Digital Literacy

What is digital literacy?

Digital literacy is more than technological know-how: it includes a wide variety of ethical, social and reflective practices that are embedded in work, learning, leisure and daily life.

Traditional definitions of literacy have focused on skills relating to numeracy, listening, speaking, reading, writing and critical thinking, with the end goal being developing active thinkers and learners who are able to engage in society in effective and meaningful ways. These skills are needed for full participation in digital society as well, but they are only part of a larger set of skills and competencies that are required.

Digital Literacy Competencies

• Use represents the technical fluency that’s needed to engage with computers and the Internet. Skills and competencies that fall under “use” range from basic technical know-how – using computer programs such as word processors, web browsers, email and other communication tools – to the more sophisticated abilities for accessing and using knowledge resources, such as search engines and online databases, and emerging technologies such as cloud computing.

• Understand is that critical piece – it’s the set of skills that help us comprehend, contextualize, and critically evaluate digital media so that we can make informed decisions about what we do and encounter online. These are the essential skills that we need to start teaching people as soon as they go online.

• Create is the ability to produce content and effectively communicate through a variety of digital media tools. The ability to create using digital media ensures that Canadians are active contributors to digital society. Creation – whether through blogs, tweets, wikis or any of the hundreds of avenues for expression and sharing online – is at the heart of citizenship and innovation.

The CVLLC offers free one to one tutoring and support with learning to use devices like:

• Laptop and desktop computers

• Smartphones

• Tablets/iPads

We also provide a weekly Tech Drop in on Monday and Wednesday afternoons for support with your personal devices. Entrance is at the rear of our office from 1-3PM.

Due to COVID-19 our program has been specifically redesigned to allow for the required distance between learners and tutors (2 metres) and allows for sharing of screens between laptops, phones or tablets. We can accommodate in person learning for any device.

Our tutoring space and waiting area is cleaned with hospital grade sanitizers between each session. Our office is cleaned daily in line with Provincial guidelines.

For more information or to register for classes, please connect directly with our Literacy Coordinator by contacting our office.

Information retrieved from MediaSmarts.