European and global approaches to digital literacy

Abstract

The concept of digital literacy in a broad sense is a way of thinking but it can also be understood as complementary to the concept of media education and even synonymous with media literacy. Digital literacy as media literacy aims to develop both critical understanding of and active participation in the media. Digital and media literacy is about developing people’s critical and creative abilities. Using a computer requires diverse and complex previous knowledge. It also introduces the individual and humanity to new contexts, which demands mental, intellectual, profound and complex changes. In essence, digital literacy is a complicated process that consists of acquiring a new tekne, ability of art or craft. Creativity and culture become essential raw materials for the knowledge economy.The Social Web refers to an open global distributed data sharing network similar to today's World Wide Web, except instead of linking documents, the Social Web will link people, organizations, and concepts. Web 2.0 refers to a perceived second-generation of Web-based services – such as social networking sites, wikis, and communication tools –that emphasize online collaboration and sharing among users.Information and communications are becoming ubiquitous. By 2015, virtually all people living in industrial countries will have access to multimedia services based on mobile or other terminals. The same trend will take place in the developing countries. Services based on ubiquitous telecommunications and information retrieval seem to develop very rapidly over the next ten years. The key words are real-time information, multilingualism, location awareness, targeting and personalization. Government functions and services are increasingly moving online. Internet shopping is also increasing. Furthermore, business companies and public administration are working to develop and introduce more automated and self-service solutions.