When the term digital literacy was first introduced in class, I was not sure I would be unable to understand the concept; however, as I have done more research and it has been discussed further in class, I believe I have found some clarity. Digital literacy, as I view it, is one’s ability to comprehend the technological era in which we live today. It is accumulating a skill set that will further one’s ability to function in the technological age. One who is digitally literate can utilize all of the copious tools available through digital and electronic media to further their personal endeavors.
To truly comprehend the term digital literacy, one must understand the times in which we live. The digital era has created new opportunities for the free flow of information. It has greatly enhanced the educational field with online textbooks, “hyper textual information,” and the availability of resources with which a print library could never possibly compete. However, not only has furthered education but it is now branching out into the professional and personal worlds. Personal networking sites such as Facebook and others have been instrumental in linking people all over the world; more importantly, however, are the professional networking sites such as Linkedin and Plaxo are making the world we live in smaller everyday. In short, becoming digitally literate in these times is imperative to one’s success in their personal, educational, and professional life. Although I do not consider myself digitally literate yet, I hope this class will help facilitate my growth in this area.
I agree that when the term digital literacy was introduced it seemed more complicated than it really is. Now that I've done some research and read all these definitions I feel that I understand the idea much better as well. I liked how you broke digital literacies up into the educational, professional, and personal worlds. These three areas are greatly affected by technology and becoming digitally literate in all three areas is extremely important.
ReplyDeleteIt was great that she addressed such sites as Linkedin and Plaxo because as an 18 year old I think more of Facebook and Myspace, yet in the professional world, technology has erupted to facilitate their needs also. She also addresses the educational world being taken over by technology and its positively helpful attributes. Both examples help to prove that technology and digital products are not only for one certain age, but rather any age willing to learn.
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