Digital Literacy is the ability to effectively and critically navigate, evaluate and create information using a range of digital technologies. That is the dictionary definition of digital literacy, but to me digital literacy is having digital access and knowing what digital divide is and are able to use it in your everyday life. Having a computer at home, which you use on a daily bases to either email, social network, or informational purposes are all everyday uses. This is a good example of being digital literate.

Knowing how to use technology and knowing the terms associated with technology can help you become active and responsible digital citizens because technology has become a big part of life and many associations and companies have been making websites and doing everything on the computer instead of using paper. So, for example, if you wanted to apply for a job at a big corporation or even a small business in town that use the computer for applications and you didn't know how to use the computer and didn't know anything about technology you wouldn't be able to apply for that job. Concluding in missing a great job opportunity.

            What I have learned about digital literacy that has made an impact on me is that it has led to big increases in information and the sharing of knowledge. Also, all of my teachers expect my work documents to have no flaws and no spelling errors because of spelling check on Microsoft Word. But, I also never knew that some people weren't digitally literate, I have always thought that everyone had technology at home or at least access to it some way. I also thought even if they didn't have technology that they would at least know how to use it. But, it was a lie. Not everyone knows how to use technology and is digital literate.

            Digital Literacy is in many people’s lives and no one knows that they are actually digital literate. But, there are also many people that don’t know anything about technology. Some of these people can’t afford wifi, computers, or any technology and some people just don't believe in technology.

Digital access by holroydashley on GoAnimate

Digital access is when you are fully involved in the electronic society. This affects me because if I didn't have internet my grades probably wouldn't be as good as they are. This is because when I have questions I wouldn't be able to Google it to find the answer or email my teacher if I didn't understand directions. Also, if I didn't have my phone I wouldn't be able to communicate with family members far away and we wouldn't be as close as a family that we are right now.  

Digital divide is the divide between people who do have Internet and the people that don't. So, when we get online homework students that don't have Internet access won't be able to complete that day's homework. Digital divide affects me because I have a grandma that lives in Florida that doesn't know how to use the phone or Internet, so I haven't talked to her since 5th grade. That's when I went down to Florida to visit her. This affects me because I miss my grandma and never get to see her. I haven't noticed any digital divide in our school. This is only because I don't talk about the Internet too much with people and friends.

If students don't have access to the Internet they wouldn't be able to check their grades online and turn in anything missing or try to improve their grades. Also, most teachers are now starting to give more and more homework out online and if a student doesn't have Internet they would not be able to complete that nights homework. Which would affect in a drop in their grade and not knowing that material. Which may be needed for future.

Some solutions that our education system can do to gap the digital divide that is occurring in our education system is they are making it easier for blind and deaf people to use smart phones, Internet, and other devices. And people with disabilities can depend more on technology. They are doing this by changing the interfaces on smart phones, have audible descriptions, captions, make cell phones compatible with hearing aids, and making it easier to put captions on the television my putting a button on the remote.

These are all great ways to welcome people with disabilities deeper into the world of technology.  Also, help make more and more people have digital access. Which helps us get too college and get our future job.

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