Topic 1: Online Participation & Digital Literacies

With the first topic prompting discussion and investigation into ideas related to digital literacies and online participation, I found it interesting to experience a new way of participating online first-hand.

Although I have done many different online courses in the past (LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, EdX, and even a degree), the way that this particular course is offered was new to me. Attending group discussions, investigating and then sharing different perspectives and experiences, presented a new way of learning that I was not used to. To me, this illustrated the kind of adaptability, confidence and willingness to try new things that is needed for digital literacy and online participation.

Digital literacy is not just about being able to use a specific platform; it’s about being able to use it effectively, ethically and safely. The skills required for digital literacy – such as identifying, evaluating, managing and creating information and content – can be applied to a host of platforms or online experiences. In our group discussions we discussed a digital learning ladder framework and the idea that we can learn these skills and build our confidence gradually.

The idea of confidence was highlighted in the scenario as an important aspect of engaging in digital learning and online participation. However, having confidence or capability, as many younger digital natives do, does not mean that you are competent. Reaching a place of competence is also not fixed, as digital literacy should be seen as a journey of life-long learning and a continuum or range of modes influenced by our motivations. As shared by White and Le Cornu (2011), we can exist as both visitors, with defined tasks or goals to complete online, or as residents, who may live a portion of their lives in an online space. This focus on motivation also led our group discussions to consider a variety of motivations in line with a PESTEL framework, focusing on political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal influences. 

I am reminded by the scenario that fear of judgement, false presumptions, or feelings of low confidence should not hold one back from embarking on a journey of life-long digital learning. Digital literacy and online sharing can start small and grow gradually; you just need to take the first step.

References

White, D. & Le Cornu, A. (2011) Visitors and residents: A new typology for online engagement. First Monday, 16(9).