Digital Literacy

Literacy is critical in helping us make sense of our world. From the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep, we are constantly making meaning of the world around us.

Literacy has traditionally been thought of as reading and writing. Although these are essential components of literacy, today our understanding of literacy encompasses much more.

Introduction to Literacy:

Literacy is the ability, confidence, and willingness to engage with language to acquire, construct and communicate meaning in all aspects of daily living. Language is explained as a socially and culturally constructed system of communication.

From the moment child is born, his or her literacy journey begins. Children’s literacy abilities are nurtured through their families and communities. Examples are

the infant smiling or crying to communicate their needs to a parent
the toddler forming their first words
a young child interpreting the symbols around them
a preschooler singing a song and
a parent and child laughing over a story

As children enter the school system, there is a strong focus on the development of reading and writing skills. Children engage in learning opportunities that have them interacting with many different forms of text, in print and digital forms, using words, visuals, and graphics. Students begin to learn

the rules of language
how to acquire information, evaluate it, and ethically use it
how to construct meaning from various kinds of text and
how to communicate effectively

And after completing school, it is viewed in many forms in his/her life. For example:

the way he/she speaks
the way he/she is living
by his/her personality
by the living, he/she is earning
and many more...

Introduction to Digital Literacy:

Digital literacy refers to an individual's ability to find, evaluate, and clearly communicate information through typing and other media on various digital platforms. It is evaluated by an individual's grammar, composition, typing skills, and ability to produce text, images, audio, and designs using technology.

The American Library Association (ALA) defines digital literacy as "the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills."

While digital literacy initially focused on digital skills and stand-alone computers, the advent of the internet and the use of social media, have resulted in the shift in some of its focus to mobile devices. Similar to other expanding definitions of literacy that recognize cultural and historical ways of making meaning, digital literacy does not replace traditional forms of literacy, but instead builds upon and expands the skills that form the foundation of traditional forms of literacy. Digital literacy should be considered to be a part of the path to knowledge.

Digital literacy can play a powerful role in helping people connect, learn, engage with their community, and create more promising futures. Simply reading articles online does not address digital literacy, so it is important for everyone to understand the variety of content and possibilities that are accessible online. This digital literacy course can help individuals gain the digital skills necessary to engage in a digital economy and improve livelihoods. The digital literacy program is used by individuals, nonprofits, schools, and governments all over the world.