Digital Literacy: Overview and Definition

Built on a foundation of traditional literacy and encompassing a wide range of literacy (e.g., media literacy, information literacy, technology literacy), digital literacy may be defined as proficiency in the use and application of a wide range of digital tools, media, and skills, combined with a knowledge and understanding of the norms and practices of appropriate use of those tools and skills.

This entry begins with a brief, hypothetical scenario that introduces some of the digital literacy needs and challenges confronting today’s learner when encountering an information problem, knowledge gap, or curiosity-stimulating event, whether in or out of school or online. The scenario is intended to serve as an advance organizer, a frame of reference, to the content of this entry. The entry includes a description ...