Digital literacy
The internet has grown in prominence over the years. Digital literacy is essential in the ever growing competitive global market. Institutions of higher are continuously putting measures in place to equip graduate with digital literacy skills. However, employers and educators acknowledge the challenges that digital literacy faces. Graduates from institutions of higher learning are not fully preparing graduates on this skill. This is because several institutions have not embraced digital literacy. These institutions take this skill for granted. The 21st century is characterized by ubiquitous computing and therefore digital literacy plays a crucial role in various occupations. Despite its underlying importance majority of educators and employers and hence disadvantaging students and employees who are not equipped with this skill. Due to its importance, Digital Literacy is one of the components of the European Union’s strategic plan. The strategy is designed towards steering Europe towards viable economic future.
Technology solves numerous business and real-world problems therefore employees and students who lack the skill are disadvantaged. Information technology is regarded as the basic driver of the societal and the economic change. Developed countries have implemented policies that push for digital literacy. However, the levels of measures and strategies implemented towards digital literacy vary across different economies. Japan and Korea lead the way while the UK, USA, Australia among other nations continue to strategize on the most effective methods of including digital literacy into their economic and education systems.
Definition of terms
Digital literacy
An individual’s skills and ability to search, find, and evaluate information through digital platforms. It is characterized by the individual’s ability to perform various functions using technology.
Technology literacy
An individual’s ability to independently, responsibly, effectively, and appropriately make application of technological tools in accessing, evaluating, integrating, and managing information through technology platforms
ICT
A term used to refer to the role of integrated telecommunication with the corresponding enterprise software to manipulate audiovisual systems. These components are interlinked using a cable system that distributes signals.
Digital skills
It is the ability to apply acquired skills and knowledge to assess, utilize, evaluate, and manage content using the internet. They are therefore skills that are directly related to digital literacy.
Digital divide
The gap between the groups of people with ready access to digital devices such as computers and internet and the group of people who have no access to digital devices.