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Digital Literacy at the Library

Posted over 4 years ago by Andy Lechlak

So what is digital literacy? Well there are a few major players that define digital literacy similarly.

Digital Literacy will help you develop a fundamental understanding of computers.

1. The ability to use digital technology, communication tools or networks to locate, evaluate, use and create information.
2. The ability to understand and use information in multiple formats from a wide range of sources when it is presented via computers.
3. A person’s ability to perform tasks effectively in a digital environment… Literacy includes 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.

Wikipedia (so accurate 100% of the time)

The term digital literacy was simplified by Paul Gilster in his 1997 book Digital Literacy. Gilster described digital literacy as the usage and comprehension of information in the digital age. He also emphasized the importance of digital technologies as an "essential life skill.

Essentially Digital Literacy is learning how to use technology and devices in everyday life.

So what is the Library's role?

Hopefully you know that the Library is here to help with Digital Literacy. You can bring in your device with questions and we can try to help you work through it! We offer device help at all of our locations and certain locations like Main Audio Visual are specialists.

We also offer Technology classes at Kent regularly on the Microsoft Suite.

Recommended Resources

GCF LearnFree.org

GCFLearnFree.org provides high quality, innovative learning opportunities to anyone who wants to improve the technology, literacy, and math skills needed to be successful in both work and life. This resource provides information on more than 180 topics and does so for free through 2,000 lessons, 800+ videos, and over 50 interactives and games. https://www.gcflearnfree.org/

Learning Express Library

Online practice for ACT, SAT, and GED tests as well as additional educational tools for learning technical software like the Adobe Suite. http://api.toledolibrary.org/d...

Lynda.com

Lynda.com is an online learning site of over 3,000 courses that include more than 130,000 videos. The courses cover a variety of topics covering design, business, office software, and personal and professional goals. Certificates of completion can be printed and uploaded to a LinkedIn profile. http://lynda.com/portal/patron...

Techboomers

Free videos and article tutorials on how to use popular websites like Netflix, Amazon, and Gmail as well as various social networks. Tutorials are geared towards baby boomer, senior learners, and inexperienced internet users. https://techboomers.com/