Building Digital Capability: The Role of Jisc in Achieving Academic Success
The world of higher education has changed dramatically in the past decade, and the pace of digital transformation has been relentless. With advances in technology, students can study anytime, anywhere, and interact with their peers and instructors across the globe. However, this digital age has brought new challenges for academics, and they must adapt to this changing landscape to stay relevant and meet the demands of their students. This is where Jisc, a trusted partner for UK Higher Education, comes in, helping institutions to build digital capability and enhance academic success.
What is Jisc Digital Capability Framework?
Jisc Digital Capability Framework is a set of resources and tools designed to help educators harness the benefits of digital technologies. The framework is divided into six elements and describes the digital skills and knowledge needed to operate effectively in higher education. These elements are:
1. Digital Identity: how individuals present themselves online and how they manage their digital footprint.
2. Digital Wellbeing: how to use technology safely and productively while managing digital distractions.
3. Digital Creation: how to produce digital content and communicate effectively through multimedia.
4. Digital Citizenship: how to collaborate and engage in digital communities while understanding ethical and legal considerations.
5. Digital Learning and Development: how to design, deliver, and participate in online learning activities.
6. Information, Data, and Media Literacy: how to find, evaluate, use, and manage digital information resources.
Why is Jisc Building Digital Capability Crucial for Academic Success?
The digital world is creating new opportunities for students and academics alike, but it is also creating new challenges. Institutions that do not provide adequate digital training and support for their staff and students may fall behind their peers, both in terms of academic performance and reputation. Jisc is helping institutions to meet these challenges head-on, by nurturing the development of digital skills and expertise at an individual level.
Jisc has several tools and resources available to support digital capability building, and these include:
1. Step-by-step improvement plans for individuals, teams, and institutions.
2. Skills audits for individuals to identify areas for development.
3. Workshops and events that provide training and development opportunities for staff.
4. Online training courses.
By building digital capability, educators can create better learning experiences and support students effectively. Digital technologies open up new possibilities for students to learn and engage in different ways, and by building digital capability, academics can harness these technologies and integrate them more effectively into their teaching.
Examples of Jisc’s Digital Capability Building Initiatives
1. Developing Digital Skills in Teacher Education (DeSTeC)
Jisc’s DeSTeC project aimed to develop innovative resources and strategies for embedding digital literacy skills into teacher education. The project worked with seven universities, and through its collaborative approach, it created resources such as digital toolkits, case studies, and online courses to support teacher education institutions across the UK.
2. Digital Leaders Programme
The Digital Leaders Programme is a leadership development programme designed for senior institutional leaders to tackle the challenges of digital transformation. The programme helps leaders to develop a strategic vision and practical plan for digital innovation, as well as providing them with the skills and knowledge to communicate and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Conclusion
The pace of technological change is accelerating in higher education, and digital capability building must become a priority for institutions that aim to stay competitive and deliver high-quality education. Jisc is playing a critical role in building digital capability within the sector, offering a range of resources, tools, and training initiatives. By supporting academics in developing their digital skills and expertise, institutions can provide better learning experiences for their students, achieve better outcomes, and remain competitive in the digital age.
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