Have today started a new blog site called “Being Digitally Literate” focusing on ideas around developing digital literacy in students. My hope is to create a site which explores and asks questions as I explore and ask questions, and that by doing so it might help others to also explore ideas.
As a starting point I have decided to re-post my first entry from the site below:
What does it mean to be digitally literate?
We often speak about the importance of developing digital literacy in our students. The issue with the intention is the lack of clarity as to what it means to be digitally literate, the areas which should be covered in developing such literacy and also the methods or approaches which should be used in this development.
I intend to post my thoughts on this matter over the coming weeks and months. I will admit that I suspect a number of my posts will pose more questions than they answer, however my hope is that the act of posing questions will promote further thought even if this is just within myself.
To get the ball rolling I would like to just define in very general terms what I believe we are looking to achieve in developing digital literacy. I believe the fact we are even discussing digital literacy is an acceptance that we are living in an increasingly digital world. We are surrounded by ever increasing levels of technology in our work life, social and home lives. As such the previous literacies, of languages and communication, including reading and writing, and of mathematics are no longer sufficient. We need digital literacy.
Given this seeking to develop digital literacy is seeking to ensure that our students are sufficiently literate with this new technological world and with its technologies, to be successful in their lives. To be able to understand the technologies and use the technologies appropriately and effectively.
Does the above definition cover what is meant digital literacy or is there something missing?
Technology and Learning