What is digital and Media Literacy? Let’s break it down….

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Here are the key terms:

DIGITAL--

Having to do with USING & STORING DATA /INFORMATION through DIGITAL SIGNALS; computer technology.

LITERACY—

One usually thinks of READING AND WRITING and being able to do both well, but it also means COMPETENCE, FLUENCY, & KNOWLEDGE, which is how we'll refer to it in this class.

MEDIA--

the main means of MASS COMMUNICATION (especially television, radio, newspapers, books--and now--social media apps and the Internet).

Our working DEFINITION of Digital Literacy:

Digital literacy is the ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, and create information using digital technology. It involves a working knowledge of current media and technology tools, and an understanding of how technology can be used effectively and with responsibility.

DISCUSSION:

One of the major differences between digital media and regular media, such as TV and radio is that digital media generally allow people opportunities for interactive communication — for creation and self-expression. Social media, for instance, is more “two-way,” because people are talking with one another. Media such as TV, books, and radio are generally more “one-way,” because people generally do not interact with one another through these technologies (although even that has changed as audience members can leave comments and share).

Media used to be largely one-way communication before the Internet came into existence. People consumed, or took in, media and messages through television, newspapers, books, and radio.

But the digital media of today are often two-way. We can now create, share, respond and communicate in addition to consuming media. What are some of the ways that people communicate with or share with others over digital media?

Here are a few ideas:

Leaving comments on articles or uploads
Posting on social networks
Texting and instant messaging through apps
Video conferencing like Skype or Google Hangouts
Blogging and video-logging
Uploading videos and photos
Multi-player games / chat

CONCLUSION

Digital media provide excellent tools for accessing information. They also allow immediate communication and social connections. Media can support us when we build friendships, join new communities, and provide amazing opportunities for learning, creation, and collaboration.

We know that there are also negatives with media use, such as dealing with media addiction, hackers, cyberbullies, identity thieves, sexting, trolls/haters, predators, cyber-stalking, and physical and mental health effects.

Digital media are a 24/7 part of our culture –-portable devices, such as cell phones and tablets, seem to surround us. Remember, though, that the media lives of all teens and families are not the same. Some are allowed to use more digital media than others, some have better Internet access than others, and some like these tools more than others.

We know digital tools and interactions can be a positive or negative force in the world. We each have to decide to make the online world a better, safer place.