Yes, literacy means traditionally capability of reading, but what about digital literacy? Is it just reading a digital text, like mobile version of newspaper? No, not really, since the reading is essentially the same regardless how the “ink” is printed – on paper or on a display. In the context of digital literacy the term ‘literacy’ should be interpreted in a wider sense, like Merriam-Webster defines term literate: having knowledge or competence. This should be then applied to the whole world of digital information retrieval, analysis and production. It is clear that the term digital literacy is much wider concept than the normal literacy, regardless it might look more restricted, limited only to digital literacy. In this context, the limitation (to digital) is actually an extension. It is also clear that the term digital literacy more blurred. However, I try make one interpretation what digital literacy could mean or at least what it means for me at the time this was written.

Skills to use and to learn digital tools and techniques. For many, the skills of some specific software, tool or platform define the level of digital literacy. Undoubtedly, this can be important point in practice, but in the end, I personally think that is more the skill and interest of learning new that makes the difference. Person with a learning skills can learn and adapt new tools fast. Learning skills of digital tools of course then another point, but this is also something that one can learn. Also skill to effectively and appropriately find and ask for help for problems is also very important aspect of digital skills of tools. It’s not only the thing where you are now, but it’s more about where you (can) go.

Critical reading. While normal literacy might include some aspects of critical reading this can be highlighted in the context of digital literacy. While the internet is full of material, an essential skill of digital literacy is the capability to critically filter the material. There are reliable sources and less reliable sources. There are correct and false information and correct information from some perspective which is false or less correct from some other perspective.

Knowledge of methods to get the information. This might mean for instance that you know the sources and actually can use them. This might mean in practice that you know the website of a service that provides electronic material and can actually find the material there and retrieve that to you. This might also mean that you can effectively use google, for instance you know what keywords are good and what are not that good. This might mean that you know how to use WhatsApp – which is nowadays a quite common information channel – less formal, but a channel anyways.

Knowledge and skills of collaboration and communication. The traditional literacy can be understood more as a skill to receive written signal, while the skills of production of own signal are usually ignored. From a societal point of view literacy has been motivated as a skill to receive fixed messages from other authorities as a form of laws, messages and instructions. However, within a digital world it is not uncommon to produce and iterate material in collaboration. For this, knowledge and skills of communication and collaboration are needed. These skills might mean e.g. skills in setting up a shared document and contributing there. These skill might mean using effectively different discussion tools with different roles. This might also mean selecting the appropriate tools for direct communication and using that appropriately.

Other knowledge, rules and practices working in a digital environment. There are many issues in working a digital environment that are missing from other working environments. These practices include taking into account aspects of authority, privacy and digitally safe ways of working. Digital work can also need more planning and self-management skills. Sustainability aspects should also be considered.