Literacies
Types of literacies
Information literacy
“Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning” (ACRL 2016, p. 6)
Key frameworks:
- Framework for Information Literacy for Higher EducationThe Association of College and Research Libraries
Media literacy
"Media literacy is the ability to critically engage with media in all aspects of life. It is a critical form of lifelong literacy that is essential for full participation in society." (AMLA, (2022), The Australian Media Literacy Alliance).
Key frameworks:
- Towards a National Media Literacy StrategyOutlines a direction for the development of a national strategy for Media Literacy in Australia.
- Adult Media LiteracyAustralia’s first nationally representative survey on media literacy.
Digital literacy
“Digital literacy looks beyond functional IT skills to describe a richer set of digital behaviours, practices and identities. What it means to be digitally literate changes over time and across contexts, so digital literacies are essentially a set of academic and professional situated practices supported by diverse and changing technologies" (JISC, (2014), Developing Digital Literacies, JISC).
Key frameworks and guides:
- Digital Literacy Skills FrameworkDepartment of Employment and Workplace Relations
Digital dexterity
“Digital dexterity is more than digital literacy. It is a critical component in the success of digital societies: digital dexterity encompasses the “cognitive ability and social practice needed to leverage and employ various types of media, information and technology for advantage in unique and highly innovative ways that optimise personal and business value” (Gartner 2015, p.3). CAUL extends this definition to include active participation in all aspects of work and life in a digital world, so that people develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to help them live, learn and work in a digital society." (CAUL 2019, p.1)
Key frameworks:
Learn more about literacies
- Australian Digital Inclusion IndexWidely used by the not-for-profit and business sectors, and all tiers of government. It has had a significant impact on policy and practice.
- Digital Literacy Skills Framework - webinar recordingDeveloped for use in the Commonwealth Government’s Foundation Skills for Your Future Program launched in 2020.
- Good Things FoundationA social change charity, helping people to improve their lives through digital.
- Close the Gap FoundationThe digital divide is the gap that exists between those who have access to the internet and reliable devices and those who don’t.
Information Literacy Framework
The ACRL Framework for Information Literacy and the Six Major Frames. From: Burress, T., Clark, M., Hernandez, S., & Myhill, N. (2015, June). Wikipedia: Teaching Metaliteracy in the Digital Landscape [poster]. Presented at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition, San Francisco.
Improve your skills
- Equity and Diversity GuideProvides links to useful information and resources for women working and studying in the STEM fields.
- LinkedIn LearningInstructional videos on the use of the latest software, tools and skills.
- Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE)The program aims to promote gender equity and diversity in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) in Australia.