“I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realizes an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past.”
- Virginia Woolf
Every time I begin a project or assignment, I often feel overwhelmed when I try to wrap my head around it. I find that if I break down the assignment and work bit by bit, I can better understand it. My first impression of the Literacy Narrative assignment was very similar. I felt overwhelmed when I read the instructions, but when I broke down the key points and took notes, I felt much better.
I first made notes about events in my life that would be suitable for this project. I found copious stories of how writing impacted my life and made me the writer I am today, which I am most excited about for the Literacy Narrative project. I find that telling stories from my past and reminiscing is such an emotional and sentimental process. It feels as though you are time traveling to that point in your life and reliving those moments. As you write, you begin to recall forgotten memories and unequivocal feelings. Similar to the feeling of déjà vu, except you know you have experienced it before. A specific smell, touch, or sight can evoke this remembrance that unravels; similar to a ball of yarn as you pull the string, more memories flood in.
My biggest concern as I begin the Literacy Narrative project is my perfectionist mindset. This untoward frame of mind makes me question myself and overthink the story. Irritatingly, I encounter “writer’s block” during this part of the process.
Literacy is described in the “What is a Literacy?” video as: “a skill or set of skills.” Basic literacy has been a necessity since the beginning of time. Humans have been using literacy as a form of communication since about 3100 BCE. The Mesopotamians created the first language known as the Sumerian language, and since then, over 6500 languages have been created. Now that we communicate using more than letters or face to face interactions, we have acquired many different literacies. It’s funny to think how today we can send a picture, emoji, or video with no context and have the person on the receiving end understand what we are saying.
Literacy is a necessary skill to have, especially in the age of technology. I have been going to an online school for six years, so digital communication is essential. I send emails, attend video conferences, create digital presentations, and many more. This literacy skill is known as digital literacy. The American Library Association defines digital literacy as “the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills.” Though this skill is relatively new, it is an essential skill to obtain in this digital age.
Not only does digital literacy grant you access to learn and communicate, but it also gives you an outlet to share your creativity. Social media has impacted the world in ways we never thought possible. You can start and market your business, share your talents, and keep up friends and family. Your social media profile is similar to an autobiography. You share pictures, quotes, or anecdotes that give people a look into your life and interests. I use social media as my photography and writing portfolio. I share pictures that I take and write about what I was feeling, the purpose, and how I hope it makes others feel. This outlet has contributed to many opportunities by chatting with other photographers or writers I have met through this platform.
Digital literacy is essential to this day and age and plays a significant part in my online learning experience. It is taught in every one of my classes as far as reading, watching, interpreting, responding, sharing, and communicating. Through all of these digital experiences, I have acquired the skills needed to live in this digital literacy era. Teachers helped give me the basics when I first started, and I have evolved through research and personal learning. Many skills are available online now in masterclasses, workshops, podcasts, YouTube, and more. The knowledge is out there for everyone; all you need to do is learn how to obtain it. I thirst for knowledge and love to learn new skills, especially when it comes to writing and photography. Digital information has helped me so much along the way, and I look forward to garnering new skills.
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