The Need for Digital Literacy
Hey you,
Today I am writing about the need for improvement in the digital literacy of individuals especially in the rural communities. This has become a very important step to improving the quality of technical products that people can use.
What is the definition of Digital Literacy? It is the ability to use digital devices and technology to access, understand, evaluate and create information and content.
As a side note, the subject of creation doesn't have to be as large as being able to write computer code for something, writing a mail is creation, sending a snap on Snapchat is creation.
Let's take a step back because to even think of creating it is required that you have access to and understand the technology. Look at a product as beautiful as ChatGPT, many individuals particularly in this part of the world either do not have access to it or do understand the technology hence the lack of use.
From the perspective of those who are passionate about using technology to enhance society, ensuring widespread digital literacy becomes a crucial factor in achieving significant innovation. To truly unleash their drive for innovation, it is paramount that the end-users have the capability to effectively use the products.
Recently, I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy ) at the Platform Africa Event. His acknowledgement of the issue of digital illiteracy and how it hinders innovation was heartening. What truly delighted me was that he identified it as a primary problem in need of an urgent solution.
Here are some considerations as it relates to improving digital literacy:
Access to Technology: Improving access to technology infrastructure is crucial. This includes initiatives to expand internet connectivity, provide affordable devices, and make digital resources more accessible to underserved communities
Education and Training: Promoting digital literacy through education and training programs is essential. This could involve integrating digital literacy into the curriculum at schools and providing training for adults.
Affordable Solutions: Advocating for policies that make technology and internet access more affordable, such as subsidizing internet costs for low-income individuals.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, private sector, and NGOs can be effective in bridging the digital divide.
It's important to recognize that digital inclusion is not only a matter of equity but also has significant implications for economic and social development. Initiatives aimed at enhancing digital access and literacy can help empower individuals and communities to fully participate in the digital age and take advantage of the opportunities it offers
As an individual, I try to utilize my little level of influence to improve the digital literacy of the people around me. Although I don't do as much as I will expect of myself now but it is all in the process.
Individually, we can take the responsibility to improve the digital literacy of the people arounds us, our peers, our parents, grandparents, cousins, the children that play around when we visit villages. While it may seem like a small effort, the cumulative impact is substantial
Ultimately, this initiative serves as a catalyst for individuals at the end of digital literacy, individuals with tremendous skill in technology to create products and services that amplify the effectiveness of our work. It means that the same effort can yield greater results, leading to an overall improvement in our lives.
That is it for this episode, go and spread the message of digital literacy.