The term “digital literacy” was nonexistent a mere 25 years ago. The world of technology has continued to expand and improve necessitating the term to arise. In recent years, the term has grown to define itself-the ability to operate and comprehend the digital world. If one wanted to operate such electronic devices as the iPod, the Kindle or DVR they must have the ability to understand the material placed before them. Especially in our current economy, the price of technology causes one to think twice before purchasing. If one does not know how to operate a device (and operate correctly) they are about to surrender $100+ for, it becomes wasteful as well as illogical. Therefore, when commercials or promotions put a spotlight on new products, it is imperative that one grasps the basic concept that the device is meant to serve before venturing to purchase the product.
Essentially, the most important digital tool necessary to begin exploring the digital world is the Internet. The links it provides to people around the world is one no other function can provide. Additionally, the information accessible at one’s fingertips is useless unless one has the literacy to take in what is before them. As 18, 19 and 20 year olds, we have grown up in an era of technology. I can’t remember a time when the Internet was not accessible to me, even if it was through a dial up connection. The fact that we have been around technology from a young age gives us, as young adults, an advantage to our parents and elders. Our brain has learned to understand and appreciate the products and services placed before us. Therefore, the world of technology has been speaking a language we have unconsciously becomes fluent in. This unconscious ability has actually placed us in a position to improve our workforce as we grow to become a part of it.
I completely agree. I can not even remember a time without the digital media we have today. It is almost impossible to relate to people even fifteen years our senior on this topic. We grew up in an amazing time for technology and I can not even imagine the types of resources that will be available to our children. At times, however, I feel as though technology is expanding too quickly for people such as myself to up with. As soon as my brother bought his ipod there was a new version a month later. Although it is a great thing that we are able to produce bigger and better things so quickly, I feel as though people who are not as technologically savvy will fall behind.
ReplyDeleteLet me first say that I agree with what you have said here. I like the fact that you included physical media devices like the Ipod and the kindle. I personally feel that learning new digital media it itself is not an unconscious as you make it seem. Perhaps its slightly more accurate that we have just learned the best ways to figure out how to use new technology. I can't say that I instantly knew how to use programs like 3D Max and Painter 11, But I did know how to quickly find out how to use them.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you threw some an economic example into the mix, especially with the current state of our economy now. Digital technology nowadays is never cheap, whether it comes in the forms of computers, iPods, or cell phones. I agree that it is illogical to buy spend $100+ on an item that you don't even know how to use. What's the use of buying an iPod if you don't even know how to put music on to it via itunes? If we want to spend so much money on digital media, we must learn how to utilize it to it's fullest potential, otherwise we are just wasting money.
ReplyDeleteSeeing a beautiful red iPod Nano can be enticing for many, and enticing enough for people to go out and spend $300 dollars. However, I agree without a good understanding of the digital world, it would be impossible to appreciate the true potential of such a device as the Nano. One must know how to download songs and videos from the internet to use the Nano.
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