Digital literacy

With the rise of remote working and increasing importance of online platforms for both seeking and doing work, individuals will need the skills to use these platforms confidently 

What is it?

In this context digital literacy means the skills and confidence that enable individuals to work effectively online, rather than technical skills such as coding and engineering.   It includes those skills that enable individuals to take part in online meetings, to collaborate and support others online and to manage a workload independently.  It also involves individuals understanding their digital footprint, how to manage this and how to build relationships and network in the online space.   

Why is it important?

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic more people than ever have been working and studying remotely using technology and modelling of the future of work suggests that future work will increasingly be online and remote, so individuals need the right skills to do this effectively.   

How can you support its development?

Tips:

• Use a wide variety of variety of learning technologies in your teaching and assessments as this will support students to develop their digital literacy
• Microsoft Teams can be used to support virtual team-work among students
• Consider using technology in assessment, for example have students create a blog or other digital artefact on a topic related to your subject
• Information Services Group also provide support to staff and students in developing digital skills, including a digital skills framework and some toolkits to support skills development:

Information Services Group: Digital skills and training

• The Managing Your Digital Footprint Campaign, run through the University’s Institute for Academic Development provides advice for students on creating and managing their digital presence:

Managing Your Digital Footprint

Examples:

• The Moray House School of Education and Sport uses blogs for assessment in a number of their degree courses
• The Vet School requires students complete a digital portfolio as part of their Professional and Clinical Skills module