Learning - Digital Literacy Skills

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Digital Literacy Skills

Digital literacy skills are defined as the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.

Digital skills incorporate four key “use” areas: basic/operational, information/navigation, social, and creative skills.

Operational skills can be seen as “button knowledge” or the ability to use computer, tablet or phone interfaces, a mouse, and basics of online digital interfaces. Moving beyond operational access, using the internet to find, select and evaluate information on the internet form the basis of navigational skills. Social skills involve communicating online by searching, selecting, evaluating, and acting to exchange knowledge and create mutual understanding. Finally, creative skills blend all the previously defined skills with intellectual contribution to create content for sharing on the internet. This content could be photos, videos, text, music, or mixed content. For example, using the internet for job searching and financial engagement requires all skills, including the creative element. Job searches, resume building, cover letter composition and posting, job query response and posting all are required.

To read more about the importance and impact of digital literacy skills on Texans, read more in our recently published report, Texas Public Libraries: Serving Communities to Enhance Digital Literacy.

Page last modified: May 7, 2024