In today’s modernized world, literacy skills are very essential for a sense of belonging. It is directly related to a consumer’s educational needs and is the backbone behind the success of many developing countries.
Even so, popular and prominent nations of the world like the United States (US), Canada, and the United Kingdom (UK) have literacy rates that peak over 90% hence have what it takes to be liberal and also enjoy the dividends of an information-defined community.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting the different consumer educational needs as well as the corresponding literacy skills that can be of benefit. Read on for more information…
- Scientific Literacy
- Computer Literacy
- Traditional Literacy
- Information Literacy
- Media Literacy
- Health Literacy
Scientific Literacy
Science and Technology are connected; more than most people think. It is the background and foundational work that defines all theories, concepts, laws, ideas, facts, and working principles among others.
Moreover, science is also termed as the systematical understanding of nature and how it works. This has been the brain behind (our) modern-day development – since technology is simply the application of scientific ideas for the production of useful products and services.
Even so, science has some other aspects that don’t relate to technology and the two most popular are social science and political science. These areas of science deal mostly with psychology and how human being works. Social science, in particular, can be said to be linked with emotional intelligence, and, interestingly, a good number of individuals are getting involved.
Computer Literacy
As one of the earliest forms of literacy, consumer literacy is long-standing and probably everlasting. It is most upgraded and modernized in all types and has contributed immensely to the technological boom in today’s society.
Computer literacy concerns itself with the use of a computer to tackle problems. It is the backbone of information Communication Technology (ICT) which has been the turning point for data communication and networking.
However, unlike other types of literacy skills, computer literacy is practically-based and can not be achieved with just theory. People with access to computer devices and gadgets know how well to utilize them in solving problems.
The case is different with those who don’t have and this is one of the banes of technological advancement in developing countries.
Developed countries like Singapore, Canada, the United States, and China among others are the leading technology hubs as they have an excellent computer literacy rate.
Traditional Literacy
Though it is sometimes underrated, Traditional literacy is as necessary as it should be essential. It deals with prose which encompasses the four layers of all languages which are reading, writing, speaking, and understanding (A.K.A hearing). Without them, information flow will be difficult which in turn won’t spell good for the World.
Furthermore, traditional literacy has been greatly boosted with the advent of the World Wide Web (WWW) which has made it possible for net users to bond through information exchange. Data on the web is predominantly available in the English language which constitutes 65% of all its content hence a major advantage for English speakers.
Even so, the advent of translators has made it possible for the information to be transformed from one form to the other. However, text-based data is the only type available in WWW – pictorial (graphics) and audio are also present – albeit, they are less popular.
Information Literacy
Information Literacy concerns itself with the sourcing of data as well as its utilization. This type of literacy is of huge social significance as the process of finding data is strategic.
An information literate knows how to go about the search for information and how to use them for the benefit of others. Today, sources of information are plenty unlike before hence finding them is not that straightforward.
Currently, Google is the largest information library with more than 8 Billion data. This can make life difficult for researchers and thankfully, this is where information literacy plays a role. An information literate won’t have trouble sourcing resources and utilizing them appropriately.
Media Literacy
By and large, media literacy has grown to become a part and parcel of the digital world. It is directly linked to media studies and deals with the creation of media content. The process of creating media content requires critical thinking which is the determining factor in how far the effects of the data will be.
However, media literacy can also be seen from the political and social context which are the determining factors for the target audience and source of resources. The media literate should ensure that the right media information is sent across to the intended audience and under the right platform.
Health Literacy
“Health is wealth” is a familiar and common adage. As human beings, health is very important hence education should be treated as a matter of urgency and priority.
Health education is all about the art of engaging with medical service providers to obtain information that will facilitate healthy living. Even so, popular medical services like the American Medical Association evaluates a health literate as one who can function in medical environments, having garnered the needed and appropriate skills.
Even so, health education is more strategic than straightforward. Since health encompasses a whole lot of ideas, finding the appropriate ones should be done with care. Also, given that health matters can be complicated, experts recommend that proper research should be done before any form of self-care is carried out.
Hence, health consumers need this literacy to make informed decisions and adjust their healthy lifestyles for the better.
FAQ
What’s the aim of literacy skills?
Literacy skill aims to gain knowledge and advance in all ramifications, anyone partaking in this program should expect more of an educated deal. Workshops and more learning programs are what students and scholars should expect.
How important is health literacy?
Health education is all about the art of engaging with medical service providers to obtain information that will facilitate healthy living.
Even so, popular medical services like the American Medical Association evaluates a health literate as one who can function in medical environments, having garnered the needed and appropriate skills.
Is the traditional skill necessary?
Though it is sometimes underrated, Traditional literacy is as necessary as it should be essential. It deals with prose which encompasses the four layers of all languages which are reading, writing, speaking, and understanding (A.K.A hearing).
Without them, information flow will be difficult which in turn won’t spell good for the World.
Furthermore, traditional literacy has been greatly boosted with the advent of the World Wide Web (WWW) which has made it possible for net users to bond through information exchange.
Data on the web is predominantly available in the English language which constitutes 65% of all its content hence a major advantage for English speakers.
How can media skills help individuals?
The media outreach is part of Educational awareness for individuals and societal need, the media is also a digital platform where intense learning about digital-related activities take place. Nonetheless, this can be related to media study and creativity about media content.
However, media literacy can also be seen from the political and social context which are the determining factors for the target audience and source of resources.
The media literate should ensure that the right media information is sent across to the intended audience and under the right platform.
What are the benefits of literacy acquired skills?
There are several benefits and advanced methods in which literacy skills are optimally acquired.
One can acquire skills in trading, digital marketing, computer research work program, and medical insurance, traditionally one can get concise skills and methods of dealing with critical matters, the above method is recommended for skill acquisition.
Conclusion
Literacy skills and consumer educational needs play an important role in today’s fast-paced world. With advancements in science and technology, information transmission has become simpler.
However, to access this data, one should have certain literacy skills. This article deal with the six essential types which are Scientific Literacy, Computer Literacy
Traditional Literacy, Information Literacy, Media Literacy, and Health Literacy.