1. What is digital literacy?

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.