This document discusses digital literacy for adults and young people. It begins by defining digital literacy as the ability to use technology to find, evaluate, create and share information. The scope of digital literacy is broad, impacting many areas of life from relationships to employment. Some adults and young people may lack digital skills due to barriers like access to technology, connectivity issues, disabilities or low literacy levels. People are motivated to improve digital literacy for reasons like job searching, communication, education and supporting others. Barriers can be overcome through education, raising awareness of resources, and providing supportive learning environments.

1. Adults and Young People as
Digital Literacy Learners
Melinda Gardner
Unit 311

2. Aims and Objectives
❏Understand the importance of digital literacy to
adults and young people
❏Understand why some adults and young people
may not have developed digital literacy skills and
how potential barriers can be addressed

3. Define the nature and scope of digital literacy Unit 311/LO1/1.1
- What is Digital Literacy?
★ The ability to use digital technology,
communication or networks to locate, evaluate,
use and create information.
★ The ability to understand and use information in
multiple formats from a wide range of sources
when it is presented via technology.
★ A person’s ability to perform tasks effectively in a
digital environment.
★ Literacy includes the ability to read and interpret
media, to reproduce data and images through
digital manipulation, and to evaluate and apply
new knowledge gained from digital environments.
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4. Define the nature and scope of digital literacy
Digital Literacy = Digital Tool
knowledge + Critical Thinking +
Social engagement - Josie Fraser
A definition is offered by JISC (Joint
Information Systems Committee):
Digital Literacy = "Those
capabilities which fit an individual for
living, learning and working in a
digital society."
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5. Define the nature and scope of digital literacy
“The scope of digital literacy is all encompassing. It is very difficult to think of an
element of our lives that is not affected by digital technology.” - Gary West
Just to name a few:
● Personal and Professional Relationships
● Financial Wellbeing
● Leisure Activities, Entertainment
● Our Daily Routine
● Education
● Employment
● Communication
“It makes more sense to talk about digital literacies
(plural) as what is being described is a whole set of skills
and abilities needed for someone to flourish in today’s
technology rich environment.” - London Metropolitan University
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video link

6. This graphic
gives you
some idea
of the scope
of digital
literacies.
Look at the different columns - how does what you do online and with your
devices help you in these domains? Think about the subject area you teach –
what digital and technical abilities are important?
Define the nature and scope of digital literacy
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7. Define the nature and scope of digital literacy
“As attention is increasingly given to children and young people’s interaction with digital cultures, it is
easy to assume that young people are ‘digitally native.’ It is often alleged that having grown up with
technology, young people have a wealth of digital technology skills that far surpass those of their
‘digital immigrant’ parents and teachers.
Many young people are confident in using a wide range of technologies and often turn to the internet
for finding information. They appear to be able to learn to operate unfamiliar hardware or software
very quickly and may take on the role of teaching adults how to use computers and the internet.
This is not evenly spread amongst all young people, however, but is instead affected by issues of
class, race, gender and nationality. Researchers point to a ‘participation gap’ which signals unequal
access to the opportunities, skills and experiences that will prepare students for life in the 21st
century.”
http://www2.futurelab.org.uk/resources/documents/handbooks/digital_literacy.pdf
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Click on link for source

8. ...The scope of the World Wide Web
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“The web has transformed almost every aspect of public, private and
work life. It has underpinned our new economy; from changing the way
every workplace communicates to creating entire new industries. It is
reshaping government through improved public services and improving
transparency through open data.
And it has improved people’s lives, whether through cutting household
bills, finding a job or maintaining contact with distant friends and
relatives. For business and voluntary organisations, going online can
provide ways to reach more customers and reduce operating costs.
The internet also provides broader benefits, by helping to address
wider social and economic issues like reducing isolation and improving
health.”
Government Digital Inclusion Strategy
As of 2015, the
World Wide Web is
now 26 years old

9. Explain the role of digital literacy in the lives of
adults and young people in society
Unit 311/LO1/1.2
Sources: Digital literacy across the curriculum. http://www2.futurelab.org.uk/, www.jisc.ac.uk/, Google search, YouTube, links added

10. The Role of Digital Literacy with Adults and Young People
“...not only being digitally literate and able to use what is at our
disposal, but moving beyond that to the realms of programming,
then now really is the time for this generation to be getting up
skilled. The so called ‘digital divide’ may well become the ‘digital
cliff’ for some to fall off if education does not play its part in
developing the digital literacy skills of citizens of the future.” Alan
Scott, 2015
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What has changed in your lifetime? What assumptions about
the world did you grow up with which you might want to revisit
and rethink? I predict as you start to think about it you will find
that it is more than you originally guessed; it is still happening
and the speed at which change is occurring is phenomenal.
The gap will get wider if you let it. Try and keep up.

