Digital Literacies
Digital Literacy
Digital Literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.
A Digitally Literate Person:
- Possesses the variety of skills – technical and cognitive – required to find, understand, evaluate, create, and communicate digital information in a wide variety of formats;
- Is able to use diverse technologies appropriately and effectively to retrieve information, interpret results, and judge the quality of that information;
- Understands the relationship between technology, life-long learning, personal privacy, and stewardship of information;
- Uses these skills and the appropriate technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, colleagues, family, and on occasion, the general public; and
- Uses these skills to actively participate in civic society and contribute to a vibrant, informed, and engaged community.
Digital Literacy
Digital Literacy: Online resource hub of digital literacy resources
- Basics: using a computer or mouse, using the internet, using software and applications
- Digital Literacy for Job Skills: building a resume, finding online job listings
- Includes a robust database of educator tools to find digital literacy content
Digital Learn: Online self-guided, basic computer skills tutorials
- Tutorials: Starting out (basic computer use, intro to email, navigating online), being safe online (online scams, privacy), job skills, being productive, connecting with others, online shopping
- Tools and Resources for Trainers
Digital Literacy Training Toolkit: Training modules designed for libraries by the Texas State Library and Archvies Commission
- This manual contains lesson plans, workbooks, activity worksheets, and resources for seven digital literacy training modules: Computer Basics, Internet Basics and Cyber Safety, Introduction to Email, Introduction to Microsoft Word, Introduction to Microsoft Excel, Job Search, and Resume Writing. It is recommended that each module be taught as a stand-alone course, as each takes two to four hours to complete.
- Available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese
TechBoomers: free educational website that teaches older adults and other inexperienced Internet users with basic computer skills about websites that can help improve their quality of life.
- introduction to trusted new websites and Internet-based applications through an easy-to-navigate directory
- video and article tutorials in a language suited to those who may not be the most tech-savvy. These tutorials teach the easiest and most efficient ways to use the websites, as well as how these websites can improve one's quality of life.
Digital Charlotte Field Guide: Short, beginner-friendly training videos on a variety of basic computer skills
- Topics include: Finding resources online, email, social media, mobile devices, videos, photo, and audio, digital safety, documents and cloud storage, glossary of tech terms
- Charlotte WiFi map -- a crowdsourced tool to help people locate free WiFi networks in Charlotte, NC
Microsoft Digital Literacy: Self-paced online curriculum with instructor resources for classroom use
- Modules: Computer basics; The Internet, cloud services, and the web; productivity programs; computer security and privacy; digital lifestyles
- Certificate of completion
- Reliance on Microsoft Office products; have specific system requirements (hardware/software and reliable internet)
Northstar Digital Literacy Assessment : Online self-guided, basic computer skills certificate
- 12 technology standards
- Sponsor institutions administer e-badges and certificates when completed
Web literacy
Mozilla Web Literacy : Entry-level web literacy & 21st century digital skills
- Segments: participate, read, and write online
- Many teaching activities for a variety of user needs and skill levels, including Web Literacy Skills for Librarians
Interneting Is Hard: Free web development curriculum for beginners
- HTML, CSS & JavaScript tutorials with hands-on activities