How can you prepare your graduates and employees with digital skills?

1 Assess the needs

The first step is to assess the current and future needs of your graduates and employees in terms of digital skills. You can use various tools and frameworks to identify the gaps and strengths of your target group, such as the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards, or the UK Digital Skills Framework. These can help you define the key areas and levels of digital literacy and competencies that your learners and workers need to develop.

2 Design the curriculum

The next step is to design the curriculum or program that will address the needs and goals of your graduates and employees. You can use various methods and approaches to create engaging and relevant learning experiences, such as project-based learning, blended learning, flipped learning, or gamification. You can also integrate digital skills across the curriculum or program, rather than treating them as separate subjects or modules. This can help your learners and workers apply their digital skills in authentic and meaningful contexts.

3 Provide the resources

The third step is to provide the resources and support that will enable your graduates and employees to access and use digital tools and platforms effectively. You can use various types of resources, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, blogs, videos, or e-books, to offer flexible and self-paced learning opportunities. You can also provide access to digital devices, software, and networks, as well as technical assistance and guidance, to ensure that your learners and workers have the necessary infrastructure and skills to use them.

4 Facilitate the learning

The fourth step is to facilitate the learning and development of your graduates and employees in terms of digital skills. You can use various strategies and techniques to motivate and engage your learners and workers, such as feedback, coaching, mentoring, peer learning, or collaboration. You can also use various tools and platforms to monitor and assess their progress and performance, such as portfolios, badges, quizzes, or surveys. This can help you provide recognition and reinforcement for their achievements and challenges.

5 Encourage the reflection

The fifth step is to encourage the reflection and evaluation of your graduates and employees in terms of digital skills. You can use various methods and tools to foster their self-awareness and critical thinking, such as journals, blogs, podcasts, videos, or e-portfolios. You can also use various questions and prompts to guide their reflection and evaluation, such as what did you learn, how did you learn, what did you do well, what can you improve, or how can you apply your digital skills in other situations. This can help them consolidate their learning and identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

6 Promote the transfer

The sixth step is to promote the transfer and application of your graduates and employees' digital skills in their academic, professional, or personal contexts. You can use various ways and opportunities to showcase and celebrate their digital skills, such as exhibitions, presentations, competitions, or awards. You can also use various channels and networks to connect and communicate with their peers, mentors, employers, or clients, such as social media, blogs, podcasts, or e-portfolios. This can help them demonstrate and share their digital skills, as well as learn from others and expand their horizons.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?