Essay: Importance of Digital Skills for University Students in Learning


In this modern era, digital skills play an essential role for University students in our fast-growing digital world of learning. According to the (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO] 2015) a wide range of abilities to use digital devices, communication applications, and networks to obtain and manage information is referred to as digital skills. To effectively and creatively achieve one's potential in life, education, the workplace, and social interactions in general, they enable individuals to create and share digital information, communicate and work together, and solve problems. As per Adams the need for digital abilities in the workplace has never been higher, and learning these skills can significantly improve your life in a world that is becoming increasingly digital(2022). Digital skills assist university students in dealing with modern technology, software, and digital appliances. International and multidisciplinary collaboration in science and research is made easier due to digital skills, which also significantly expand the range of study options for courses and professions. Additionally, it increases the accessibility and individuality of education, grants flexibility in research, and supports self-directed learning. The acquisition of knowledge is improved and study interest is raised via autonomous learning. Digital skills assist university students in dealing with modern technology, software, and digital appliances. Hence, having digital skills will boost the students' learning. Therefore, digital skills support university students' educational progress, and lifelong skills help in communication and understanding digital responsibilities.


One of the first reasons digital skills are important for university students in learning is the increased use of technology in education. Expanding digital learning and skills could broaden the scope and relevance of educational systems. According to LCOM. (2022) students who are proficient in digital literacy will feel more at ease and confident using these platforms for learning, whereas students who are not proficient in this area may find it difficult or unnerving to use the relevant technology, which could hinder their progress. With the help of digital skills, students can easily do their projects and assignments enhancing their learning. As per Bloom's Digital Taxonomy (n.d), unlike other tasks like remembering, understanding, and applying, inventing demands a higher level of thought. Students learn the material more quickly and retain it for longer periods when they apply digital skills to create assignments, presentations, infographics, and ePortfolios. 


Digital literacy foundations give students the fundamental information and abilities they need to use a variety of technologies now and in the future, even though the technology is always evolving. As stated by Ala-Mutka(2008) that digital skills are becoming an increasingly vital tool for leisure, learning, and employment across all areas, hence they need to be prioritized in lifelong learning initiatives. These concerns must be considered during workplace training to create and promote norms for employees' online interactions about work-related issues. (as cited in Redecker, 2008, p.3). Moreover, Neilson(n.d.) states that being digitally literate goes beyond being able to use technology, it is the ability to function critically and effectively in a digitally enhanced environment. Skills such as flexibility, adaptability, and being a lifelong learner are essential to maintaining relevant digital literacy skills over time. 


In addition, having knowledge of digital skills helps in learning communication applications like Gmail, WhatsApp, telegram, Microsoft apps, etc….As stated in EU Business School, “You can use visual aids, such as presentation slides that reinforce what you're saying, to improve your communication abilities. This helps to hold the audience's attention for a longer period and keeps people interested in what you're saying, especially whether you're at a meeting or working on a class assignment.”(2022). As per Deakin University (n.d), “digital skills such as architecture students using AutoCAD to draw a building design or marketing majors learning to use social media analytics.”


Furthermore, understanding digital responsibilities in students' learning is made easier by having digital skills. According to LCOM. (2022), While technology is ever-changing, digital literacy foundations empower students with base knowledge and skills that can be applied to various types of technology now as well as in the future. For instance, learning basic concepts such as input/output, application operation, discerning hardware devices and how to use them, etc., can provide basic transferable knowledge that can be applied to new and emerging technologies. Through this university students will be cautious about cyberbullying, copyright, plagiarism, and citation. As per LCOM. states that online hazards are complicated and constantly evolving, with malicious individuals or groups constantly coming up with new ways to exploit others. While digital literacy cannot guarantee that children won't encounter security issues online, it can arm them with crucial information, resources, and tools to assist safeguard their privacy and safety as much as possible(2022). With greater digital skills we have less exposure to online risks.


To conclude, digital skills help university students comprehend their digital obligations, improve communication, and support their lifelong learning. According to Loveless (n.d) technology has revolutionized the way people interact, communicate, and work, but it has also had other effects. The manner that kids learn has also been changed by technology. Lifelong learning could be enhanced through digital literacy, commonly referred to as e-learning and virtual learning. Having digital skills helps students to master technical skills, authorship principles like copyright and plagiarism, how to access online resources, and how to communicate responsibly on social media.






References


Adams, T. (2022). What is the importance of digital skills in the workplace? The digital skill gap. Retrieved from https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/digital-skills-for-the-workplace/

EU Business School. (2022). Digital communication skills you should know. Advanced digital communication skills that make you more employable. Retrieved from https://www.euruni.edu/blog/digital-communication-skills-you-should-know/

LCOM. (2022). 5 Reasons digital literacy is important for students. Retrieved from https://www.learning.com/blog/reasons-digital-literacy-is-important-for-students/

Loveless, B. (n.d). The importance of digital literacy in k-12. What is digital literacy? Retrieved from https://www.educationcorner.com/importance-digital-literacy-k-12.html

Redecker, C. (2008). Digital competence for lifelong learning. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256460657_Digital_Competence_for_Lifelong_Learning_Policy_Brief

UNESCO. (2015). Digital skills are critical for jobs and social inclusion. Retrieved from https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/digital-skills-critical-jobs-and-social-inclusion

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Essay: Importance of Digital Skills for University Students in Learning

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