11. The Times They are
a-Changin’Bob Dylan
“Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-
changin'.”
Bob Dylan, 1964
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Keeping up with changes can be difficult, because it happens so fast

12. With wearable technology, learning more about yourself has not only become high-tech but also real-time
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“Our vision for
the future is that
every piece of
tech, like phones
or cameras, is
going to
disappear and
will be integrated
into the garment”
-Francesca Rosella
In a few years
we’ll all be
shopping for
electronics the
way that we
shop for clothing
today. Wearable
Technology - The
Guardian, 2015

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...BUT, tackling the digital divide, and ensuring equality of
digital participation opportunities for all people, requires not
only access to technology but also the digital literacy skills
and knowledge which will allow people to read, write, create
and communicate using such technology.
Yes, there is a lot to learn...

14. Describe the impact of not
being digitally literate on
adults and young people
14
Unit 311/LO1/1.3

15. Digital literacy impacts the lives of adults and young people in society
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The Workforce is Changing Link to a short video - (uploaded in 2010)
“I think there is still a big gap to be
narrowed between the schools that
are and the schools that aren’t
incorporating digital literacy into
the whole curriculum,”
But that we are actually talking
about the fact that understanding
how the digital world works, is as
important as reading, writing and
maths for every student.
“If you don’t really understand how
the digital world functions you’re
really living in a world where you
don’t have the creative and
innovation skills that are going to
be needed in the future economy.”
- Mark Surman, Daily Telegraph, 2013
“The ability to embed learning digital skills inside what we might think of as traditional skills, across the whole curriculum, is
certainly something to think about.” - Jodie Lopez, Daily Telegraph, 2013

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Digital literacy - the need
“Many learners enter further
and higher education lacking
the skills needed to apply digital
technologies to education. As
90% of new jobs will require
excellent digital skills, improving
digital literacy is an essential
component of developing
employable graduates.” - JISC,
2011 JISC

17. The impact of not being digitally literate
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Research published by the
BBC has found that 21% of
Britain’s population lack the
basic digital skills and
capabilities required to realise
the benefits of the internet.

18. Areas that impact not being digitally literate
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The impact of not being
digitally literate
Being digitally capable can make a
significant difference to individuals and
organisations day to day. For
individuals, this can mean cutting
household bills, finding a job, or
maintaining contact with distant friends
and relatives. For organisations, going
online can provide ways to reach more
customers and reduce operating costs.
The internet also provides broader
benefits, by helping to address wider
social and economic issues like
reducing isolation and supporting
economic growth.

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20. Describe a range of personal, social and
economic reasons why some adults and
young people may not have fully
developed digital literacy skills
Unit 311/LO2/2.1
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21. Our ability to connect
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“Helping more people to go online can also help tackle wider social
issues, support economic growth and close equality gaps.” Developing
Digital Literacies
According to research published by the BBC, just under 10% of the adult population may
never be able to gain basic digital capabilities, because of disabilities or basic literacy
skills
Some barriers include:
Digital skills - being able to use computers and the internet
Connectivity - and access to the internet; (some areas in Wales, for example, have no internet
connection or wifi services)
Accessibility - services should be designed to meet all users’ needs, including those dependent
on assistive technology to access digital services

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Digital Inclusion
Why some adults
and young people
may not have fully
developed digital
literacy skills

23. Our most vulnerable...
Digital exclusion affects some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged
groups in society:
● Those in social housing
● Those on lower wages, or unemployed
● Those with disabilities
● Older people
● Young people
There are other groups who have a higher tendency to be digitally
excluded such as offenders and ex-offenders.
For all of these groups, adult digital and literacy skills are a sizeable
challenge. Being able to improve adult digital and literacy skills is at the
heart of reducing digital exclusion and helping people go online.
Government Digital Inclusion Strategy - UK
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“Only 27% of young people who are
offline are in full-time employment” -
Government Digital Inclusion Strategy

