Information and digital literacy in education via the digital path

The Higher Education Digital Capability framework identifies four core dimensions along the learner lifecycle: Demand & Discovery (DD), Learning Design (LD), Learner Experience (LX) and Work & Lifelong Learning (WL). Within these are sixteen capability groups or ‘domains’, with more than 70 capability blocks adding a further level of detail. Overall, the framework is designed to allow flexibility and interpretation in context; some institutions will find almost every capability block relevant to their organisational structure, activities and aspirations, whilst others will focus on a more specific set of capabilities applicable to their individual context.

You would think that the annual Association for Learning Technology conference – held this year at the University of Liverpool – would be primarily focused on technology. But you might be surprised to find that discussions and presentations are centred far more on policy and people. In setting the themes for the conference, co-chair Helen O’Sullivan (University of Liverpool), and ALT CEO Maren Deepwell chose not to highlight particular hardware or software, but to look at the common issues that underpin the way technology is used.