In order to properly define “digital literacy”, one must first separate the two words that make the term. Digital refers to the world of digital technology, which ranges from use of computers to the internet or any other high-tech media. Furthermore, literacy can be described as the ability of one to read and interpret a type of media. Together, digital literacy can then be defined as the ability to read and interpret high-tech media. In order to be considered literate in the technological world, a vast number of skills are needed, and everyday there are new products, ideas, and technologies that one must familiarize his/her self with in order to be digitally literate. Just a few of these relatively new ideas include cell phones, MP3 players, Facebook, Twitter, Google, and blogging.
One of the main advantages of being digitally literate is the ability to communicate with almost anyone in the world through a vast number of channels. Email, websites, text messages, blogs, instant messaging and music are all different ways to connect to the people and is made possible by technology like the internet, cell phones, and computers. Because the information is digitized, it can be accessed at anytime or anywhere. The list of benefits of digital communication is growing everyday, making the need to be digitally literate continuously more imperative to effectively interact with others around the world.
I agree that being digitally literate makes communication easier. Separating the two terms digital and literacy makes the definition easier to understand, in my opinion. It's almost somewhat shocking how many different forms of media one must understand in today's world in order to be digitally literate.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting how you split the term into two separate definitions; first defining digital and then literacy. It is very important for one to be informed of the comprehensive meanings of both words in order to have a clear understanding of digital literacy itself. It is also very interesting how today, the rising inflow of new technology is making it even tougher for one to be completely digitally literate.
ReplyDeleteI like how you talk about the number of modes of communication that digital literacy opens up. Not only can you communication by telephone, but you can communicate by Facebook, Twitter, person blog, text message, multimedia message, and the possibilities are endless. And being digitally literate makes all of that possible for the average person.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I like the fact that you mentioned the anytime and anywhere aspect of modern technology. Daily, I send emails from my phone, which is much more convenient than waiting until I get home, as I did in the past. And not only can you communicate with people anytime and anywhere, but you can also access digital content such as music, text, and even movies. The world of the digitally literate is packed full of daily information, in comparison to that of the digitally illiterate.