As early as the mid 90s the focus in educational institutions became that of exposing learners to various technologies so that they know how to use it. We have come a long way now from having to teach a learner how to use a computer to now having to teach how to make use of relevant multimedia to collect information that is useful, to make meaning and to express their understanding of it. That is the crossover from technology knowledge to digital literacy.
Digital literacy has been defined as "The capability to use digital technology and knowing when and how to use it." ( Rubble, M. and Bailey, G. (2007). Digital Citizenship in Schools. Eugene, OR: ISTE, p. 21).
When learners progress to tertiary learning and they have to write advanced and detailed papers indicating sources, one of the biggest challenge is to make use of relevant sources. There is usually a misconception that if information is on the web, it's true, valid and useful. This is not the case. A learner with digital literacy is equipped to know where to source relevant data as well as evaluating and sieving through the vastly available data to ensure they use what is relevant.
Digital literacy allows for creativity as well. Learners are able to make use of various multimedia to express and share their understanding of concepts. Consider a learner who records themselves while conducting a science experiment and then uploads the video to an interactive online platform for peers to see and discuss. This, one can agree is a much better way of sharing knowledge as compared to verbally explaining a concept.
Digital literacy is equally essential for educators. This is where the crossover comes from merely knowing a technology to knowing what technology to use for specific content to cater to the modern day learner and digital environment. A well informed educator will design their learning activities in a creative manner that will give learners the opportunity to interact with knowledge on multiple digital platforms while equally making use of them to teach.
The objective is to create learners and educators who are well equipped to function and contribute to the digital era. Don't just learn technology, there is room for creativity, relevance and even collaboration which transforms it to digital literacy.