Digital Literacy

In our increasingly digital world, literacy goes beyond just being able to read and write. While traditional literacies remain important, in our new world it is essential, especially for younger generations who aspire to be college-educated and work in professional settings to have digital literacy. In this blog, we will be discussing what digital literacy is and why it is essential to have these skills in today’s world. 

Definition of Digital Literacy

In Douglas Eyman’s “Defining and Locating Digital Rhetoric”, he moves on from digital rhetoric and goes on to explain digital literacy. While being literate means you can read and write, it is a whole new concept to be digitally literate. Eyman explains, “Digital literacy is more complex in some ways because it requires the user to be able to read and write with a number of sign systems (e.g., coded web pages, video, audio, image, animation), each of which has its own functional and critical requirements”. To be digitally literate requires an understanding of how different forms of communication work together to create meaning.

Why it Even Matters

Being digitally literate is an essential skill in our world. As our lives and work have become more dependent on technology, digital literacy is imperative for understanding the world, for learning and taking advantage of job opportunities. Additionally, this allows us to stay current and educated with information on the web. We can research and use various platforms to get our information. It is important to note how being digitally literate can empower us. We can express ourselves, share ideas, and engage with others.

Some Personal Insights

For me, I feel like I am somewhat digitally literate. I do not believe there is a way to measure if someone is digitally literate or not. There has to be a range in which a person falls and I think I am somewhere in the middle. I know how to research, use various social media platforms to gain information, and be creative using technology however, I have a hard time figuring things out myself. I am not exactly tech-savvy and find digital technology to be complicated. When it comes time for us to start our website, I anticipate it is going to take me hours to figure out how to add everything. I often feel frustrated with technology however I find my way eventually.