What is digital capability?
- At an individual level we define digital capabilities as those which equip someone to live, learn and work in a digital society.
- At an organisational level we need to look beyond the capabilities of individuals and consider the extent to which the culture and infrastructure of an institution enables and motivates digital practices.
Individual digital capabilities
This short animation from the University of Derby explains why it is important for people to think about developing their digital capabilities (download animation transcript (pdf)).
What it means to be digitally capable will vary for each person. It will depend on the requirements of their role, their subject specialism, career choice, personal and other contextual factors.
Building digital capabilities: the six elements defined offers a framework that looks more closely at what this means for individuals:
Download the full description in our framework Building digital capabilities: the six elements defined and start to explore the six elements of:
- ICT Proficiency (functional skills)
- Information, data and media literacies (critical use)
- Digital creation, problem solving and innovation (creative production)
- Digital communication, collaboration and participation (participation)
- Digital learning and development (development)
- Digital identity and wellbeing (self-actualising)
Find out more:
- See further information on developing individual digital capabilities and our role profiles that explore digital capabilities from the perspective of roles typically found in colleges and universities.
- See also our briefing papers for senior leaders and practitioners on digital wellbeing
Organisational digital capability
Our digital capabilities framework for organisations explores the critical role that technologies play in supporting the core business functions of universities and colleges. Crucially, it also recognises that digitally capable staff and students are essential to organisational success and looks at ways in which organisations can support and encourage the development of individuals.
Download the full description in our framework Developing digital capability: an organisational framework and start to explore the six elements of:
- Organisational digital culture
- Content and information
- Research and innovation
- Communication
- Learning, teaching and assessment
- ICT infrastructure
Find out more
- See further information on our concept of organisational capability and explore our models which look at this in greater depth
- Read our briefing papers for senior leaders and practitioners on digital wellbeing
Informing your strategic digital decisions: how our digital experience insights and building digital capability services can help
Our short booklet shows the benefits of combining the building digital capabilities and the digital experience insights services to really make your investment count.
