Digital literacy, according to the American Library Association, is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. As we keep chugging away in this world, our technologies are ever advancing. Having the ability to use and understand these resources will either make or break you in this age!
According to Jennifer Sparrow and the Educause Review, digital fluency is a broader term. It refers to the ability to leverage technology to create new knowledge, new challenges, and new problems to complement critical thinking, complex problem solving, and social intelligence to solve new challenges. We need proficient communication skills and improvement in media literacy to tackle issues we experience both today and in the future!
When I was researching digital literacy, I found that there are, in fact, eight elements that coincide this term! They are cultural, cognitive, constructive, communicative, confident, creative, critical, and civic. It is known that this framework is applicable to almost any digital learning situation.
When it comes down to it, there are a number of things I feel like I am experienced in when it comes to digital literacy. Social media, online education, internet exploration, functioning applications, and connecting devices are some of the major technological skills I have acquired over the last decade or so of my life. I will admit, however, that there are a number of other “literacies” where I do not feel like I am competent! Technology is advancing at a rather alarming rate, and keeping up can be proven difficult!
There are a number of things that I would like to learn about when it comes to digital literacy. A few of them include how to set up particular devices, keeping up-to-date with a majority of entertainment systems, and just being open overall to new advancements and updates! I am expecting to learn a variety of new things on a regular basis when it comes to digital literacy. If I am not “fluent” or am unwilling to accept advancement, I just might get left in the dust!
How can we become effective digital learners and leaders? The answer might seem simple, but it will require quite a bit of work. Being open to change and willing to learn are among the two major traits that a leader must possess in this increasingly digital world! Our society is ever changing, so must we be.
Here is a link to a website that help me to better understand the concept of digital literacy!
Caleb's Blog 
I love the last line of this blog! “Our society is ever changing, so must we be.” This couldn’t be more true. It is amazing to look at the progress they have made in the past ten years, but scary to think where we will be in the next ten years.
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