Digital Literacies at the Writing Center

The University Writing Center supports writers working across modes, media, and technologies. As digital tools increasingly shape how we write, research, and communicate, our center aims to expand its support for digital literacy and to build digital fluency among those we serrve. This includes the ability to make informed decisions, create, analyze, and share meaning using digital platforms and multimodal forms.

What we mean by digital literacy

Digital literacy goes beyond technical skill. In fact, we seek to build digital fluency for writing—a flexible, rhetorical fluency that helps writers make informed choices about technologies, genres, and modes of expression.

We also invite writers to think critically about emerging technologies, including AI. Learn more in our AI Pedagogy Statement.

Our approach to digital literacy includes:

• Critical awareness: understanding how digital tools influence communication, ethics, and culture.

• Multimodal composition: designing and composing with text, image, sound, and interactivity to reach diverse audiences.

• Adaptability and transfer: moving confidently between platforms, genres, and contexts in academic, professional, and public writing.

• Hands-on learning: building confidence and insight through experimenting, creating, and reflecting on how digital tools shape the writing process.

How we help

Our consultants support projects that go beyond traditional essays, including:

• Multimodal projects like infographics, websites, and podcasts

• Professional materials such as portfolios and visual résumés

• Research and writing that engage responsibly with digital and AI tools

Because digital literacy is an evolving field, not all consultants specialize in these areas, so they are actively learning alongside writers. We approach these sessions as opportunities for co-learning, creativity, and discovery.

We also offer workshops, class visits, and resource development in collaboration with faculty and campus partners. To request a workshop, fill out our workshop request form.