Learn to discern

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Shirley Williams

There is an interesting article in the THES by Frank Webster entitled “Learn to discern”
In the article he addresses the idea of computer literacy, and suggests we “lay off the ‘literacy’ metaphor” which in the case of “computer literate” or “media literate”is about technical skills and concentrate more on how we teach students to evaluate and filter information.
I think he is right in saying that information skills are important, but they do need supporting by technical skills. For projects like Digitally Ready we need to ensure that we are offering support in ensuring our community are able to develop all the necessary skills.

About Shirley Williams

Shirley Williams is a National Teaching Fellow and Professor of Learning Technologies at the University of Reading. She is involved in a number of research projects related to learning technologies, communities, social networks, Digital identity and knowledge transfer. She also enjoys reading and cooking.
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1 Response to Learn to discern

  1. patparslow says:
    August 8, 2011 at 11:28 am

    I think it is important to consider community/communication skills as well as information literacy and technical literacy. In fact, my first pass at thinking about the areas digital literacy really covers left me with this list:

    Activities:
    Finding – search, but also following a trail, communication, evaluation of links etc
    Evaluating – trustworthiness of resources, evaluating systems
    Creating – static or social
    Learning – how do you learn a new system?
    Communicating – social
    Sharing – collaborative

    Media:
    Text
    Images
    Audio
    Video
    Programmatic

    Environment:
    Desktop
    Online
    Mobile

    Issues:
    Privacy
    Security
    Legal & Moral

    Reply

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