Step 1: Asses your digital confidence

Step 2:

There is a common misconception that digital literacies and digital skills are the same thing, but in fact, there is a clear difference between the two. Before reading this article and attending the last class, I couldn’t differentiate them; I thought they were the same. Even when we did the in-class quiz, I got most of the questions wrong.

Firstly, digital skills focus on the practical and technical abilities needed to use technology. This includes using specific apps, software, or digital platforms. On the other hand, digital literacies are deeper and focus on when and how certain technologies should be used. Digital literacies involve understanding the ethical use of digital tools, having privacy awareness, and making informed decisions about technology use. For example, simply accepting all privacy settings without consideration highlights the importance of judgment in using technology responsibly. Based on my quiz results, I have a general awareness of basic digital skills, but I realize I need a lot of work when it comes to digital literacies. I wasn’t surprised by these results because I’ve never been a fan of technology or actively sought to improve my digital literacy. However, in the digital age we live in, having strong digital literacies is crucial for success and survival.

While I am comfortable with most of the elements in the assessment, creativity and innovation with digital tools are areas where I feel weaker. To improve these skills, I know I need to engage more with tech-based tools and explore digital platforms. Additionally, I would love to attend more conferences or workshops to help me become a better version of myself and improve my digital literacies in a more hands-on way.

Step 3:

Taught Path:

• Podcasting in education Module:

This lesson was incredibly helpful, especially since I’ve always been interested in podcasts—both as a listener and as someone who aspires to create them. I really enjoyed learning how podcasts originated from the combination of “iPod” and “broadcast.” I now understand that podcasts are digital audio files that can be easily distributed over the internet and downloaded to any device. By the end of the lesson, I had familiarized myself with key podcasting terms and technologies. I also learned about the various applications of podcasts for both teaching and learning. Additionally, I now know how to download and subscribe to podcasts, which will help me stay updated and gain new insights. The step-by-step guide on how to create a podcast was eye-opening—it showed me how simple and inexpensive the process can be, making it accessible to anyone interested in starting their own podcast.

• Smartphone Module:

This module was an eye-opening experience that helped me realize just how powerful smartphones are, beyond just communication. I gained a deeper understanding of how they work, including their components and functions, and how they can be used for education and creativity. The articles on smartphone stress and the chemistry behind them offered new insights into their impact and construction. Before this, I mainly used my smartphone for communication, entertainment, and occasional research when my laptop was out of reach. However, after learning more about smartphones, I now feel better equipped to use them for learning and productivity.

Assignment reflection:

Completing this assignment helped me understand the difference between digital skills and digital literacies. Before this, I thought they were the same, but now I realize that digital skills refer to the technical abilities required to use tools and platforms, while digital literacies involve a deeper understanding of when and how to use technology responsibly. I’ve come to recognize that while I’m confident in my basic digital skills, I need to improve my digital literacies, particularly in areas like privacy, ethics, and creativity. I’m glad I took the time to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses in technology.

For this assignment, I completed two modules from the Board Stations: the Podcasting and Smartphone modules, as they were the most interesting to me. I’ve always been passionate about the arts, and I believe podcasting is a form of art that not everyone has the talent for. However, after learning about the process and how simple it can be, I realized that the most important thing is having strong content and a solid storyline. Once that’s in place, the rest is relatively easy. This insight has inspired me to consider using podcasts not only as a learning tool but also as a potential medium for content creation.The Smartphone module made me realize how powerful smartphones are and how much we often take them for granted. I never thought I knew so little about my phone, but this module helped me understand the key components and functions of smartphones. I learned a lot of general knowledge and interesting facts, such as how Bluetooth works, our body’s connection to phone screens, and the origins of 3G and 4G. Overall, this assignment has helped me visualize my strengths and weaknesses in technology. I gained both general and practical knowledge that will definitely benefit me in the future.