OERu learner support/Help resources/Digital literacy



Digital literacy is the set of competencies required for full participation in a knowledge society. It includes knowledge, skills, and behaviors involving the effective use of digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop PCs for purposes of communication, expression, collaboration and advocacy. While digital literacy initially focused on digital skills and stand-alone computers, the focus has shifted from stand-alone to network devices including the Internet and social media. The term digital literacy was simplified by Paul Gilster in his 1997 book Digital Literacy. Gilster described digital literacy as the usage and comprehension of information in the digital age. He also emphasized the importance of digital technologies as an "essential life skill." There is a lot of material that can be found on the web to assist you with digital literacy.

Below is a set of links which will act as a starting point. If you can't find what you need here, ask for help in the support or course forums.

OERu has a course "Digital literacies for online learning" which covers:
 * Establishing a personal learning environment
 * Introduction to digital literacies
 * Finding and selecting open resources
 * Learning in a digital age

Office Suites

 * OpenOffice User Guides
 * LibreOffice User Guides
 * WPS Office Free Manuals
 * Softmaker FreeOffice Support Forum

Social Media

 * Twitter Help Centre
 * Blogger Help
 * WordPress Support

The web

 * The Top Ten Web Search Tricks Everyone Should Know
 * How to Search Google
 * Google Scholar Search Tips
 * Google Scholar Tips (University of Otago)

References