DLN- GIANCARLO FORERO

The first (and main) ingredient for a Digital literacy narrative is to have access to any device (whether it is a computer phone or tablet) to utilize the tools online for whatever task you’ll need to accomplish. Once you’ve completed that, it’s crucial that you not only teach yourself everything there is to learn online but to keep updating your knowledge on how technology improves and what there is to expect. Mary Tasemo sums it up pretty well in her DLN “What Digital Literacy Means to Me”, where she says “in the high-tech century we are in, we need to keep up with the
technologies so that we can effectively use them for the full capacity of their purposes.”.  I couldn’t agree with her more, almost every school teaches their students how to work efficiently online (through PowerPoint, Excel, Gmail, etc) so that they could develop a good understanding on how to utilize the tools online, and how to keep up with the constant technological progression. Of course, not everyone likes the idea of doing everything online, however, Sarah Hutchinson demonstrates her methods of balancing both. Not only does she still use something like a paper calendar, but as seen here, “I also write my papers with pencil and paper before typing them. This allows me to get my thoughts out and choose the most pertinent information to include. “. This is not only a very interesting approach to working with mixed media but its also an example that once you understand your tools online, you can utilize them in a form that suits you best. Because ultimately “ new media is nothing if not simply another way of viewing our world”, and this quote from Barbara JonesKavalier and Suzanne Flannigan easily apply to how we use our tools online.

I personally believe that the best way to get a start with your DNL is through the main sources of social media. This would include Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, etc. I would direct people there because its a source that generates the highest user base but also involves constant interaction with likeminded or helpful people on the internet that could guide you through your learning process. It serves for both common and professional use, as you’ll quickly see that both your teachers and friends use it on a daily basis.

One great digital experience I’ve had was at the beginning of the semester when I found out about the Discords chats that some teachers have made for their class. As someone who constantly uses the platform to quickly chat with his friends, it was a pleasant surprise to see it be used in college, and as a result, I felt more comfortable assimilating into my fully online college experience. It has allowed me to stay on top of my work while being able to interact with my fellow alumni.