We’re approaching the end the first ONL topic “Online participation & digital literacies” and it’s time to reflect. Let me start with a general note: taking an online course in order to learn about how to effectively teach online is as topical as it can gets in these “corona” times. This pandemic is showing how useful and necessary digital tools for communicating and learning are. However, the sole existence of these tools is not sufficient. Adequate education of users is necessary – which brings me to topic 1, digital literacies.
The spectrum of digital literacies is well described with the visitor-resident metaphor by David White and Alison Le Cornu. Learning about this concept evidently leads to the question, whether oneself is a resident or visitor in the digital space. There is no easy, correct or accurate answer to this since the one digital space does not exist. I would argue that I am resident to some digital spaces as I actively and effectively use many online tools for work and privately. At the same time, I actively choose not to be a resident but a visitor in other, usually privately used, spaces, since I rather not share too much information or my views publicly. Other spaces are not relevant or of interest to me – at this point. Overall, I believe that I have sufficient knowledge to use and apply online tools and I have the confidence that I am quickly able to find out how to use new tools . And the latter, the confidence, is in my opinion the building stone for digital literacies. As the visitor-resident concept suggests, being digitally literate is a continuum, which requires ongoing efforts. However, the aim is not to learn about digital tools but rather to learn how to use digital tools in order to accomplish a higher goal. And as in any learning process, usually it is a trial and error process until you achieve the desired goal – which requires dedication, tolerance of frustration and time. Thus, being confident that oneself is able to find a way to apply – if necessary – various novel tools in order to reach a goal, the learning process usually is fruitful.
The overarching question is, how to encourage the use of digital tools for education but also for any kind of communication and flexible work arrangements. I think that the vast amount of possibilities can be intimidating and overwhelming but it shouldn’t put anyone off of trying! The goal remains the same, the tool is simply changing. The potential of simplifying and improving processes is imense and exciting. The corona pandemic is an excellent example for the lack of digital competences in many areas. Now, many people, companies and institutions are forced to explore digital options. The amazing thing is that this is possible as long as you have a device with a working internet connection – anywhere and anytime. Let’s hope that this pandemic will also bring something good – the confidence in the power of digital literacy for every individual as well as society.
