What does it actually mean to be digitally literate? I have to start there because I noticed that I have been using the words during the last two weeks without actually defining them. So, I am sorry, but I did just what the students would do. I went looking for answers on wikipedia :).
According to wikipedia Digital literacy refers to an “individual’s ability to find, evaluate, and compose clear information through writing and other media on various digital platforms.”
“Digital literacy does not replace traditional forms of literacy, and instead builds upon and expands the skills that form the foundation of traditional forms of literacy. Digital literacy should be considered to be a part of the path to knowledge.”
Our task during these two weeks was to explore our own digital world and David White introduced us to the terms visitors and residents in the digital world and added a personal and institutional dimension. We were asked to think about what different digital tools we use and in what way we are using these tools. Are we sharing personal thoughts there? Are we communicating or just hanging around on different platforms?
I noticed that I actually use a lot of tools and I use them in very different ways. And the way I use them is changing all the time. I also realized that I would like to be more literate. I am still me, wanting to explore new things all the time, but the problem I sometimes face is that I only know a few things about a lot of tools and I do not have the depth that I would benefit from in my professional life.
In our group we were heading for chaos in the beginning. How can we, without further instructions explore the fear, uncertainty and maybe also resistance towards digital tools? We took a very practical path and decided to just go for it and take one step further. In a safe environment together with some really nice, warm and funny co-workers and tutors we found out that we do not have to be perfect, we can start were we are, we do learn all the time and becoming more literate and fluent. We have a lot to learn from each other and co-working is an excellent way to take on new tasks.
The most memorable thing I will take with me from these two weeks is the answer of David White (when I was blogchatting for the first time ever!!!): “I find that all the best digital literacies turn out to be general literacies in digital contexts.”
So do I find, do I evaluate and compose clear information through writing and other media on various digital platforms? Yes I do to some extent. And after two weeks of learning, even more so! Taking small steps.
