Preparing for Life in a Digital Age

Abstract

The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) studied the extent to which young people have developed computer and information literacy (CIL) to support their capacity to participate in the digital age. Computer and information literacy is defined as “an individual’s ability to use computers to investigate, create, and communicate in order to participate effectively at home, at school, in the workplace, and in society” (Fraillon, Schulz, & Ainley, 2013, p. 17) ICILS was based around four research questions focused on the following: 1. Variations in CIL within and across countries; 2. Aspects of schools, education systems, and teaching associated with student achievement in CIL; 3. The extent to which students’ access to, familiarity with, and self-reported proficiency in using computers is associated with student achievement in CIL; and 4. Aspects of students’ personal and social backgrounds associated with CIL.