EdTech+According+to+Maja

Digital Literacy Maja Nimmons-Vann Walden University December 19, 2011 Abstract Last week, our task was to identify three innovations and describe their benefits. This week, we will further evaluate each to determine which of them is worthy of serving as the focal point for future study. While all three improved classroom performance and functionality, a new champion emerged among them. Initially, it was thought that Smarter Balance was the way to go, but when asked to further contemplate its suitability, a better option rose to the forefront. This new option is not “prepackaged,” yet it is designed for the masses who struggle with technology from day to day. The new contender allows for creativity, rigor, and an extension of ideas. The new leader is digital—that is, digital literacy to be exact. //Keywords: //diffusion,  digital literacy

Digital Literacy Digital literacy. What is it? According to the University of Illinois, it is the ability to use digital technology, communication tools or networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information. It also includes the ability to understand and use information in multiple formats from a wide range of sources when it is presented via computers. Lastly, it is the ability to read and interpret media, to reproduce data and images through digital manipulation, and to evaluate and apply new knowledge gained from digital environments (2008). Is this anything new? To those with digital savvy, the answer is no; however, to those subsisting on the flip-side, the answer is an overwhelming, yes. The fact that technology exists in our world does not guarantee it is being utilized properly or made available to everyone. By utilizing digital literacy as a mode of standardization, a level of global continuity would be established that would make communication incredibly consistent and synchronized.

That is one of the reasons why digital literacy has been selected as the center of my study. Its potential and value must be properly distributed to all citizens—not just a few. With modern day technologies changing with lightning speed, it is important that all members of society, no matter where they are located, know how to use this resource accurately and responsibly. Just as there are many benefits of technology, there are serious dangers, too. Microsoft realizes this and has been at the center of perpetuating proper use of digital media throughout the world. Yes, Microsoft sees this form of literacy as a continuum of learning that enables individuals to achieve their goals, develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their communities and societies (Microsoft, 2009). Collaboration amongst many is making this possible. Today, success is no longer determined by the nation in which one lives, but by the amount of affordable technology to which one has access.

 Why is digital literacy a better choice than the other innovations? Personally, I like it more. The intellectual challenge it poses and creative scope are riveting. When a person likes something, they are able to put more time, effort, thought, and productivity into it. Additionally, it addresses concepts near and dear to me. It involves instruction, skill and expertise, and is not temporal. Technology is here to stay in various forms and formats. Even though it may be a rather costly and rather vast undertaking, it is doable. Quite frankly, our future will ultimately demand it. As for the others, Assistive Technology is hampered by too much legality. Smarter Balance, after further review, is mostly a done deal. Since every state has agreed to implement it, there simply is not enough challenge for it to be central to this multimedia project.

How does this innovation benefit the classroom? Everyone is aware that technology could be better utilized in schools. School districts should consider this matter carefully and work to resolve it. Technology must be taught and learned like any other language. School children could start this process and take the knowledge into their homes. Classes could be proffered through schools to members of the community, so various adult learners could participate and extend their knowledge base. Where at all possible, a creative means must be found for making this transition possible. On a global level, communication would become more efficient.

As it has been stated before, technology alone means nothing. Humans lend usefulness, craft, and legitimacy to its purpose. What is needed is a common language and knowledge-base that is familiar to all while we add new dimension to the facets of our lives. That language is digital literacy.

References Digital Strategy Glossary of Key Terms <span style="color: #333366; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;">[] <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt;"> accessed August 21, 2008. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">Microsoft Corporation. (2009). <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">Impacting social change <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">through access to computing s <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">kills <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">: <span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">a white Paper by Mike Evans ITcert Solutions Limited <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif;">. Retrieved from []