Digital Proficiency

Professor Elle Gregory; Professor Lisa Chopin; Rosie Glynn; Rob Johnson; Cameron Rutter; Peter Sondergeld; Sarah Howard; Dr Nona Press

Digital Proficiency

Digital proficiency is the ability you have to use digital devices, networks, applications, software and services. The capacity to use ICT-based devices, applications, software and services via their interfaces (mouse, keyboard, touch screen, voice control and other modes of input; screens, microphones, haptic feedback and other modes of output); to use digital capture devices such as cameras, web browser, and writing/presentation software.

Student learning outcome examples

Use digital devices, applications, software and services
Use learning, teaching and assessment systems as required
Manage personal security and privacy settings, respond to alerts and follow safe use rules
Recognise the limits of personal digital capabilities and where/how to get support
Choose, adapt and personalise digital applications and systems
Recover from failures
Stay up to date with digital tools as they evolve and adopt new systems, applications and approaches in the profession
Manage devices and applications to minimise the impact on the environment

Capability development examples

Activity Considerations

Whilst you may not directly assess digital proficiency in a higher education context, it is still a critical capability for our students to have in order to succeed as an adult learner in our current digital learning environment. From navigating online learning resources and activities, to using digital tools to engage in learning and complete assessment tasks.

Identify the key digital learning platforms and tools your students will need to succeed in their learning; summarise in a list and communicate this to your students.
Consider creating screencasts or refer to existing resources on how to navigate/use these platforms and tools.
Model the digital capabilities and behaviour you expect of your students by using digital tools in-class demonstrations and activities.

Using the Learning Management System

Ask the students to post on the discussion board and introduce themselves or complete a short quiz (not marked).

Engaging in digital classrooms effectively

Run a short online synchronous session with your students.
Introduce them to the chat and whiteboard function, and the reactions and ask them to use these in the session.

Digital skills video

Before playing the below video in class, ask the students these questions:

What types of technology are you going to need as a learner and as a graduate in your discipline?
Do you need further skills in technology you already use?

After the video, ask the students to Think Pair Share if you have online students, this could be done using Padlet