When I was working through my undergraduate degree, majoring in Linguistics, I was always fascinated my the broad concept of literacy, particularly I lived in an industrialized country that still had high instances of illiteracy. As technology becomes more prevalent in our society, the issue of digital literacy is of equal interest to me.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy involves having the general knowledge/skills/behaviours to use digital technology such as computers, smartphones, and tablets that are (in most circumstances) connected to the Internet. For even the most novice of digital literates, one should be able to troubleshoot digital technology issues, even if that troubleshooting involves a simple google or youtube consultation.
In the Learning and Development (L&D) community, digital literacy should be a priority. With an aging workforce, our training really does need to cater to the younger demographic. However, we need to ensure equal access for those in the workforce who are not considered ‘digital natives’. The younger generation is accustomed to using and troubleshooting technology; some of these individuals may not even remember dial-up internet or corded telephones, but they are most often than not extremely literate when it comes to using digital technologies.
This is why, in developing e-learning, content should be geared toward the digital literate, but should also consider elements that are important to those not so literate, such as navigation help, interface explanation, etc.
When I think of digital literacy (which I often take for granted), I think of my parents. My mom who is fairly literate in the technology world, but keeps a bag of computer cables ‘just in case’ (most of which have become obsolete and will never be needed), and my dad who has maybe done an internet search 10 times in his entire life.
In taking for granted my own digital literacy, I’ve noticed that my mom can now outperform me when it comes to getting around on her Android tablet, and my dad is keeping me updated on all of the latest media streaming services and how to use them. In considering this, I realized just how important it is to be continually learning, as even though I work in a technology-driven industry, my skills and knowledge can become just as outdated just as quickly as technology.
I suppose my point is this: digital literacy might be taken for granted, especially in the world of L&D professionals, who are entrenched in creating cutting edge training programs. As professionals, we need to ensure we’re being just as inclusive to those non-digital natives as we would be for programs requiring 508 compliance. Just because it seems logical to us, it might not be as straight-forward to our learners.
Pretty self-explenatory, which could actually only prove how fitting of a term it is!