Here is the “Definition” the students crave. Write it down if you have to. Keep in mind though, that the definition isn’t the important part. The skills are.
Digital literacy is knowing how to use technology effectively, efficiently, and responsibly.
The Definition is tri-threaded: effectively, efficiently, responsibly. You can be strong in one thread and weak in another. You may possess one, two, or all three. They overlap, but they are not the same thing.
Effectively refers to ability and capability. Can you use technology to accomplish a real professional task that you could not accomplish before?
Efficiently, yes, refers to speed, the swiftness of delivery. Can you complete the task at a practical speed, repeat it reliably, or perform it at scale? In some cases, efficiency is the difference between getting something done and never finishing it. Some jobs literally will not hire you or keep you hired without a minimum level of efficiency.
Responsibly is our little recursive sub-thread because it in turn refers to at least three things: safety, security, and accuracy. It means avoiding risky behavior, protecting yourself and other people, securing information, checking your work, and refusing to spread misinformation or disinformation. It brings together two subjects we address later in the course: cybersecurity and information literacy.
Information literacy is the ability to search for information, research a question, evaluate sources, verify truth claims, and distinguish fact from fiction. You can be fast and technically capable but still use technology irresponsibly if you confidently spread false information or put someone’s security at risk (including your own).
Effectiveness asks: Can you do it?
Efficiency asks: How swiftly?
Responsibility asks: Who is impacted? It states, quite explicitly and ethically, Do No Harm (to yourself or others).
True digital literacy requires attention to all three.
Leave a Reply