Well, at least I will try to make it lit. Once again, I have been haunted by digital rhetorician Doug Eyman’s musings. Previously, I discussed the meaning of “digital” and how it ruined a rediscovered childhood relic. Now, I am plagued with a discussion of digital literacy just from opening up my laptop.
The conversation around digital literacy is evolving, moving beyond the simple ability to navigate software or browse the internet. It is about understanding the language of digital spaces—how we communicate, create and critique content across various digital platforms.
Truthfully, this is an enriching, insightful topic, but Eyman…is just everywhere. I will try to give this my usual razzle-dazzle.
Defining Digital Literacy
Conventionally, the term literacy seems almost inseparable from the use of writing. Eyman recognizes (and despises) this. In true Eyman-ese, he makes a philosophical dissent about how literacy encompasses a larger sociohistorical context that is more than just letters as a sign system. Literacy involves multiple modes of communication with a broader range of skills and knowledge.
In an attempt to put their degree(s) to use, scholars always debate some obscure, minute concept. Linguist Gunther Kress would argue that adding “digital” to the term “literacy” would dilute the meaning of literacy. He proposes that there should be a distinct term for other forms of communication, such as sound. University of Florida English Professor Gregory Ulmer even suggests the term “electracy”, a combination of technology, institutional practices and social norms that have developed alongside digital technologies. This suggests a fundamental shift in how we understand and engage in information, communication and culture in the digital world. While electracy can offer valuable insights into the nature of digital culture and communication, it might not serve as a direct or practical guide for developing digital literacy skills or understanding digital rhetoric in a concrete way.
The Complexity of Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is complex because it is not just about text; it involves understanding various digital content and how to create and interpret them. Each type of digital content has its own rules and ways of being used effectively. Take, for instance, the meme that I used as the feature image in my article. This meme has become popularized from a scene from the TV show “The Bobby Brown Story”. It also depicts a play on words to describe my plight of reading various parts of Eyman’s work. Memes rely on shared knowledge and cultural references to convey humorous media to an audience. Memes also require a grasp of contemporary internet culture, a sense of timing to catch the wave of relevancy, and the creativity to adapt a familiar format to new, engaging content. This is how literacy extends beyond traditional forms of communication.
Putting the Pixels in Practice
Nowadays, being digitally literate is essential. It is not just about knowing how to use technology but understanding how to communicate effectively across various digital platforms and media. This is crucial for participating in society, as technology shapes much of our daily interactions.
At the Hillside Public Library (my favorite spot in town), dedicated digital literacy sessions have become popular. For four days a week, attendees learn basic computer and software skills, such as Microsoft Word and Gmail. They even delve into topics surrounding everyday digital use, such as social media, career searching and the digital footprint. My small hometown is actually putting its tax dollars into making worthwhile programs for navigating today’s society. I guess 2024 has been full of little surprises.
. . .
The conversation around digital literacy is a dynamic and evolving dialogue that reflects our collective attempt to understand how technology transforms our lives. As we navigate this digital age, we must embrace the complexity of digital literacy, recognizing it as a fundamental skill for engaging with the world around us. I suppose I have no choice but to embrace Eyman for now.
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