The 21st Century Literacy

What is Digital Literacy?

In this century literacy skills are known as digital literacies. These skills include the ability to communicate, collaborate with others, critically evaluate sources of information, and think creatively. As students, we learn to apply digital literacies in making our lessons. We work on groups or individual projects to produce digital content, like blog, articles, short videos, and posters. This content provides information, ideas, and opinions of the writer.

Negative Impact of Digital Literacy

Negative Impact:

1. Too much information

When we search for some information, there will appear some information that is related to the topic that we are searching for. But, frequently it makes us have a lot of information in our head. It can make us confused and cannot determine which are the facts and hoaxes. By doing some research we can know which are the fact.

2. Lack of privacy

In this era, many people share their stories on social media (online diary for everyone). Frequently, many people share their personal information like date of birth and address with strangers on social media. It’s not only for an individual but also for the companies. The teachers and parents take a role to supervise the children.

Positive Impact of Digital Literacy

Positive Impact:

1. Make connections

On Social media we can see a lot of people that we never seen before or in real life. But with digital literacy it possible to know each other deeply. Many people have their online friend and exchange information to each other. Never before did digital literacy can make us keep in touch with our distant family, friend. 

2. Save money and time

In this century when we want to go to the place for vacation we don’t need to worry about the cost. Because in this era we can book and choose the hotel, destination, and transport that we want to choose and suitable with our money. So we can do well planning which are we don’t need to waste our money and our time to overthink. This is very useful for people who like traveling.

3. Real-Time update

Stay up-to-date in this era is very important. Old times, we only had magazines and newspapers to update news about sports, politics, what was on viral, discounts of products, or the weather. But nowadays, with the internet and technology we can update some news just by search on internet and receiving news few second.

What skills should a student have in the digital age?

This era the digital literacies is very important because in this era all thing are about technology and internet. If you still take studying, you should expert or mastering few thing. Because these things would matter depending on the carrer ahead. Here are few things that the companies will ask hiring managers to share some of the important digital literacy skills they look for and why.

1. Independent research

Many of digital literacy is figuring out how to use technologies that strange and lack of knowledge. This is one of the huge troubles in this era. Never before there are a lot new term of technology development and updates. Hence, Cross-Smith says “The ability to independently research and problem-solve speaks volumes of a candidate's knack for adapting to dynamic technical landscapes—an incredibly valuable asset”

2. Collaboration

Work nicely with other might not seem like a conspicuous digital skill, but you’re part of team.Cross-Smith says”being able to marry collaboration and independent problem-solving makes true digital literacy a well-rounded professional characteristic.”

Additionally, many employers rely on digital tools and software to facilitate collaboration. You won’t have to be a power user of every individual platform from day one, but having the ability to navigate without much trouble is valuable.

3. Adapting to new technology

One of the most important aspects of digital literacy is the ability to adapt very quickly to new technology. Because in this era technology is moving and developing very fast. 

Most of us are comfortable with the tools that we have known. Whereas in this era pushing us to always update and learn the new tools of technology, the world isn’t frozen in time. All of us need to be comfortable with adjusting when needed.