I recently wrote this blog post for Manson Northwest Webster's Professional Learning Network class. You can follow this class on Twitter at #mnwpln and the blog at
MNWPLN.
Digital
Literacy
When I was growing up, the word literacy was strictly
associated with reading. Being literate meant you were able to read. Now when we combine the word “digital” with
the word “literacy”, it has a much bigger meaning. Here are
three points that help describe what being digitally literate means to me. These points are actually nothing new and really
get to the heart of digital literacy for everyone. The italicized words in each bullet point are ones
that I believe are crucial to the meaning of Digital Literacy. So, it’s about doing
as well as knowing.
Digital Literacy is:
- the ability
to use technology, communication devices or networks to locate, evaluate,
use and create information.
- the ability
to understand and use information in multiple formats from a wide
range of sources that are presented using the web.
- the ability
to perform tasks effectively in a digital environment.
The way I do my job has changed dramatically over the last ten
years. I have learned how to become
digitally literate in the context of my work and many times in a “sink or swim”
situation. I
have learned many skills I need to navigate technology devices and web tools to
do my job efficiently and effectively. My social networking tool of choice at
work is Twitter. I have come to depend
on the professional network I’ve created over the last two years to help me do
my job. I’ve learned to problem-solve out
of necessity as well as find and create information. But I’m not there yet! I know I will always be learning how to
improve my digital literacy.
I have spent more than twenty years in education and
much of it has been at Manson Northwest Webster. I am passionate about making sure our students
are prepared for the future, and I believe being digitally literate will go a long
way to get them ready for life beyond our school.
