by Charani LCM Patabendige
Published on Ceylon Today on 26th July 2023.
According to the Ministry of Education and Child Care, digital literacy encompasses various factors such as individuals’ inclination, mindset, and proficiency in effectively utilising digital technology and communication tools to access, oversee, merge, scrutinise, and assess information, generate fresh insights, and engage in interactive communication with others. Another definition of Digital Literacy as per Joaquim Miro, consists of four key pillars. These pillars include the ability to stay updated with current technologies, the ability to communicate effectively in online environments, manage ideas proficiently in online settings and utilise technology to effectively lead and coordinate teams.
So why does digital literacy matter?
Digital literacy is a key matter of significance for an array of reasons, especially in the present-day context. Needless to say, today’s world is wholly digitalised. Therefore, to exist in such a world, digital literacy plays the role of a blessing. First and foremost, it is the skill of an individual to utilise technology to delve into digital platforms. Digital literacy fosters critical thinking skills in users. This allows them to understand what to access, and what is crucial, reliable, authentic and relevant. Another imperative fact is the networking and collaborative effect of digital literacy. It enables an individual to actively and efficiently interact in online environments to thrive in their knowledge. It also affects the employment sector, where being more conversant in technology brings about better output and especially it opens avenues in the digital economy. Through digital literacy, individuals have the ability to protect their rights including the right to privacy as well as access to information.
Missed opportunities
However, lacking digital literacy means missing out on numerous opportunities. One of the most pressing issues is the missed opportunity to reap economic benefits. Possessing digital skills lets individuals thrive in the digital world, especially in fields like technology and banking. Furthermore, a lack of digital literacy represents a missed opportunity in any job sphere since smart technology has become essential for survival. Moreover, it hinders educational advancement, limiting access to knowledge and networking with experts. The absence of digital literacy also restricts people from participating in politics and voicing their opinions, as crucial information is often circulated through digital platforms. The inability to access, verify, and deny bogus information can lead to disastrous consequences, such as the spread of hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and terrorism. Additionally, the lack of digital literacy further widens the generation gap, leading to exclusivism among younger generations and missing out on important moments with family members.
Countries like Sri Lanka
Therefore, governments all over the world have a crucial role in championing digital literacy. Developing countries like Sri Lanka have many financial and technological limitations when instilling digital literacy. First and foremost, it is crucial to expand and improve broadband infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas while strengthening the areas which already have access. It is imperative to invest in Digital skills training by providing vocational training with practical digital skills which cater to the job market. There is an imperative role to be played by the community since libraries, schools, and NGOs can interconnect with one another and provide training and opportunities giving room to collaborate.
Another key issue according to UN Women (2023) is, in the realm of technology, there continues to be a lack of representation and participation by women and girls. They are less inclined to utilise digital services or pursue careers in the technology sector, and they are more susceptible to experiencing online harassment and violence. In fact, over the last ten years, women’s exclusion from the digital sphere has resulted in a loss of USD 1 trillion from the GDP of low- and middle-income countries.
Therefore, governments should pave the way for women and girls to aspire to their dreams in the technology field which at the end of the day contributes to digital literacy.
Governments should attempt to provide affordable access to the internet access and digital devices, at least for school students and working people. Furthermore, governments have a role in regulating apps and their content. While many apps aim to enhance digital literacy, certain apps can hinder it. These include addictive Social Media apps, Gaming apps, Misinformation and Fake News apps.
Therefore, to wrap up, in the present digital era, digital literacy holds great significance, encompassing many facets such as the effective utilisation of technology, accessing information and online communication. Governments have a crucial role to play in promoting digital literacy, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka facing financial and technological constraints. Priorities for governments include expanding and enhancing broadband infrastructure, investing in practical digital skills training, fostering community collaboration, and addressing the gender gap in technology. Moreover, governments should ensure affordable internet access and devices, regulate apps and their content, and promote digital literacy as a means to empower individuals and drive economic growth, education, civic engagement, and personal advancement. By championing digital literacy, governments can bridge the digital divide, seize opportunities, and unlock the full potential of their populations.
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* Ms. Charani Patabendige is an Acting Research Analyst and a Research Assistant at the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on National Security established and functioning under the Ministry of Defence) The opinions expressed are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute or the Ministry of Defence.