The QA Commons is mindful of the dramatic and transformational impact COVID-19 is having on all institutions of higher education. As an organization, we are adapting our services to support preparing graduates for the workplace that is now changing more precipitously than ever.
In the classic comedy Home Alone, young Kevin McAllister escapes the chaos of his family getting ready for their trip to Paris by putting in a VHS tape of a pulpy, black-and-white gangster movie called Angels with Filthy Souls. At first, Kevin is terrified and turns off the movie immediately. Once he is left alone in the house, however, he revisits the movie, and some of that terror melts away. As our intrepid hero gains more and more independence and outside forces bring danger to his doorstep, Kevin uses the movie to trick a pizza delivery man and eventually scare the burglars trying to break into his house, leading to his ultimate triumph. What was once a snippet of film was now a powerful defense force. The scene remained the same, but Kevin’s ingenuity altered its purpose.
The rapid proliferation of generative AI can evoke the same feelings as that gangster movie, and many educators have the same reaction – to shut it off! However in the contemporary world, the potential to harness AI’s power in creative and unexpected ways has been discovered. It is a tool for productivity and innovation – and knowing how to navigate and apply it effectively is critical to thriving in the world of work. For this reason, QA Commons has chosen Digital Literacy as its 2024 Essential Employability Quality of the Year.
In an age where technology shapes every interaction, true career readiness hinges not just on mastering digital tools but on using them with creativity, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility. By now, it is commonly accepted that using digital tools, platforms, and technologies is a fundamental requirement for participation in today’s workforce. The next frontier in this realm is pairing technical proficiency with the qualities that only humans can provide.
With technological proficiency as its foundation, members of the workforce must meet the rapid pace of digital change by understanding how to critically evaluate information, collaborate effectively online, and adapt to emerging tools and platforms. In this sense, the rise of technology within the workforce is even more dependent on human intelligence. Workers must focus on what machines cannot do–– think creatively, build relationships, and approach tasks with a nuanced, human perspective. This is why QA Commons’ Essential Employability Qualities have been designed as an interconnected network rather than a series of standalone skills.
Excellence in digital literacy requires a broad range of competencies to unlock its limitless potential. Critical thinking and problem-solving are needed to navigate the overwhelming amount of information online and assess the credibility of digital sources to make sound decisions. Communication skills are needed to leverage digital platforms for meaningful engagement and professional interactions. Teamwork is essential to collaborative work in hybrid or remote environments, leveraging empathy and listening skills to increase productivity and culture, particularly when using shared digital project management software. Learning and adaptability require a proactive mindset to continue to upgrade one’s digital toolkit to stay relevant and at the forefront of the ever-changing nature of work. Professionalism and responsibility require a keen eye and ethical awareness of the implications of digital actions, including respecting privacy, avoiding plagiarism, and promoting digital access.
Our work this year with a variety of academic and training programs has convinced us that ALL disciplines can thoughtfully and intentionally integrate digital literacy into their curricula. Incorporating data visualization, multimedia storytelling, and collaborative tools into classroom projects engages students, promotes critical thinking, and fosters problem-solving skills. Students can learn to evaluate online information, design digital content, and analyze data, preparing them to navigate and shape an increasingly digital world. We hope every program incorporates activities that explore the possibilities, limitations, and ethical considerations of generative AI. By embedding these competencies intentionally, educators equip graduates with the skills needed to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the modern workforce.
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