Digital Literacy and Career Readiness: College Students' Perception of Their Preparedness to Enter the Workforce

The roles and responsibilities of colleges and universities vary globally but a common objective remains to prepare students for life after graduation. Institutions of higher education emphasize career readiness within their students' chosen fields of study. Digital literacy has become an important part of this employability in a time defined by rapid technological advancements. However, limited research has been done to explore how college students value digital literacy, interact with literacy, and or have digital literacy competencies related to employability. This quantitative study examined how undergraduate students perceive the need for digital literacy for career preparedness and employability. It also investigated the association between the perceived significance and value of digital literacy and how students engage with literacy during their academic years. The participants in the study were college students with sixty or more credit hours enrolled in summer 2024 classes at a research one university in the state of Alabama. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to run a descriptive statistical analysis. Findings from the study indicated that students see digital literacy as imperative for career readiness. Specifically, as it relates to transitioning into the workforce, obtaining employment, completing assignments, and advancing within the job market. In addition, a t-test was utilized to compare if a difference occurred in students' perceived value and importance of digital literacy, and how they engage digital literacy while in school. Findings indicate, there was no difference in the perceived importance and value of digital literacy and how undergraduates engage with digital literacy while in school. These findings emphasize the necessity for higher education institutions to continue integrating digital literacy into the college experience and courses to prepare students for future career obtainment.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Scott, Latoya

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Denham, André R.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Benson, Angela Benson D.
• Dudek, Jaclyn Dudek L.
• Loewen, Nathan Loewen R.
• Rice, Margaret Rice L.

• Digital literacy
• Education
• Educational leadership
• Higher education
• Instructional design
• Instructional technology

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

1108791

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/15359