DEFINITIONS

What is Digital Literacy?

According to the American Library Association (ALA), digital literacy refers to “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills” (American Library Association, 2022). Most of the world has moved online. As a result, it is critical for all people to be digitally literate.

The National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) discusses digital literacy in relation to the model of “a three-legged stool”. The three legs refer to:

ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

An individual’s access to the internet must be reliable and affordable.

APPROPRIATE DEVICES

Smartphones are very useful and provide access to the internet, however, there are numerous digital tasks that a smartphone cannot facilitate which another device can.

DIGITAL SKILLS

Even with an appropriate device and home internet connection, to be digitally literate, one must also possess the digital skills that allow you to check your email, make appointments, search the internet, and answer your own technological questions when necessary.

DIGITAL DIVIDE - “The digital divide is the gap between those who have affordable access, skills, and support to effectively engage online and those who do not. As technology constantly evolves, the digital divide prevents equal participation and opportunity in all parts of life, disproportionately affecting people of color, Indigenous peoples, households with low incomes, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and older adults” (National Digital Inclusion Alliance, 2022).

DIGITAL EQUITY - “Digital equity is a condition in which all individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy, and economy. Digital equity is necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning, and access to essential services” (National Digital Inclusion Alliance, 2022).

DIGITAL INCLUSION - “Digital Inclusion refers to the activities necessary to ensure that all individuals and communities, including the most disadvantaged, have access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This includes five elements:

1. Affordable, robust broadband internet service;

2. Internet-enabled devices that meet the needs of the user;

3. Access to digital literacy training;

4. Quality technical support;

5. Applications and online content designed to enable and encourage self-sufficiency, participation and collaboration.

Digital Inclusion must evolve as technology advances. Digital Inclusion requires intentional strategies and investments to reduce and eliminate historical, institutional and structural barriers to access and use technology” (National Digital Inclusion Alliance, 2022).

DIGITAL LITERACY - “The ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills” (American Library Association, 2022).

American Library Association. (2022). Digital Literacy. https://literacy.ala.org/digital-literacy/.

National Digital Inclusion Alliance. (2022). Definitions. https://www.digitalinclusion.org/definitions/.