Literacy Essay Examples

Literacy, what is it?

Essentially it is the ability to comprehend and be proficient in reading and communicating through writing. For some, this task is not easily achieved but is taught throughout our lifespan, it has been practiced and used time and time again, and has become a part of us forever. Digital literacy, however, has become a huge issue for the older generations, as it is fairly new and upcoming. There are many skills to conquer before one can consider oneself digitally literate, in layman’s term, media literate. There are so many outlets now that we have to learn how to use in all aspects of our lives to stay up on the times. The great part of digital literacy is that you don’t have to encompass the basic skills of reading and writing to access all the benefits. The intranet is a huge pillar of the digital world, videos and other applications can be of great service for those who cannot read, or have sight to see. However, the workforce is ever changing, requiring the use of more technology to enhance productivity and efficacy. If you aren’t literate in the digital world you might find it hard to secure a good job, make and maintain social relationships, or even simpler, paying bills online. Not having this particular skill set can really affect your time management and increase frustrations while attempting to catch up. According to the analysis from the OECD, 16% of Americans are not digitally literate, this translates to 31.8 million adults who do not have sufficient skills to be classified as literate. Five percent of adults in the United States reported have no computer experience (NCES, n.d). This data alone is alarming, especially when we think about specific populations, such as students. According to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, fifty percent of all students said they were unable to complete a homework assignment because they lacked access to the internet or computers. Of those students surveyed, forty-two percent say they received a lower grade on an assignment due to lack of access as well. Access is very much so an important component when discussing digital literacy (Mcgovern, n.d).  

How do we learn literacy if we cannot access it?

For this assignment I was asked what digital literacy meant to me, and why I thought it was important. In all the ways I have mentioned it is not only important but necessary. If we as a society could educate the thirty-one million people in the United States that are not literate, imagine the change we could set forth. We already are instituting the idea of digital inclusion, but even on a broader scheme, it could be a real change in the lives of millions of people. The impoverished could apply for better-paying jobs, have fair education and be on a more even playing field amongst colleagues in a competitive workforce. The older generation could make the most of their time and reduce frustrations by learning how to participate digitally. They would be more included in society and feel a sense of purpose by being able to connect with loved ones and friends. They could have more education regarding health care, and social issues right at their fingertips. Just a few benefits of improving digital literacy within these two small populations, what change we could facilitate.

Financial literacy, what is it?

In today’s society, financial literacy is a very important factor in a person’s life. We are living in an age where social media and keeping up with the trend has a major impact on young adults. While scrolling through Instagram your friend from high school just posted photos of her all-inclusive trip to Cancun. Scroll a few more posts down and your cousin just posted a picture with the latest Gucci belt she bought last week. With making $10 an hour and having $25 in your account for food and gas for the week you still want that new Gucci belt and trip to Cancun. Your solution is to apply for a credit card. Two tuitions, four credit cards later, and you are in a deeper hole in debt than you had imagined. This is a prime example of why financial literacy should be a mandatory course in public schools.

There are very many types of finances such as managing a bank account to paying a home mortgage. Some of the most important steps to succeeding financially are budgeting, ability to track spending, paying off debt and planning for retirement. “Financial Literacy classes teach students the basics of money management, budgeting, saving, debt, investing and giving” (Ramsey). Dave Ramsey, a very well-known financial advisor and owner of a radio talk show explains that students who have knowledge on money management can provide a foundation to grow strong money habits early on in life. This can prevent many mistakes that can lead to lifelong struggles with money like such as large amounts of debt and bankruptcy.

Do Americans have problems with financial literacy?

In an article in Forbes magazine written by Dani Pascarella, explains that America has a major financial literacy problem. Overall, people want success when it comes to making financial decisions but according to Pascarella “Two-thirds of American adults can’t pass a basic financial 

literacy test” (Pascarella). Pascarella shows four alarming statistics and reasons why we need to pay more attention to financial education.

• 44% of Americans don’t have enough cash to cover a $400 emergency
• 43% of student loan borrowers are not making payments
• 38%of U.S. households have credit card debt
• 33% of American adults have $0 saved for retirement

Сonclusion

Literacy can only be achieved through education. Education plays a very important role in this. Literacy is very important for people to get good conditions both socially and economically. Literacy makes people more aware and aware of their surroundings, and they find the best way to live their lives. But education is the only way to literacy. Education covers many areas. Education is the most important part of human life. Education is very important because it contributes to the overall development of man. In general, in the sense that it enlightens a person both socially and economically. It brings awareness to people and also helps them build a stronger personality.