BANGALORE: With the advent of digital age and the urgency with which technology has transformed the world as we know it, the concept of literacy has assumed new connotations today. No longer does the term literacy merely imply an ability that requires a certain level of communication to facilitate reading and writing in attempts to gaining further knowledge through print media. Through digital competence, the new ‘e-generation’ can now tap into their intellectual potential and attain overall development in any chosen sphere of activity with ease. In fact, the new millennium has mandated an overall understanding of multiple media that provides us with miscellaneous means of sustainable development through skills and knowledge. On International Literacy Day — a day aimed at highlighting the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies globally, we talk to several academicians on literacy as a concept and its evolution in Bangalore city.The ability of consciously segregating information, integrating technology into education and incorporating them into communication is what every educational institution strives for today. Ushering in a new wave of digital and visual communication seems to be their latest modus operandi in empowering the youth. Says B B Kaveri, director of mass education and member secretary of Karnataka State Literacy Mission, “Earlier, in order to further accentuate the importance of literacy and better the rate of course, the entire focus was on the three ‘Rs’ — reading, writing and arithmetic. These were in fact the only skills that were considered essential at one point. Initially a group of people were brought into a learning centre where teachers would impart knowledge and some basic training. However, today the whole concept of literacy has undergone a drastic change. The digital era has not only revolutionised learning but has also made information much more accessible. For instance, with cell phones becoming a necessity today, a person considered ‘illiterate’ in any part of the city be it urban or rural will eventually learn how to read and write. Also, subtitles (textual versions of dialogues in cinema) effectively aides in reiterating what one has learnt. Besides learning and operating computers indubitably instills confidence in all youngsters. With mushrooming of schools and easy access to information, digital literacy has been one of the most effective means of education and communication so far. Literacy in Bangalore has definitely undergone a major change.” As traditional literacy and teaching methods have been catapulted into the orbit by digital media, one can only wonder if the quality of productivity and complexity of infrastructure facilities weave a story of cataclysmic change. The ability to strategically categorise information be it multicultural, socio-economic or scientific with inventive thinking plays a pivotal role in enhancing literacy rates. Professor Thimmapa M S, former vice chancellor and professor of psychology, Bangalore University feels the positive development and information explosion associated with the multidimensional era should be put to use more effectively. “Literacy in the Indian context is evolving at a rapid pace. With the IT Boom in Bangalore, tech savvy individuals are no longer a rarity. However, vast part of our digital education is focused on the urban areas only. Unfortunately in India, teaching and evaluation is yet to be digitalised. We must encourage creativity and independent thinking amongst students rather than information recollection. And, the easier way to tackle these issues is through digitalisation of the entire education system in our country. This will ensure qualitative analysis of progress in each and every individual. And, that is extremely important.” Professor Dr N Prabhudev, vice chancellor, Bangalore University too stresses on the importance of a cogitative overall development. The quest for accentuating literacy and technical development has led to a massive attempt at renovating existing education methods. “With the evolution of literacy and surge of information and knowledge availability, we would rate Internet as the best teacher today. In order to keep pace with the rest of the world in terms of development, we need to revitalise infrastructure in all rural and urban areas. Of course, Bangalore can be rated as one of the highly literate cities in the country today,” he further adds.As varied perspectives present diverse environments capable of navigating through prioritisation, adaptability and proficiency; the fundamental change required to revolutionise established concepts of literacy demands responsibility and commitment. Says Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri, minister for primary and secondary education, Karnataka, “By implementing computers in schools and colleges, we hope to enhance and nurture learning and help students attain the required skills and competencies. Thought the literacy rate in Bangalore is quite high, we need to ensure quality sustenance in all fields too.”
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