INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL LITERACY

1. What is digital literacy?

Digital literacy is the "language" of modern technology, the internet and the computer world. It is not just the ability to use search engines or email, but also an understanding of how technology affects our everyday lives, how it changes the way we communicate, learn, work and play. Digital literacy is the ability to critically evaluate information found on the internet, to use the internet safely and responsibly, and to use digital technologies creatively and productively.

The main components of digital literacy are:

• Technological literacy - the ability to use different devices (computers, tablets, mobile phones) and basic applications.
• Information retrieval and critical evaluation - the ability to find, evaluate and make good use of information from the internet and other digital sources.
• Online communication and collaboration - communicating and working effectively with others using email, social networks, chat applications and collaborative platforms.
• Digital security and privacy - understanding the protection of personal data, being able to identify threats and apply security measures.
• Online ethics and responsibility - the ability to behave consciously and respectfully online, following digital ethics, respecting copyright and sharing information responsibly.

1.1. Why is digital literacy important?

Digital literacy helps people to use digital technologies, the internet and other digital tools effectively.

Digital information is becoming increasingly important nowadays as it provides quick and easy access to information and services. Digital technologies create new opportunities for learning, working, entertainment and interacting with the global community.

Digital literacy is important in today's society for several reasons:

• Modern technology. Most areas of life have been digitised, making it essential to have the skills to use computers, the internet, social networks and other digital tools.
• Work. Most jobs today require digital literacy, from using email to working with specialised software and technology.
• Finding and analysing information. Digital literacy helps people to quickly find and evaluate information on the internet, to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information, and to move from presenting information to analysing it.
• Communication. Digital literacy helps people to communicate effectively online, through email, social networking and other ways of sharing information with others.
• Creativity and innovation. The ability to use digital technologies encourages people to be more creative and to find new ways to apply technology in their work and everyday life.
• Security. Knowing the principles of digital security can help people to protect themselves from online threats, as well as to protect their personal data and privacy.

The impact of the use of digital information in everyday life is significant. It facilitates our daily routines, not only by allowing us to find the information we need quickly, but also by enabling us to work more efficiently, to communicate more easily, and to make entertainment choices. However, alongside the benefits, there are also risks, such as privacy breaches, security issues, information filtering, etc. It is therefore important to be digitally literate and equipped with the skills to use digital technologies and information safely and efficiently.

Answer the questions. Is it true or false?

Practical assignment: think about your digital self

You probably already use various technologies and digital tools in different areas of your life. You may use mobile technology such as your phone or tablet to download material or information from the internet, or you may use it to communicate with friends and family. You can use information and communication technologies (ICT) mainly for work or learning, or you can use them for entertainment.

Think about all the digital ways you use in your personal life (e.g. for entertainment, shopping, sharing photos, communicating with people, etc.). Who do you interact with digitally and how do you do it.

Make a list of your activities, indicating your preferences for which digital technologies you use in different areas of your life. Think about what digital technologies you would like to use in addition to what you already use.

1.2. What are the principles of digital literacy?

The principles of digital literacy include understanding how digital technologies work and how to use them, critical thinking, the ability to evaluate and analyse digital information, the safe and ethical use of digital tools, and the ability to create your own content and communicate with others through digital tools.

There are four key principles of digital literacy to consider when you are learning or developing digital literacy skills and using technology:

• Understanding - you must first achieve a level of understanding of digital literacy through lessons, home practice and group work. This will help you grasp the basic concepts of safety and digital literacy, which will form the basis of your learning.
• Interdependence - This is the concept that different digital platforms are dependent on each other. You will learn that all forms of digital media are interconnected. It can also help you to understand data protection, as the sheer volume of media means that forms of media must not only co-exist but also complement each other.
• Social factors - it is important that you understand that digital presence online has social influences and factors. The sharing of information, content, media and stories through a particular digital platform can determine the success of that media.
• Curation is the principle that defines the curation of your content and digital information. As you gain more confidence online, you will develop skills in curating content - discovering, sorting and saving it.

1.3. What is a digitally literate person?

A digitally literate person is someone who is able to use digital technologies, understand how they work, critically evaluate information online, use the internet safely, and create and communicate using digital tools and platforms. A digitally literate person is able to use information resources and technologies effectively and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the digital world.

Below are some of the ways in which digital literacy contributes to becoming a digital citizen:

• Being able to use the internet and digital services. Digitally literate people can easily search for information on the internet, use an email system, participate in online events, use e-banking and e-health services.
• Ability to protect their personal data. Digitally literate people know how to protect themselves against online fraud, interception of email correspondence and other online misconduct.
• High efficiency at work. Digitally literate people are able to process data quickly using digital technology, which enables them to work more efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to participate more widely in society. Digitally literate people can participate in online discussions, interact with other citizens and even contribute to public debates or decision-making processes.
• A big world of information and culture. Digitally literate people can more easily access information from sources all over the world, find valuable educational and entertainment information, and actively share their content with other internet users.
• Thus, with digital literacy skills, people can use digital tools effectively and become more active in the digital world.

Why not check of where you are now and what your digital literacy is? Take this test and see where you need to improve.

Evaluation:

• 8-10 correct answers: excellent digital literacy!
• 5-7 correct answers: Average digital literacy, improvement recommended.
• 0-4 correct answers: More attention to digital literacy is needed.

1.4. Could/would you live without computers and technology?

There are several reasons why people would like to live without computers and technology. One of the main arguments would be the desire to return to a simpler way of life and to immerse oneself in nature and traditional activities. Also, some people may feel pressure to be constantly connected to the internet or social networks. In addition, some people may have frightening experiences with technology, such as internet addiction or privacy violations. They may want to protect their personal data and privacy and therefore choose not to use technology.

However, it has to be recognised that technology is now firmly embedded in our lives and offers many benefits and opportunities, so not everyone would be prepared to completely abandon its use.

Practical assignment.

Watch the video and answer, would you like to return to a time without computers?

Discuss with your friends, relatives, colleagues how they feel about life with or without computers and share your opinion in the forum.