The Digital Divide: What You Need to Know About Digital Literacy in an Increasingly Connected World. A Q&A Discussion.

“Digital literacy is the foundation upon which you can build your digital skills and thrive in the digital age.”

In my previous article on Digital literacy Digital Literacy: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Essential Skills, I received questions and from that I have developed this Q and A to answer some of the questions.

Let me make this DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert in Digital literacy but a life learner of technology and how I can leverage technology to use my God given talent of writing and teaching. So please the answers here are part of continues search and journey into the digital space. I don’t have the dots and details of digital space but a lifelong learner and user and I have linked articles and academies where you can enhance your own skills.

In the world that is becoming more and more digitalised every day, when we learn to leverage new technologies we give ourselves a 21st century gift. This is part 2 of digital literacy. I feel excited and You? Let’s get going with these Q and A.

The principle question is; are you ready to turn over a new leaf with digital literacy?

My dear, fortunately you don’t have to feel overwhelmed while you are it.

Learning digital literacy empowers one to take advantage the power of in the digital age. It matters neither you are an experienced professional, an entrepreneur, or someone simply looking for new opportunities – learning digital literacy can open up a world of possibilities.

From blogging, social media marketing, website development, email automation tools, AI-driven automation tools and more – there is so much potential for growth and innovation in digital literacy. The possibilities are endless! So let’s get started!

So what is Digital Literacy?

Digital literacy is the combination of technical and cognitive abilities in using information and communication technologies–this may include anything from proficiency in using digital devices to access the Internet to knowledge and skills with using technology like smart-phones, tablets, computers, social platforms, etc.  It’s different from traditional literacy because it focuses on using technology to find, evaluate, create and communicate digital content.

The great thing about digital literacy is that you don’t need any special training or education–with a few basics under your belt, you can leverage new technologies powerfully to transform your life!

Are there benefits of Becoming Digitally Literate?

“Digital literacy is the passport that allows you to travel through the digital world with confidence and competence.”

Sure! Having digital literacy skills will allow you to do things more quickly like research topics on-line or use word processors more efficiently.

Plus, digital literacy also allows for knowledge sharing–whether it be learning about a new program on a website or watching how-to videos on You-tube.

Yes it’s an excellent way to enhance existing skills–from coding and programming basics to learning data analysis techniques.

The transforming power of digital literacy can open up a world of opportunities. From increasing your employability to gaining valuable skills in the new digital economy, there’s potential for tremendous growth.

Digital literacy will enable you to stay competitive, stay current, and keep your edge in the ever-changing landscape of technology.

These are just a few benefits but powerful so don’t wait any longer! Jump in and get started today!

How do I mastering New Technologies to enhance my Life?

Lifelong learning is essential; staying in tune with new technologies is a key to mastering digital literacy.

Digital literacy also involves meaning-making with digital technologies and media. This means being mindful when using digital media and understanding how it affects us. It also entails being able to create content, from amateur pod-casts and artwork to professional graphics or videos.

Digital literacy is essential for full participation in today’s global economy. Being able to effectively use new technologies can open up new opportunities for success, whether it’s as finding new job prospects or building relationships with potential business partners among others.

So  take the leap today!

How can Different Digital Technology Help?

You don’t need to be an IT expert to learn about the different digital technology and how they can help. As long as you are proficient use of computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones to access the Internet, you are good to start. The ability to use various online tools and social networks will be an added plus.

When you have an understanding and making use of s video-conferencing, online collaboration tools and cloud computing services, these will provide convenient ways for people to communicate, collaborate, store and share information easily without having to travel physically.

So embrace your inner geeky side and give digital literacy to leverage new technologies to make your life easier and more efficient.

Is there any Practical advice for Beginners?

Yes, you can choose to stay ahead of a curve and leverage new technologies to effectively navigate, evaluate, and create information. What does this mean for you? You could easily learn a new skill or even just explore different topics without having to leave your house.

