Explain the Basics of Digital Literacy: Literacy Versus Digital Literacy

Globally, the quest for literacy has been expanding its horizons, but there is now a rapidly growing horizon of digital literacy in the technological sense. 

Understanding the difference between literacy and digital literacy is important.

What is literacy?

Dictionary.com suggests that literacy is “the quality or state of being literate, especially having “the ability to read and write”, the “possession of education”, as well as “a person’s knowledge of a particular subject or field.” 

In this era, the horizon of literacy surpasses our initial understanding of basic reading and writing, as basic computer technology enters into the global realm of education in many areas, including politics, commerce, etc.   

What is digital literacy?

The University of Illinois Library defines digital literacy as “the ability to use digital technology, communication tools or networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information”. It is also “the ability to understand and use information in multiple formats from a wide range of sources when it is presented via computers”. Digital literacy on an individual level is “a person’s ability to perform tasks effectively in a digital environment.” This includes “the ability to read and interpret media, to reproduce data and images through digital manipulation, and to evaluate and apply new knowledge gained from digital environments.”

Digital literacy entails electronic communication with infinite combinations of bits and bytes.

Does this negate the need for literacy?

No, literacy is still vital as electronic digital communication enhances it, rather than negating it. In other words, learning how to read and write, leads to more effective digital literacy or electronic communication.

The basics of digital literacy begin with children's computer programs that also teach them literacy. Globally, school and high school, as well as college and university programs are expanding digital literacy into many areas of the academic world and at the same time, helping to resolve numerous problems associated with illiteracy.

Digital manipulation entails the use of digits. The word digital implies something that “pertains to a digit or finger”, and using a digit for digital manipulation implies “one of the keys or finger levers on computer keyboard instruments”.    

While digital literacy is still relatively new, its implications are infinite. 

Mastering the art of digital literacy presents a challenge, not just for children, teens and adults, but also for the elderly, who may have not learned computer basics or computer technology requiring digital literacy previously. Like anything else that is new or different, there is fear of digital literacy and yet, when the basics are comprehended the majority will argue in its favor.