Digitally literate graduates = success in life and work Sabina Robertson, Deakin University Library July 7, 2015

The challenge The solution Develop the foundation skill of finding information, a key element of the Deakin University library’s Digital Literacy framework by creating a suite of playful, accessible, character-driven animations – delivered to students at the point of need and in a voice and style relevant to them. How to engage students’ interest, awareness and capability of building finding skills, a foundational digital literacy element of Deakin University Library’s Digital Literacy Framework. The Context: Deakin University The Library is a partner in the Inclusive Curriculum and Capacity Building Project, one of six projects funded by HEPPP. The Library, identified that improving awareness and use of scholarly resources, is a foundational digital literacy skill, and contributes to students overall success and retention. The Definition: Digital Literacy Digital Literacy, one of eight graduate learning outcomes, is defined: as using technologies to find, use and disseminate information.

The outcomes & benefits StudentsLibrariansUniversity Engaging instruction at point of need Can focus on improving advanced and discipline-specific digital literacy skills Capacity and team building Skills to exploit the rich collections and services at Deakin University Library Can re-use animations across units, and in cloud and campus delivery Established a development methodology Accessible and relevant instruction for students from disadvantaged backgrounds Scope to expand the series beyond foundational find element of Digital Literacy Framework Developing a shared university – wide understanding of the elements of digital literacy and embedding the concept across the curricula The suite of 10 videos were funded by the Commonwealth Government through the Higher Education Participation Program.