Reexamining Digital-Learning Readiness in Higher Education: Positioning Digital Competencies as Key Factors and a Profile Application as a Readiness Tool

摘要

Readiness for digital learning is an international research domain exploring the preparedness of people and contexts for successful technology-rich education. This study, focused on higher education, reviews the readiness literature and positions digital competencies as factors within it. A key limitation identified is that despite the position of digital knowledge, skills and altitudes as highly significant factors, readiness instruments are limited by inconsistent conceptualization and unidimensional operationalization of digital competencies. In response, the General Technology Competency and Use (GTCU) framework and accompanying online Digital Competency Profiler (DCP) application, developed in Canada and used over a dccadc in several national contexts, are reviewed as an alternative readincss-assessment apparatus. Findings from a pilot observational study comparing: (a) self-reported digital competencies (using DCP indicators), and (b) the quality of authenlic digital-learning performances, arc highlighted in support. Through continued application development and international collaboration, the researchers are pursuing contextually-sensitive and non-exclusionary readi-ness-assessmcnt tools that help individuals and groups better prepare lor successful digital learning.