But where should I begin, you ask?

Understand the Difference Between Information Literacy & Digital Literacy: Information literacy is understanding information that is relevant and reliable, for your needs while digital literacy focuses on how you can access, store and communicate in a digital environment.

Take Advantage of Free Online Resources; you don’t have to break the bank in order to learn more about digital literacy, No no. Its possible to take advantage of free online resources like tutorials, webinars and online courses on digital literacy.

Some of these include

Digital Skills for Africa – https://digitalskills.withgoogle.com/africa/

Digital Skills for Africa is an initiative by Google that provides free online courses on digital skills such as data analysis, social media, and web development.

Khan Academy – https://www.khanacademy.org/computing Khan Academy – an online education platform that offers free courses on a range of subjects including computer programming, data analysis, and digital marketing.

Codecademy.com – https://www.codecademy.com/ Codecademy.com – a website that offers free coding courses and tutorials on various programming languages.

DigitalLearn.org – https://www.digitallearn.org/ DigitalLearn.org – a website created by the Public Library Association that offers free online courses on basic digital skills such as using a computer, navigating the internet, and social media.

OpenLearn – https://www.open.edu/openlearn/tags/digital-literacy

Microsoft Digital Literacy – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/digitalliteracy/home

These are among the few, but there are many on-line resources that can make you digitally literate without a penny.

Can Adult Learners become digital proficient?

Off-course, anyone can even adult learners can. Encourage all who want to increase their literacy skills, promote best practice by encouraging them to develop their own digital skills!

Is it possible to succeed in the digital space today?

Yes, you bet it is! Digital literacy is an invaluable asset and by utilizing these tips you’ll be able to unlock its potential and make the most out of new technologies!

In digital literacy self-exploration becomes a success factor—understanding how technology influences our lives and how we can improve our digital literacy through improving our technical skills.

Self Exploration, this is the most important factor in gaining digital literacy. What do you want, how doe this relate with you as person, is it a need or want, what are your interest and how do they fit in the digital world, keep asking yourself these questions and more.

Understand the Four Factors: Digital literacy includes four factors: technological skills, authorship rules, representation rules, and online social skills. Take time to become familiar with each factor to understand how technologies influence lives.

Is it necessary to Improve Digital Literacy in the Workplace?

Sure it is. Improving digital literacy in the workplace means employees have basic technical knowledge and skills so they can use technology to drive success. This includes understanding computer hardware, software applications, operating systems, databases, web development tools, networking protocols, collaborative tools – the list goes on! Investing in digital literacy training can help businesses keep up with technology trends and maintain an effective workforce.

A time is now to engage the power of digital literacy and modern technologies by deepening your understanding of the digital world and the power of digital literacy.

“Digital literacy is the foundation upon which you can build your digital skills and thrive in the digital age.”

 

Is it possible to get more references on digital literacy

Yes you can. These are a few articles you can read.

“Digital literacy for Africa” by UNESCO: https://en.unesco.org/themes/digital-literacy-africa

“What is digital literacy and why is it important?” by eCampusOntario: https://www.ecampusontario.ca/what-is-digital-literacy-and-why-is-it-important/

“Digital literacy: A critical skill for today’s workforce” by CIO: https://www.cio.com/article/3220426/digital-literacy-a-critical-skill-for-todays-workforce.html

“Why digital literacy is important for everyone” by Microsoft: https://education.microsoft.com/en-us/resource/9a150f8e

“Digital literacy and skills for the African context” by Alliance for Affordable Internet: https://a4ai.org/digital-literacy-and-skills-for-the-african-context/

“The role of digital literacy in the future of work” by World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/digital-literacy-work-education-skills-gap/

“Digital literacy resources” by Digital Unite: https://digitalunite.com/resources/topics/digital-literacy

COVER PHOTO Credit: http://Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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Digital Literacy: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Essential Skills