Learning the code: Deciphering digital literacy

Abstract

The concept of "digital literacy" has been much discussed and variously misunderstood in our society. Owing to digital communication technologies, it is often confused with other literacies and skills necessary for utilizing and evaluating digital information. As information and communication is increasingly produced, accessed, and controlled in digital formats there is significant need to clarify among "information literacies" what "digital literacy" means and demands. In order to accomplish this the author reviews what is meant by literacies in human society; examines the nature of the digital as a language; describes genuine digital literacy; and elucidates the sociopolitical importance of the growing digital illiteracy in global citizenry and how this might be addressed.