What does being digitally literate mean?

Personal definition of digital literacies

There are many definitions of what digital literacy means.  Digital literacy engages the user with multimedia in order to learn and communicate ideas on the internet and also involves being able to evaluate digital sources of information.  Using digital skills such as performing a search online to access resources or using your phone to communicate information via text messages and e-mails are all part of being digitally literate.

What digital literacy means to me 

In my opinion, digital literacy not only involves being able to competently use digital devices such as smart phones, laptops, and electronic tablets to access information through online databases and on social media websites, such as facebook, google, and youtube, but also to be able to discern if the information is credible or trustworthy.  Wikipedia, for example, is a popular site that students use to access information, however, it should not be considered as a relevant open access resource to research, analyze, or produce information for academic assignments.  Coomer (2015) points out that although the contributors to Wikipedia may be qualified to write an article, users of Wikipedia can alter the information in the article.  England and Harriss (2017) provide information on how to evaluate online resources for accuracy or trustworthiness of information and provide examples of credible websites.

Use of digital tools 

Digital tools provide access to resources so that the learner has the convenience of learning anywhere, at any time, and at a pace that is comfortable to them.  An example would be using your phone to access and courses offered online though academic institutions such as Thomas Edison State University.  Having appropriate digital literacy skills is essential to make oneself more competent with navigating online platforms and to collaborate and communicate with peers at work and at school. 

References

Coomer, A. (2013). Should University Students Use Wikipedia? Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/may/13/should-university-students-use-wikipedia

England, P., & Harriss, A. (2016). Reliable sources of information. Occupational Health & Wellbeing, 68(2), 27-29. Retrieved from https://fir.tesu.edu:2128/docview/1773251964?accountid=40921