2. Digital Literacy and Information Fluency

Digital Literacy and Information Fluency

To understand digital literacy, it is important to comprehend the various fluencies involved with digital literacy itself. 

Information Fluency: 

Solution Fluency:

Creativity Fluency:

Collaboration Fluency:

Media Fluency:

Information Fluency Process Diagram

After applying the process to researching mermaids and Animal Planets discoveries, the following results were obtained:

Purpose of the series: In 2004, a young boy found the body of something on the shore. He knelt down to get a closer look. The body had the features of a man, but it was not human. As a friend filmed, the body suddenly sprang to life. The boys fled, but footage from the incident survived. 

When it first aired on Animal Planet as part of a two-hour special called "Mermaids: The Body Found," which speculates the existence of mermaids.

The Process: Charlie Foley is the film's executive producer, creator, and writer. He first dreamed up the concept in 2005 and returned with a follow-up special at the end of May. 

Both "Mermaids" specials are science fiction. The plot is carried by actors who pose as fictitious scientists and fake YouTube footage of purported mermaid sightings. Many first-time viewers were not aware that the special was a hoax until a disclaimer ran at the end of the show.

The Public's Response: As mentioned above, some people were unaware of the fact that this show was fake and that it was fictional. That uncertainty was cleared. This series drew more audiences than any other documentary on animal planet. The people were intrigued and impressed with the quality of the documentary even though it was all fake.

   

My Opinion: In my opinion, this documentary was an interesting series and that it showcased various technical skills. With that said, even though this series was not true, it still raises questions about animal life and what are the things that have not been discovered yet. 

Charlie Foley Created Animal Planet's Mermaids - Business Insider. 2015. Charlie Foley Created Animal Planet's Mermaids - Business Insider. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.businessinsider.com/charlie-foley-created-animal-planets-mermaids-2013-6. [Accessed 21 May 2015].

8. Digital Commerce

Ecommerce

E-commerce's history is short. Over the course of a few decades, networking and computing technology have improved at exponential rates. Powerful personal computers linked to global information networks have powered a whole new world of intellectual, social and financial interactions. This is only the beginning.

Digital commerce

Digital commerce is the buying and selling of goods and services through digital networks. An informed consumer is very important as they make decisions depending on what they know. An informed customer means that there is a higher quality of investments, safer investments, money-saving investments, ethical investments and responsible investments.  

Plagiarism 

Students suffer the consequences of not knowing about plagiarism:
Not knowing the correct citation styles.
Not having appropriate writing skills.
Not knowing how to paraphrase. 
Believing everything on the internet.
Using images and videos freely.

Tips for online bids:
Know the auction site.
Know the protection act of the auction site.
View product before bidding.
Find out as much as possible about the seller.
Determine is product comes with a warranty of some sort.

7. Digital Health and Wellness

Digital Health and Wellness

Physical Issues
Physical symptoms and issues that can arise from the overuse of technology. 

• Ergonomics - Children grow up with dreams. Not many aspire to sit behind a desk all day. Due to sitting in front of the computer for hours, studies have shown that this leads to an increase in diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, cancer and even obesity. 
• Repetitive Strain - Your posture is affected from sitting for a long time in front of the computer.   
• EFFECTS: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Trigger finger, Tendinitis, Blackberry Thumb. 
• WAYS TO PREVENT STRAIN: Look at your posture, try to take breaks and not work on the computer for too long. 
• Eye Strain: Red, irritated, dry eyes. Blurred distance. (WebMD, n.d) 

Psychological Issues

• Addiction: Studies have shown that 70% of people today are addicted to the internet. 
• Many people don't know how to use netiquette and therefore miscommunication takes place. 
• Cyber-Bullying: This is an issue that has many layers to it, one being that the bully often is insecure and is struggling with something themselves. In that same breath, they are passing their pain or their hurt onto someone else. 
• Cyber Stalking: Due to the easy access to the internet, stalking has increased drastically. The internet gives stalkers a platform to do what they do best. (Stalking Risk Profile, n.d)

Cybercrime | Cybercrime Prevention Tips | Norton South Africa. 2015. Cybercrime | Cybercrime Prevention Tips | Norton South Africa. [ONLINE] Available at: http://za.norton.com/cybercrime-prevention. [Accessed 20 May 2015].

www.eduulearn.weebly.com for more info. 

6. Digital Security

Digital Security

Digital security doesn't only relate to big corporates but affect public as well. Scams, identity theft, stalking and cyber-bulling are just some of the terrible activities that can occur online. 

