Merchant, G. (2007). Mind the Gap(s): discourses and discontinuity in digital literacies. E-Learning. 4(3): 241-255.

This texts states that digital literacy is “digital capital” (244) “I argue that those who have access to new technology and knowledge of its potential wield the power of the new force of digital capital”, particularly significant in advanced education and employment in late capitalism. Merchant shows an example where online socialization sparks political campaigns (street piano) and another example where category tagging in Flick-R leads to joining an interest group and founding an affinity space (p. 250). This affinity space then sparks learning through sharing of interest and “clearly constitutes socially-situated learning (Wenger)” p. 251. Merchant argues that digital literacy is necessary for these processes as it is “Central to new kinds of social practice” (p. 253) and people will increasingly be at a disadvantage if they are digitally illiterate.

I had already come across this text when I was researching digital literacy for my dissertation project. I want to conduct a survey on e-readiness amongst students in Continuing Education. This text could serve as an argument that it is worth introducing students to technology not only as a learning tool immediately for the classes, but also as a method for all kinds of social engagement.

Merchant, G (2007) Mind the gap(s): discourses and discontinuity in digital literacies, E-learning, 4 (3), 241-255.