Digital Literacies: What Academics Think About the Importance of Digital Skills and Digital Training
Digital Literacies: What Academics Think About the Importance of Digital Skills and Digital Training

Summary/Abstract: In recent years digital literacy has become a fundamental life skill and, as a result, digital training that empowers individuals is considered a top priority in all European countries. Using the European DigComp Framework based on five areas and 21 competencies, this article explores the digital skills and competencies most relevant to academics before and during the first COVID-19 lockdown. The article reveals HEIs' disjointed effort to provide staff with relevant digital training. Results show that existing digital training available to academics is failing to meet the needs of the target audience. This training must change to include the opportunity to talk to an IT expert or digital technologist. More bespoke training and opportunities to discuss digital concerns and issues with an expert, as well as learning how to create interactive content are essential elements that need to be addressed in future digital training initiatives.

• Details
• Contents