24. Analyse a minimum of three factors that
motivate adults and young people to
want to gain digital literacy skills
Unit 311/LO2/2.2
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Prezie Presentation of Same Question - Jenny Kiddie

25. Motivation
In Behavioural Psychology, there are two forms of motivation discussed; intrinsic
(internal), and extrinsic (external).
Example 1: “I want to learn how to use Facebook so I can see what my friends
and family are up to and I can keep in touch” - this would be intrinsic motivation;
the desire to improve personal skills for the emotional benefit of staying connected
to family and friends.
Example 2: “I need to develop further computer skills so that I can search for a
job online” - this would be considered extrinsic motivation; the desire to gain
employment to receive financial gain and therefore a better lifestyle.
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26. What motivates adults and young people to want to gain digital literacy skills
The following list is comprised of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations:
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1. Search for and apply for a job, secure a promotion at work, or move into a different job or position
2. For young people, there might be peer pressure - to be doing or to have what everyone else has; to
communicate with friends or family using social media, or other relevant programmes such as
FaceTime or Skype
3. For adults, communication with family, understanding and using email, social media, etc., wanting to
improve their own skills; wanting to feel more connected with the world around them
4. Adults may want to support children or grandchildren with completing homework assignments
5. Young people may want to gain further education and may find it necessary to develop their skills
6. Both young and adult people may want to improve their skills by learning how to apply for jobs
online, upload a CV or application, access information when needed (such as medical information)

27. Summarise the barriers to digital literacy that some adults and young people may
experience
Unit 311/LO2/2.3
Suggest ways to overcome the barriers described Unit 311/LO2/2.4
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Barriers to Learning Digital Literacy Skills
Barrier Overcoming Barrier
Access Not having access to technology – if you are unable to
access hardware, software or internet, then digital
learning is unable to take place
Raise awareness to free sites and access that is
within communities; this can range from libraries for
computer access or sites with Wi-Fi access
Skills Poor literacy, numeracy and ICT skills which can be in
the form of learning difficulties, confidence issues,
economic situations, etc. Not having knowledge of
assistive technologies, or educational or home support
can be a barrier
Raise awareness to the accessibilities that are
available to learners; various programs to support
learners with difficulties and support to develop and
upskill essential skills; community education
support, etc.
Motivation Negative attitudes regarding digital literacy because of
comments or stories in the media or from family
and/or friends. This can also be based on negative
experiences and fear of technology. This will lead to
decreased motivation.
Positive educational experiences will help to
overcome the negative feelings. Provide learners
with a safe and interesting environment;
collaborative learning, positive experiences. This will
change their attitude, which will improve their
motivation.
Let's Give Adults Access

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Benefits and concerns about the shift into digital learning
Benefits Concerns
1. Engagement: improved learner motivation from engaging content
and game-based strategies
2. Time: allowing learners to learn the way they learn best
3. Location: anywhere anytime learning creates a new world of
opportunity
4. Pacing: allowing learners to progress at their own rate
5. Individualization: customizing learning by level and modality
6. Content: rich, deep, and up to date
7. Sharing: the difference between ‘turn it in’ and ‘publish it’; the
ability for tutors to share what works
8. Data: instant and multiple forms of feedback; smart profiles that
will drive customized learning
9. Ownership: learners choosing what to learn, how to demonstrate
their learning
10. Learner involvement: transparency and connections the
classroom; collaboration
1. Infrastructure: particularly affordable broadband and internet connection
2. More of the same: the risk of layering technology on top of how we’ve always
done teaching
3. Old paradigms: are we reinventing the wheel yet again with the same outcomes
4. Equity: the ability to vary time could result in fast groups and slow groups based
on historical stereotypes
5. Management and scheduling: customized learning will require much better
management and scheduling tools
6. Preparation & development: learning new tools will be priority, and incorporating
those tools will take additional time
7. Obsolesce: constantly changing software and hardware versions make it tough to
stay current
8. Interoperability: there are lots of engaging content and cool apps but they don’t
always work together
9. Security and cheating: technology will solve some problems but introduce other
challenges
10. E-safety

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I hope you were able to benefit
from all this information
Thank you - M Gardner
Like what you see?
For more digital literacy info - check out my blog:
http://digilitgllm.blogspot.co.uk/
Reflections of a Digitally Literate Wannabe