#8 Digital Literacy, Digital Natives, and Digital Immigrants (LIS5937: Teaching Info. Lit.)

This time around, I decided to look at the concept of digital literacy rather than at a specific technology or Web 2.0 tool. I think it is very important to understand what being "digitally literate" means and about the conversation that has been going on about digital natives versus digital immigrants. Teaching about digital literacy and fostering this in students is extremely useful in information literacy instruction. Today, with the huge emphasis on technology that exists, and the plethora of information that exists in the online environment, digital literacy skills should be learned by all. The instructor librarian has the opportunity to not only teach students about information seeking and research skills, but also about digital literacy.

What is Digital Literacy?
"Digital literacy is the ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, and analyze information using digital technology" (source). Digital literacy involves the use of computer hardware, software (especially those used most frequently by businesses and organizations), the Internet, cell phones (including smart phones), PDAs, and other digital devices. A "digital citizen" is a person who uses these skills to interact with society (source). Possessing technology or digital literacy skills is important because technology has changed the workforce, education, societies, and the world as a whole.

In the Workforce

• Digital technologies are increasingly becoming integrated into both white collar and blue collar jobs. Many employers are now requiring proof of digital literacy skills in order to be hired for a job or promoted.

• Job recruiters often use employment web sites to recruit potential employees, thus digital literacy skills are needed in order to apply for a job.

• Many businesses and organizations use word processing and spreadsheet creation software as well as the Internet and other types of technology in order to increase productivity. Thus, it is important for employees to possess or acquire technology skills in order to do their jobs efficiently and effectively.

• As technology is becoming more affordable and readily available it is increasingly becoming embedded in our daily lives.

In Education

• For the past several decades, schools have been increasingly integrating technology into their curriculum in order to equip students with the technology skills they will need to be successful in the workforce and in life.

• Computers are often used in the classroom, educational software is often used to teach curriculum (Blackboard for example), and course materials are often provided online.

• Teachers and librarians are teaching students to use computers and the Internet to do their research. Students learn how to identify credible sources, learn about the ethical use of information, and more.

• Many libraries are using games and gaming systems as part of their programming. Some libraries use the game Digital Literacy Contest to increase awareness about digital literacy. Click here for an example.

In Society

• Technology is allowing people to communicate across time and space and to keep up with trends in society.

• Being able to use social networking and other Web 2.0 tools helps people to stay in contact with one another, share information, and even sell goods and services.

• Sites such as LinkedIn help professionals both young and old to network, connect with colleagues, and discover business opportunities.

Being digitally literate also allows individuals to identify and avoid email fraud, identity theft, phishing scams, viruses, and other threats that are spread through the use of the Internet.

Digital What?
The terms "digital immigrant" and "digital native" have evolved out of the discussion surrounding digital technology and its impact on different generations. The term digital immigrant is used to refer to individuals who were born prior to the existence of digital technology (1970 or earlier). This particular year is pinpointed as the Digital Age began around this time. The Digital Age arose out of the development of digital technology and the subsequent development of the Internet. It marked a shift from traditional industry, to an economy based on the manipulation of information (source). While digital immigrants were born before the advent of digital technology, many of them typically adopt digital technology in one form or another later in life.

The term digital native is typically used to refer to an individual born after 1970, after the introduction of digital technology. From interacting with technology at an early age, digital natives tend to have a greater understanding of its concepts (source). In terms of education, digital natives have been shaped by their environment. It is an environment that possesses a wealth of media and is dynamic, while focusing on immediacy. Digital natives learn better and are motivated through the use of digital technologies. Digital natives tend to be collaborators, multitaskers, and feel that learning should be fun (and they find ways to make it that way). Digital natives are also referred to as "millennials" and "21st century learners".