Perpetual Digital Literacy

Abstract

Digital Literacy today means something very different from what it did ten years ago, five years ago, last year and maybe even last month. When I was growing up in the 80s, it meant that you could use the clunky search machines at the local library, and possibly that you had to take touch typing classes in school. In the 90s it evolved into being able to use a word processor and email. And in the last twelve years, it has come to mean everything from browsing the internet to buying goods online to using social media (and not putting your job in jeopardy by doing so!). Today’s new hires will be expected to be proficient at using tablet computers and e-reader devices, and to be able to do a lot of their job on the go using a phone more powerful than laptops from only five years ago.