Cyber & Digital Literacy
"Definition and Importance"
What is Cyber/Digital Literacy?
While the term "literacy" by itself normally refers to reading and writing abilities, when the word "cyber" is added before it, it incorporates a lot more. Cyber Literacy is defined as the capacity to use computer technology successfully while also understanding the consequences of those actions. It's also crucial to know where to go in cyberspace to find dependable and accurate materials, sometimes known as cyber intelligence. Understanding is important because it entails not just knowing how to utilize technology but also being aware of one's actions.
"Cyber literacy" is best defined as understanding where to go on the Internet to find reliable and correct information. It focuses on assisting students in locating relevant resources and avoiding inaccuracies.
Digital literacy is the ability to live, learn, and work in a society where communication and information access are increasingly facilitated by digital technologies such as the Internet, social media, and mobile devices.
Digital literacy, also called cyberliteracy, is the ability to use computers and other digital technologies in the best way possible.
Digital literacy has nothing to do with your age or job. Instead, it's all about the skills you need to grow, communicate, and do well in the digital age. These skills include:
Handling different devices and operating systems.
Navigating through various online platforms.
Understanding how the digital world works.
Using technology creatively and innovatively to solve problems.
Identifying information within different types of media.
Evaluating digital resources critically.
Recognizing and handling digital threats.
Using digital tools in a safe and ethical way.
Creating and sharing information effectively.
Even though digital literacy is new, it is still related to other kinds of literacy. Together, they help us learn about the world, connect with other people, and grow as community members.
Jisc's digital capabilities: The six elements
Digital Capabilities
Digital capability refers to the abilities and attitudes that individuals and organizations must possess in order to survive in the modern world. Individuals with digital skills can adapt and prosper in a modern learning environment while also contributing to a global society.
Being digitally literate can show your versatility and ability to pick up new skills and behaviors. It displays high ethical, responsible, and culturally aware behavior when it comes to technology and the law; a digitally literate person is ethical, responsible, and culturally aware in their interactions with others.
Your employability is directly influenced by your digital literacy skills. Employers are searching for proof of candidates' digital literacy; those who can function well as independent learners are more likely to succeed in the job market and their future jobs.
Importance of Cyber/ Digital Literacy
Just like we use money every day and should know how it works, we need to know how computers work so we can protect our data, find information faster, avoid phishing, and do a lot more.
As a college student, you really need to know how to use technology. It will also be very important in the future when you start working. At your job, you'll need to interact with people in digital environments, use information in the right way, and work with others to come up with new ideas and products. As the digital world continues to change quickly, you'll need to keep your digital identity and well-being in good shape.
Digitally literate students understand how to locate and consume digital content. They understand how to develop, communicate, and distribute digital material. Students who are developing digital literacy skills understand the fundamentals of Internet safety, such as choosing strong passwords, understanding and utilizing privacy settings, and knowing what to publish and what not to share on social media. They are aware of the dangers of cyberbullying and work to stop current bullies as well as prevent others from cyberbullying.
References
Cyber literacy. (n.d.). Rosen Publishing. https://rosenpublishing.com/product/cyber-literacy
Devon. (2021, January 27). What is cyber literacy and why is it important? Cybint. https://www.cybintsolutions.com/what-is-cyber-literacy-why-important/#:~:text=By%20definition%2C%20Cyber%20Literacy%20means,otherwise%20known%20as%20cyber%20intelligence
What is digital literacy? (n.d.). https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/studysmart/home/study_skills_guides/digital_literacy/what_is_digital_literacy
What is digital literacy and why it's crucial to us now | CyberGhostVPN privacy hub. (2021, March 4). CyberGhostVPN Privacy Hub - Latest Privacy and Security News. https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/privacyhub/what-is-digital-literacy-and-why-its-crucial-to-us-now/
What is digital literacy and why does it matter? (2019, April 12). Renaissance. https://www.renaissance.com/2019/02/08/blog-digital-literacy-why-does-it-matter/
What is digital capability? (n.d.). JISC. https://www.digitalcapability.jisc.ac.uk/what-is-digital-capability/#:~:text=Digital%20capability%20is%20the%20term,work%20in%20a%20digital%20society
Library & student services: Digital literacy: What is digital literacy? (2019, October 2). Library & Student Services at AECC University College. https://libguides.aecc.ac.uk/digitalliteracy#:~:text=Information%2C%20media%20and%20data%20literacy,Learning%20and%20personal%2Fprofessional%20development
Photos from:
https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2021/07/13/teachers-digital-literacy-teaching-online/