INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL LITERACY
What is Digital Literacy?
It is the interest, attitude and ability of individuals to appropriately use digital technology and
communication tools to assess, manage, integrate, analyze and evaluate information, construct new
knowledge, create and communicate with others.
The term “Digital Literacy” was coined by Paul Glister in 1997 and it came from the discussions of the
following concepts:
❏ Visual literacy
❏ Technological literacy
❏ Computer literacy
❏ Information literacy
Visual literacy- when images and non-verbal symbols try to capture the knowledge.
Technological literacy- requiring one to be able to use technology in addressing a need.
Computer literacy- an individual have knowledge and ability to use computers.
Information literacy- which refers to the finding, evaluating using and sharing of information.
Different terms common to Digital Literacy that you must know. ❏
Media Literacy – it is one’s ability to critically read information or content and utilize multimedia in
creatively producing communication
Information Literacy – it is one’s ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate,
evaluate and use effectively the needed information.
ICT Literacy – is the ability to use tools of information and communication technology to define one's
information problem clearly.
Communication and Collaboration – • these are one’s capabilities in being able to participate in the
digital networks in the teaching and learning context.
Identity Management – being able to understand how to ensure safety and security in managing
online identity.
Learning Skills – these are ways of knowing how to study and learn in a technology – enriched
environment, this is knowing how to utilize technology in addressing the need to learn efficiently.
DIGITAL LITERACY ABILITIES
•Use technology competently.
•Interpret and understand a digital content and assess its credibility.
•Create, research and communicate with appropriate tools
DATA AND INFORMATION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
❏ It is the use of any computers, storage,
networking and other physical devices,
infrastructure and processes to create,
process, store, secure and exchange all forms
of electronic data.
❏ The commercial use of IT incorporates
both computer technology and telephony. It
is defined as the science and activity of using
computers and other electronic equipment to
store and send information.
Examples of Information Technology
•Personal computers and their accessories;
•Computer networks;
•Landline and mobile phones;
•Flash drives; CDs, DVDs, External hard
disks.; and
•Most types of software.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
Digital Citizenship also means an individual accepts
and appreciates their responsibility for their content
as well as their actions using technology such as
internet, smart mobile phones and other digital
media. Comprehension of the nine elements of digital
citizenship will make technology safer and more
helpful for children and adults, alike.
AREAS APPLYING DIGITAL LITERACY
Education
Digital literacy in the classroom
❏ Vlogs – Some teachers are turning classroom blogs into video blogs or vlogs. Video blogs have many
uses in the educational world, from showcasing student projects to making lessons available outside
the classroom.
❏ Wiki – it is simply a collaborative website created and edited by more than one user. Students can
edit them quickly, make suggestions and works with older operating systems, so teachers do not have
to worry about upgrading to the latest technology.
❏Podcasts – It is a type of digital media recorded by students and uploaded to syndication or
streaming services like ITunes. A podcast is a program made available in digital format for download
over the Internet.
Science
Technology uses science to solve problems, and science uses technology to make new discoveries.
By far the biggest connection is what we've touched on already: technology is the application of
science. In fact, throughout history science has paved the way for all kinds of amazing advances in our
society.
During the agricultural revolution, the way humans lived changed forever. From being hunter gatherers
who roamed the land, we started to settle down in one place. Why? Because we gained the scientific
know-how necessary to grow crops. Suddenly, we didn't need to be on the move all the time. We could
create more than enough food to feed our families where we were. Soon our shelters stopped being
rudimentary and easy to take apart and became permanent structures and buildings. Thus, as farming
technology improved, building technology improved as well; and as we became able to create an
excess of food, fewer people had to spend time actually producing food, and we gained the extra time
needed to expand our knowledge even more quickly.
Culture
Digital approaches are having a huge impact on our societies. The internet enables people to connect
with any part of the world and to create shared experiences, online content and a sense of belonging.
Young people are able to make friends with a much larger, culturally diverse set of people. They are
using apps to sing, perform, make friends, share interests and socialize with people from across the
world.
They keep up-to-date with each other, share their own youth-led language or slang, participate in a
global community of memes and social commentary. For younger children, they might be part of a kids
club or watch programmes on kids TV online that are available worldwide.
It has become an integral part of their lives and, increasingly, the most popular way to communicate
with each other. Children and teens may have more in common with those from other countries due to
the interconnectedness of the internet that allows them to share similar experiences.
Communication
The most significant way that technology has helped communication involves how people can now
communicate live no matter where they go.
Not only can you call someone on the phone for a regular voice chat, but you can take advantage of
live video chat apps and conferencing software that can handle meetings with your personal contacts,
business colleagues or peers from school. With these tools, you can also share documents and other
media items during your conversation.
Business
Technology has important effects on business operations. No matter the size of your enterprise,
technology has both tangible and intangible benefits that will help you make money and produce the
results your customers demand.
Technological infrastructure affects the culture, efficiency and relationships of a business. The world is
changing around us in unexpected ways. While there have certainly been a number of things that we
could do without technology has also brought about plenty of good. The powerful, transformative
impact is clearly seen in the world of business, with small businesses enjoying the good and the bad
effects of technology.
Health
It could be argued that of all the ways technology has improved the lives of humans across the globe,
none are as important as the technological advances in medicine. From the invention of X-ray
machines to advances in surgical practices, technology has made us healthier and increased life
expectancies. As we move further into the 21st century, we continue to develop technologies that cure
illnesses and improve our quality of life.
Clinical Care
❏ Telemedicine / Telehealth Systems – this systems refers to methods of advancing healthcare based
on telecommunications technologies. It is a remote exchange of data between an individual and health
care professionals, e.g. monitoring of heart failure.
❏ Wearable Technology - The wearable medical device market is growing quickly. These devices
collect data, which helps doctors and patients alike monitor and assess the health of the wearer.
Example Smart jewelry. This can include smart rings, wristbands, watches and pins, Body-mounted
sensors, Fitness trackers, Smart clothing, Augmented reality (AR) headsets, VR headsets., AI hearing
aids.
❏ Information systems brings many potential benefits for health, especially the prevention and
treatment.
