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Digital literacy and society engagement
Digital technology is everywhere.
It has transformed how we do business, how we learn, the way we bank, how we access health care and how we talk to loved ones. It helps us save time, make better decisions, access information, stay safe, and connect globally.
The ability to successfully navigate all this is known as “digital literacy”—the ability to use, understand, and create using digital technologies across a variety of platforms.
There is a problem with all this. And it has to do with access.
Known as the “digital divide,” this is the clear gap between those who have access to the digital world, and those who do not. This division is socioeconomic, with low income families and marginalized groups not able to participate in the digital world because of cost. Although level of income still strongly dictates this divide, Canadians face other barriers as well, including geographic location, language, age, and even attitude.
Whatever the barrier, being digitally literate is now a requirement for full participation in society. While government, community groups, and even the private sector have all tackled this problem of inequity, public libraries have been leading the way.
The place that has always provided books for those who could not afford them, also provides at no cost, admittance to the digital world. Public libraries are entry points for those wishing to use a computer, even if they have never touched a keyboard in their life. Besides free access the Internet and computer workstations, the library also supplies training and assistance to those who find them difficult or intimidating.
Many of life’s daily activities have migrated online (government forms, banking, building codes, employment opportunities, community information, legal information and services, recreation, nutrition, consumer information, plane tickets, and even the phone book), and those lacking access or skills can be truly lost. All of these tasks and much more can be accomplished at the library, with as little or as much help as one needs.
One can quickly see how the ability to engage in society is dependent upon digital literacy. The public library provides excellent opportunity for anyone and everyone to actively participate in the digital environment.
Providing equitable access is only the first step in creating an inclusive digitally literate community. Technology must be paired with supporting resources, which may include class or one-to-one instruction, print, audio, and / or visual assistance, as well as community outreach.
Digital literacy is clearly necessary for one to be able to participate and interact in today’s world. Access to digital technology is just one of a variety of obstacles that may limit one’s ability to engage in the world around them. Digital exclusion clearly equates social exclusion. This damaging split means vulnerable populations who have the most to gain from digital technology, are the least likely to use it, thus becoming even further socially excluded.
Public libraries are currently providing technology the access and training needed to create a digitally inclusive community, in the hopes that all members of society will be able to use, communicate, and create in the digital world which all of us occupy.
Visit the Cranbrook Social Planning Society Facebook page to get involved in your community.
Submitted by United Way East Kootenay
