Digital Literacy

The concept of digital literacy has evolved from “being able to use a computer and its basic tools” to possess the “ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, and analyze information using digital technology. It involves a working knowledge of current high-technology, and an understanding of how it can be used.” (Wikipedia, online document). In addition, digital literacy encompasses not only the use of all sort of digital devices such as computers, cell phones, tablets, and so on, but also how to handle their main components (software, the internet, among others). A person who has developed digital skills and who is able to use them to interact with society is considered to be a “digital citizen”. In this blog, I will discuss of the implications of being digital literate in academic contexts.

It is important to point out that many youngsters have in their repertoire many of the digital skills that some adults may struggle to acquire. This is because they have grown in a world where the use of technology is of commonplace, and which have promoted the development of great communication skills through the use of social networks, instant messages, emails, among other tools. However, there is a significant amount of student population who lacks the skills needed to apply digital technologies. This may represent a drawback since these skills have undeniably become basic requirements in everyone’s academic and professional lives, regardless their field of knowledge. As a result, there is a growing interest in enabling students to gain these skills and confidence they need to use digital technology not only to support their learning but also in the workplace, as improving digital literacy is an essential component of developing employable graduates.

By improving technology skills, people can have access to current information, communicate more easily with others, and work more efficiently. The use of technology will definitely enhance their academic experience. The idea is that students learn how to handle online information, that is, how to find it, how to validate it, and how to summarize it. Furthermore, they should also develop social skills such as how to collaborate with the information that is already available, and be able to solve real life problems with it. The use of this kind of technology represents a challenge that is worth taking, because it will make people more prepared not only for professional contexts but also for life in general.

Reference

Wikipedia (2012, Mayo 7). [Página Web en línea]. Disponible: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_literacy [Consulta: 2012, Mayo 1]