Digital Literacy Skills to Succeed in Learning and Beyond | Yimin Yang | TEDxYouth@GrandviewHeights

Summary

The script addresses the importance of digital literacy for young 'digital natives' who navigate the internet with ease. It highlights the risks of networked digital media, such as personal information sharing and the permanence of online content, and the lack of control over the audience for shared information. The speaker emphasizes three key skills: using the internet responsibly, understanding and evaluating online content, and creating content thoughtfully. Digital literacy is presented as a critical skill for the 21st century, essential for safe and informed participation in the digital world.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Digital natives are comfortable with technology from a young age due to the pervasive digital culture.
• 🔍 The internet is a networked medium where producers can track consumers, potentially leading to privacy concerns.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Users should be aware that their online actions can be monitored and personal information shared without their knowledge.
• 📢 Digital media is searchable and shareable, meaning content posted online can be copied and spread easily, even if intended to be private.
• 👁️ The audience for digital media is unknown and unexpected; there's no control over who sees what is shared online.
• 📚 Digital literacy is essential in the 21st century, encompassing more than just using the internet—it includes understanding and creating content.
• 🔎 The ability to use the internet involves finding credible information sources and navigating devices, websites, and platforms.
• 🔒 Security and privacy are fundamental aspects of digital literacy; one must learn not to share personal information or click on suspicious links.
• 🧐 The ability to understand online content involves judging and evaluating information to discern facts from fake news or bias.
• 🤔 Balancing online and offline lives is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and a balanced perception of the world.
• 🖌️ The ability to create content online is powerful; it's important to consider the impact of shared information on others.

Q & A

What is the term 'digital natives' referring to in the context of the script?

The term 'digital natives' refers to young people who are comfortable with and adept at using digital technology from an early age, as they have grown up in a digital world.

Why might the use of digital media pose risks even without proper guidance?

Digital media poses risks because it is networked, searchable, shareable, and has unknown and unexpected audiences, which can lead to the unintentional sharing of personal information and exposure to inappropriate content.

What does the script imply when it compares the internet to a theater?

The script implies that while users can see the content on the internet, they cannot see who is behind the scenes tracking and collecting their data, which can be invasive and unsettling.

Why is it important to be cautious about what we post online?

It is important because once something is posted online, it can be copied, shared, or spread easily, and even content meant to disappear can be stored and accessed by others.

What is digital literacy according to the script?

Digital literacy is the ability to use, understand, and create content online safely and responsibly. It is a crucial skill in the 21st century, especially for young people.

What does the script suggest as the first skill of digital literacy?

The first skill of digital literacy is the ability to use digital devices, websites, and media platforms effectively, which includes finding credible sources of information.

What does the script mean by the 'ability to understand' in the context of digital literacy?

The 'ability to understand' refers to the skills needed to judge and evaluate online content, distinguishing between facts and fake news, and recognizing when information is influencing behavior and perception.

How does the script define the 'ability to create' in terms of digital literacy?

The 'ability to create' involves creating content such as blogs and social media posts, with the awareness that what is posted can affect others and should be done thoughtfully.

What is the script's advice on how to be a competent digital citizen?

The script advises being mindful of the risks associated with digital media, applying the skills of using, understanding, and creating content responsibly, and maintaining a balance between online and offline life.

What is the significance of the three skills mentioned in the script for becoming digitally literate?

The three skills—using, understanding, and creating—are significant for accelerating learning and becoming digitally literate, enabling individuals to navigate the digital world competently and safely.