How much digital literacy do women need?

The UK's Guardian newspaper website hosted an online live blog debate about digital literacy and women in today's society. Experts from Aberystwyth University, the Open University, and developers' network Young Rewired State also asked 'how much digital literacy do young people need?'.

The sub-debate on the field's terminology, the meaning of literacy and how to make materials 'learner (women) friendly' was very interesting.The discussion highlighted the terminology - digital literacy, computer sciences and ICT (Information and Communications Technology) - and being careful to be clear when defining and teaching. It is interesting that the field is looking for clarity within itself - something many outside will definitely appreciate. Once there is agreement on what 'digital literacy' is, perhaps the field will see growth in women participating. 

The issue of IT educational materials being geared towards 'male computer geeks' showed a need for these materials to be rewritten with female digital literacy in mind. With today's job market in need of digitally literate workers, there needs to be dialogue and agreement on developing new materials. It appears many individuals are working hard to keep up with changes in the field. But, can the whole field bring about these changes?

With the Canadian government's investment in essential skills programs, and the use of the term 'computer skills', perhaps we also need to look at the bigger picture. 

The discussion certainly put digital literacy on the agenda.  Along with family, health and financial literacy - we should all take a look at how we communicate, teach and talk about it - especially to women . It is just too important to ignore.