Embedded Files
Here’s the deal...
Here’s the deal...
You are not digitally literate if you do not understand how to create, use, store, retrieve, and share files!
Introduction
Introduction
Digital literacy isn’t just about knowing apps
To be digitally literate, you have to know how to manage your stuff. And in the digital world, all your stuff lives in files.
Think of a file as a digital container.
Every photo you take: file.
Every essay you write: file.
Every app you launch on your phone: file.
Folders are more like backpacks or boxes.
Folders help you group all those "containers" (files) so you can find things later and stay organized.
And the cloud? Well, that’s like having a box you can open from anywhere, as long as you have a connection to the internet.
Files
Files
What’s a file? A file is a container that stores information on your computer.
Files are identified by a short extension following a period at the end of their name. (Although this is sometimes hidden from the user)
For example:
abc.jpg → photogragh
abc.docx → Word doc
abc.exe → program
abc.mp3 → audio file
abc.png → image
abc.csv → comma-separated text file
Some extensions are hidden by default. Knowing them is vital in the digital world.
Image from: https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/file
Hands-On Activity
Hands-On Activity
Let's take a look at some files on your computer: Click here to download a collection of sample files, and then navigate to your downloads folder to look at it.
(You just downloaded SampleFiles_v02.zip - ZIP is a compressed file format allowing you to group files and reduce their size to share and transport them more easily)
Zip Files are like Mary Poppins' Magic bag!
To unzip:
Windows → right-click → Extract All
Mac → double-click
Explore! (demonstration in the video on this page)
What files are inside?
What opens them?
How big are they?
Folders
Folders
Folders are simple! They hold files (and even other folders, called subfolders).
When working with computers, it is essential to know where your files are and what their names are. This takes a bit of effort and organization. Don't trust the computer to organize for you! Be conscious and specific about where you save and store your data. Your future self will thank you!
This is how you should visualize files and folders on your computer.
Everything in the digital world is hierarchical. We will revisit this concept repeatedly throughout the semester.
Activity: Organize the files you unzipped into folders. Could you make folders that make sense for your classes, hobbies, or projects?
Why does any of this Matter?
Why does any of this Matter?
This foundational knowledge is necessary for success in our digital world. Understanding and managing files effectively means:
You’ll save time and reduce stress by not losing your work
You’ll collaborate better using online tools
You’ll be ready for the "real world."
You’ll manage digital clutter and storage limits.
You’ll protect your data and avoid mistakes.
It’s the foundation for advanced digital skills.
Everything else in digital literacy builds on understanding files, folders, and storage. If you get this now, everything else becomes easier and less frustrating.
File management isn’t just about managing school work. You will take these skills into your daily life and use them forever!
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