Cyber CrimeCyber crime is cyber crime encompasses any criminal act dealing with computers and networks (called hacking). Additionally, cyber crime also includes traditional crimes conducted through the Internet. For example; hate crimes, telemarketing and Internet fraud, identity theft, and credit card account thefts are considered to be cyber crimes when the illegal activities are committed through the use of a computer and the Internet. 

Hate Crimes = a crime motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice, typically one involving violence.

Telemarketing = the marketing of goods or services by means of telephone calls, typically unsolicited, to potential customers, this can be twisted and falsely advertised.

Internet fraud = a crime in which the perpetrator develops a scheme using one or more elements of the Internet to deprive a person of property or any interest.

Identity theft = the fraudulent practice of using another person's name and personal information in order to obtain credit, loans, etc.

Stalking = pursue or approach stealthily.

(Forbes. 2015)

 

How to prevent cyber-crime

• Protecting yourself and your data on social media.
• Protect your devices from hackers.
• Do not let any person have a hold on your personal identification documents etc. 
• Stay clear of suspicious people. 
• Do not trust people easily online as they might be fake.
• Keep your information private, do not make your life a public spectrum.
• Insure that all passwords and and private information is secured. 

How To Prevent Cyber Crime - Forbes. 2015. How To Prevent Cyber Crime - Forbes. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/thesba/2013/08/28/how-to-prevent-cyber-crime. [Accessed 20 May 2015].

www.eduulearn.weebly.com for more info. 

5. Digital Rights and Resposibilities

Website Creation

Education World: Getting Started on the Internet: Acceptable Use Policies. 2015. Education World: Getting Started on the Internet: Acceptable Use Policies. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr093.shtml#sthash.fy5U55fs.dpuf. [Accessed 20 May 2015].

www.eduulearn.weebly.com for more info. 

4. Digital Etiquette

Digital Code of Conduct

Acting Responsibly in the digital world

I will act with integrity

Respect yourself:

I will interact with people online without disregarding my values. 

I will not diminish my name by posting inappropriate content. 

Respect others:  

I will not spread rumors. 

I will not take someone else's work and claim it as my own (commit plagiarism).

Protect the School: 

I will not bad mouth or speak negative of my school online or in any way possible.

General Online Etiquette:

Check before posting any content that it is appropriate and will not offend anyone.

Avoid potential misunderstandings by making your point clear and leaving out jokes or humor as it can be misinterpreted. 

Don't spam (send the same message multiple times). 

Don't shout online. This is done by using all capital letters. 

Respect peoples privacy. 

Punishment if this Code of Conduct is not obeyed, is a follows:

1. Meeting with the headmaster.

2. A letter will be sent to your parents concerning your actions. 

3. A meeting with all people concerned including HODs, parents and teachers will be held to discuss suspension/expulsion depending on the context. 

 

We have people that are on the look out for inappropriate behaviour online. It is in your best interest to abide by the rules. 

Signature ______________

Referencing: Examples of Good Netiquette – Cybersmile. 2015. Examples of Good Netiquette – Cybersmile. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.cybersmile.org/advice-help/category/examples-of-good-netiquette. [Accessed 19 May 2015].

Respect Yourself | Warwickshire. 2015. Respect Yourself | Warwickshire. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.respectyourself.info/. [Accessed 19 May 2015].

www.eduulearn.weebly.com for more info. 

3. Digital Communication

Digital Communication 

"Digital Communication is the electronic exchange of information" (Ribble, 2014)

For the past six months, I have been observing the well-known online game called Clash of Clans. This online game has become a form of communication that many people indirectly don't see. 

The next few points will explain just how this game works and how it links to digital communication in our world today. 

The purpose of Clash of Clans is to improve your village (which you create) by attacking other contestants around the world (hence the need for communication)and defending against their troops. Strategies such placing your defenses and buildings in such a way that you are able to protect your town hall and your gold. Your town hall is the most valuable object in your village.  

The following image is my Clan that I started six months ago:

Joining a clan is vital, as it enables you to gain money in order to upgrade your defense and army. Firstly you should join a clan by searching for a clan in the clan castle. Once you are in a clan your leader must choose you to fight in the clan war. The leader will choose an enemy for you to attack. 
If you win, you will then receive bonuses of cash and purple elixirs, which help you to upgrade your village. You can only take part in the clan wars if you are part of a clan. You are able to communicate with the people in your clan, and globally. This means that there is a free range of communication that takes place, such as planning attacks, or when you ask for troops. 

The following video demonstrates how the war takes place:

The type of communication used is an internet forum that enables users to communicate with one another via the internet. This platform creates relationships online and teamwork is formed. With that said, some conversations are not as healthy as others. For instance, arguments and fights may arise. Bad language and inappropriate behaviour may take place. This is a situation that is hard to take control of as many people are often doing their own things and some do not have filters. 

