Jisc. "Building Digital Capabilities: The Six Elements Defined." Bristol, UK: Joint Information Systems Committee, 2017.
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Information and communication technology proficiency
Information, data and media literacies
The use of ICT-based tools to carry out tasks effectively, productively, and with attention to quality.
Digital creation, problem solving and innovation
Digital communication, collaboration and participation
Digital learning and development
Digital identity and wellbeing
Carretero, Stephanie, Riina Vuorikari, and Yves Punie. DigComp 2.1: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens with Eight Proficiency Levels and Examples of Use. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2017.
link to report
Bryn Mawr College. "What Are Digital Competencies." 2016.
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Belshaw, Douglas A. J. What is Digital Literacy? A Pragmatic Investigation. Ed.D. diss., Durham University, 2011. Revised and republished as The Essential Elements of Digital Literacies, 2014.
link to thesis
link to book
The cultural element is bound up with an understanding of context—the issues, norms and habits of mind surrounding technologies (e.g., social media apps) we use for a particular purpose (e.g., work, play, learning,etc.). This element is best acquired through immersion in a range of digital environments.
The cognitive element requires mastery of both technical and cognitive processes. The emphasis here should not be on the ability to use a set of digital tools, but on the "habits of mind" that are developed through interacting with them. This element can be developed through exposure to a range of devices, software platforms and interfaces.
The constructive element encompasses creating something new, including using and remixing content from other sources to make something original. Developing this element involves knowing how and for what purposes content can be appropriated, reused and remixed.
The communicative element is about developing an understanding of how communication networks function with the aim of engaging them. Developing the element requires not only learning about the power of these networks, but being part of them.
The confident element is based on understanding and capitalizing on the ways the digital world differs from the analog. In particular, digital environments can be more forgiving in regards to experimentation than physical environments. Developing this element involves solving problems and managing one's own learning.
The creative element is about doing new things in new ways that somehow add value in a particular context. Developing this element requires learning activities that capitalize on the unique features of digital technology and provide learners with greater freedom to explore and then synthesize their experiences.
The critical element is about analyzing the power structures and assumptions behind literacy practices. This element is the closest to what is often termed "media literacy."
The civic element involves the development of practices that support civil society. This element focuses on the ability of people to use digital environments to create organizations and relationships over and above those provided by the state and commercial institutions.
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