Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is "the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills". [1]

The Digital Competence Framework (DigComp 2.2) conceptualizes digital literacy in 5 competence areas: [2]

• Information and data literacy
• Communication and collaboration
• Digital content creation
• Safety
• Problem solving

This infographic illustrates the relevant skills and capabilities in each competence area.

"DigComp2.2" by the European Union is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

This infographic was created with Canva.

Digital literacy skills do not only refer to the technological know-how. It encompasses a set of capabilities that are essential for you to succeed at school and in the workplace.

This 2-minute video explains digital literacy and why it matters.

This Research Guide covers the following key aspects of digital literacy:

• Information and data literacy
• Communication and collaboration
• Creation and ethics
• Digital citizenship

[1] American Library Association (n.d.). Digital Literacy. https://literacy.ala.org/digital-literacy/

[2] European Commission. (2022). DigComp 2.2: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens - With new examples of knowledge, skills and attitudes.https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC128415

• Digital Capabilities Framework by Jisc
• Digital Literacy Global Framework by UNESCO
• Digital Literacy Skills Framework by the Australian Government, Department of Education, Skills and Employment

Some online tools are available to assess your digital literacy skills or competence.

• Digital Competence Test -  assess 6 areas of digital competence related to learning and teaching
• Digital Competence Wheel - analyze sixteen digital competences
• Northstar Digital Literacy tests - test your digital literacy and computer skills