This gaming system can educate learners on how to communicate effectively by using this game to promote and use teamwork. Learners and learn to lead and take control of a situation. It can show them the importance of how good communication is important. 

www.eduulearn.weebly.com for more info. 

    
  

1. Digital Citizenship and Digital Access

 Digital Citizenship and Digital Access

Thinglink Profile

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Digital Divide 
"Digital divide is a term that refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don't or have restricted access. This technology can include the telephone, television, personal computers and the Internet."
Digital divide in South Africa is divided into the physical access and the ability to understand how the technology is used.
in the following elements, digital divide will be shown. 
South Africa faces many developmental problems that make it one of the more complex societies in the world. The country is divided by ethnic inequality and discrepancies in the level of development between different sectors. These obstacles result in disparities in access to information and communication technology (ICT). This disparity is commonly known as the digital divide.
South Africa started the development of a local telecommunications industry in 1958. The old state policies can no longer keep up with new designs of digital equipment. Many proposals are currently being discussed within the government and the telecommunications industry itself for future development. One attempt to liberalise the communications industry was to end the monopoly of Telkom and open up the sector for market competition in addition, since the change in technology is so rapid and radical, local firms find themselves increasingly obsolescent in technology because the import and manufacture of digital equipment are expensive and its continual updating is necessary.   

~ 

Social Capital 

"The network of social connections that exist between people, and their shared values and norms of behaviour, which enable and encourage mutually advantageous social cooperation." 

(Collins English Dictionary(n.d.)

It needs to be said that there is no set definition of social capital and studies have varied in the

conceptualisation of the dimensions of social capital: structural/cognitive social capital, some further

divide this into bonding/bridging/linking, and others have used a single item of trust as a link for

social capital. Even within the approaches, there are differences in the operationalisation of social

capital. The indicators of social capital in this study are limited. South Africa has various cultures and this forms part of our social capital. there are some misunderstandings but because of the latest technology, people are now capable of researching and learning about each others differences.

~

Knowledge Capital

"An intangible asset that comprises the information and skills of a company's employees, their experience with business processes, group work and on-the-job learning." 

(Collins English Dictionary  (n.d.)

South Africa is a developing country and therefore faces education issues. Schooling is vital for knowledge to be obtained. Not all South Africans have the knowledge required to perform certain functions and tasks. 

~

Human Capital 

 "The collective skills, knowledge, or other intangible assets of individuals that can be used to create economic value for the individuals, their employers, or their community."

(Collins English Dictionary  (n.d.)

• Assist you in your future HR planning
• Give you a better grasp of the external influences on the workforce in each country
• Empower you to improve your talent management programs
• Give you a better understanding of wage and salary levels within each country
• Help you to better manage and ulitise your expatriates
• Eliminate cost and time constraints and get the knowledge you need now.

~

In reference to these elements, it is important to understand the meaning of data, information and knowledge, as well as knowing the difference between them. 

Data refers to the quantities, characters, or symbols that are used by a computer, which may be stored  in the form of electrical signals and recorded on magnetic, optical, or mechanical recording media. 

Information is data that is correct, specific and organised for a purpose, presented within a context that gives it meaning and relevance, which can lead to an increase in understanding.

Knowledge is the result of interpreted information and understanding that is generated from a combination of data, information, experience, and interpretation.

Nine Elements of Digital Citizenship

1.   Digital Access:

Digital Access is the electronic participation in a society.

2.    Digital Commerce:  

Digital Commerce is when goods are bought and sold electronically.  

3.   Digital Communication:

Digital communication is the exchange of information electronically.

4.   Digital Literacy: 

Digital literacy is the process of teaching and learning about technology, and how to use it.

5.   Digital Etiquette:  

Digital Etiquette is the electronic standards of procedure. In other words, how to conduct good behaviour electronically.

6.   Digital Law:

Digital Law is the electronic responsibility for actions, deeds which is either ethical or unethical.

7.   Digital Rights & Responsibilities:

Digital Rights and Responsibilities are those freedoms that individuals have in the digital world as well as the responsibilities that come with it.

8.   Digital Health & Wellness:  

The well-being terms of physically and psychologically in the digital world.  

9.   Digital Security (self-protection): 

Digital Security is the safety measures that we take in order for our protection in the digital world. 

www.eduulearn.weebly.com for more info. 

social capital. (n.d.). Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. Retrieved April 14, 2015, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/social capital

·        Nine Elements. 2015. Nine Elements. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.digitalcitizenship.net/Nine_Elements.html. [Accessed 14 April 2015].