Using digital technology is a feature of everyday life in contemporary society. It involves not only accessing and processing information using digital tools, but analysis and awareness of opportunities and issues in the digital space.Digital literacy skills empower individuals to learn, change and adapt to the digital global environment. Promoting the development of creative and analytical uses of technology, these skills take the user from passive consumers, to active and confident ones capable of full and professional engagement in the online world. Therefore, digital literacies, which emphasise individuals’ knowledge, skills and practice with digital technologies are an essential feature of learning at Charles Sturt.
Students are no longer passive consumers of educational content, they have the ability to contribute to local and global knowledge by producing and using media, applications and objects (Alexander et al., 2017). Access to information is not necessarily access to knowledge, and students need to be equipped with the ability to make well informed decisions based on online information (Santos & Serpa, 2017).
Students benefit by feeling connected to a digital community of their peers and developing the confidence to effectively use technology in their assessment items and learning activities.
Employers seek graduates who have a professional presence online and are able to adapt to new and evolving technologies. The pace of technological change in Australia has resulted in organisations, business and industry that previously had low levels of digital engagement, adopting a web, mobile and social media presence (Deloitte Access Economics [DAE], 2017).
Graduates stand out from the crowd by marketing themselves effectively online. An understanding of digital footprints and responsible and ethical actions online, is essential in competitive global markets (Murray & Pérez, 2014)..
Graduates are equipped to take advantage of lifelong learning opportunities, extending their learning from the educational environment into the workplace.
Charles Sturt University acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, paying respect to Elders, both past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations Peoples.
Charles Sturt University is an Australian University, TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018. CRICOS Provider: 00005F.
