I thought I would follow Pat’s example and introduce myself.
So I’m Shirley Williams, I am Professor of Learning Technologies and a National Teaching Fellow. I am equally proud of both of these. I chose the title Professor of Learning Technologies because I am really interested in pedagogy, I am also a geek and love technologies, I suspect it was the passion for this combination that also earned me the National Teaching Fellowship!
I have used computers for more years than I am prepared to admit (as a hint I helped write test software for the ICL 2900 series).
The term Digital Literacy didn’t exist when I started using computers, it is a term that has come in to existence in the last 20 years and it’s meaning is evolving. From work I have done in an international context it is also possible to say that it’s meaning varies around the world. For example in places with sparse internet connections a digitally literate citizen would be someone who can turn on a computer and run an application.
With this project we are looking to ensure all members of the University are digitally ready for their futures. We may not know what that future is but we can help identify resources that will help prepare.
Hi Shirley, I’m looking forward to hearing what you do and the successes and challenges you encounter along the way. I’m Adviser in Digital Literacy at University of Worcester and we are just starting to get underway with our Digital Literacy program. I find one of the challenges is just getting people to understand what Digital Literacy means. It doesn’t help that the term is still a little foggy! I’ve been carrying out a similar role since 2000 and I must say that the words Digital Literacy (with the capitals) are helping people to understand but there are still times when it’s like wading through glue.
I’m hoping your blog will stop me from making any really big time wasting mistakes with our work here 🙂 Good luck with the venture!