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Technical and Digital Information Literacy Skills for Student Success

Owned by Gina Persichini
Jul 02, 2024
2 min read

Clearly stating the technical and digital information literacy skills expected of learners is essential for multiple reasons in modern education, particularly as courses increasingly incorporate digital tools and platforms. Educators can create a more positive, productive, and equitable learning environment by ensuring students are aware of and equipped with the necessary skills.

Importance of Communicating Technical and Digital Literacy Expectations

Specifying the necessary technical and digital literacy skills supports effective learning, increases accessibility and inclusivity, facilitates smooth course operations, and aligns with established quality standards like those of Quality Matters. It also ensures that all students are adequately prepared before the course begins. This preparation helps avoid students struggling with basic functionalities instead of focusing on course content. 

By knowing these requirements upfront, students can seek out resources or training before starting the course, ensuring they are ready to engage fully from day one. Including links to resources and training available to students in the same section will be helpful. 

Steps to Take

  • Review your course and note any actions the student will need to take to participate in the course.

  • Describe the technical skills students will need to be successful in the course, such as the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information through technology, to install and use webcams, microphones, conference software, etc.

  • Include your expectations for their digital information literacy skills, like accessing their Boise State inbox and receiving/sending email messages, uploading files, installing software, netiquette, using multimedia and collaborative tools, etc. 

  • Add the required skills to your syllabus or under Course Resources in the course shell in a dedicated section. 

Example

Below is an example of technical skills and digital literacy expectations. It includes a section on Resources for Skills Development, that allows students to brush up on their skills before or during the course. 

Course: Introduction to Online Research Methods

Expected Technical Skills and Digital Literacy:

  • Basic Computer Skills: Proficiency in using Windows or macOS, including installing applications, managing files, and basic troubleshooting.

  • Productivity Software: Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite or Google Workspace for document creation, data analysis in spreadsheets, and presentation preparation.

  • Internet and Research Skills: Competence in navigating the web, using academic databases, and evaluating the credibility of online sources.

  • Digital Communication: Familiarity with using the university's learning management system (Canvas), participating in discussion forums, and utilizing email and video conferencing tools for communication.

  • Information Literacy: Skills in locating, evaluating, and synthesizing information from multiple digital and print sources to support research projects.

Resources for Skill Development:

  • Boise State University offers workshops to learn basic computer skills and productivity software through the Office of Information Technology. 

  • The Boise State University library conducts sessions on information literacy and effective research methods. Schedule and registration details can be found on the library's website.

  • Online tutorials for using Canvas are available, designed to help navigate and utilize the platform effectively.