Empowering Students for a Digital World: Global Concerns, Local School Evidence and Strategic Actions

Abstract

The research reported here is an evidence-based development project to identify students’ perceptions of how confident and competent they are in learning and working effectively in an online world, and to develop local school strategic actions. It specifically examines students’ knowledge about a range of digital competencies for online learning and living, and their confidence in using these. From a constructivist perspective, understanding their conceptions of their digital world and their confidence with engaging in it provides a window for ensuring that school libraries prepare students for this world. Available literature consistently shows that for today’s young people, the digital environment is already a deeply embedded and pervasive aspect of their lives and the basis for their connections, communications, and community. Accordingly, this paper will present the findings of a school-based qualitative research study that, from the students’ perspective, seeks to understand how confident they are with being safe and productive in the online world. It will also show how these findings translate into strategic actions for the local school.