacy." Tech & Learning. Tech & Learning, 22 Aug. 2008. Web. 13 Jan. 2010.
Jones-Kavalier, Barbara R., and Suzanne L. Flannigan. "Connecting the Digital Dots: Literacy of the 21st Century." Educause Quarterly. Educause, 2006. Web. 13 Jan. 2010.
Nice job Eric!
ReplyDeleteYour blog was quick to catch my attention because of the seriousness of the first line. The relationship you drew between technology and education was well thought through, in that you began and concluded with a comment regarding education. I especially liked the last note you made on "technology and understanding," it was definitely a good way to conclude.
Good post!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was very interesting the way you explained how digital literacy will be important in keeping the US, or any country for that matter, competitive in the global market. I completely agree with this. Our world is run on a computer now a days. If the US doesn't school our children in the ways of the digital world then we will be very far behind in the global market within a few years. That edge of digital literacy we attain right now is very important to keep.