Loading article...
Loading article...
Stream/Area:
-
Subject:
-
Paper ID:
IJSREM67432
Volume:
10 |
9 |
Sep 2026
Pages:
1-5
Publication Frequency:
Monthly (12 issues per year)
License:International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management follows the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) License, allowing free use and distribution with proper attribution.
Depoartment of Computer Science
Mai Bhago Degree College, Ralla,Mansa
Digital literacy has become an essential skill for college students because digital technologies are increasingly used for learning, communication, research and employment. Digital literacy involves more than basic computer knowledge; it includes information evaluation, digital communication, content creation, cybersecurity, problem-solving and responsible use of technology. This paper reviews the concept and major dimensions of digital literacy among college students, examines its importance and identifies major challenges affecting its development. The study is based on a review of published research and authoritative online sources, including UNESCO, the European Commission and peer-reviewed higher education literature. Existing research indicates that students may have regular access to digital devices while still lacking advanced skills in evaluating information, conducting digital research, creating digital content and protecting personal information. The paper also considers the emerging importance of artificial intelligence literacy. Finally, strategies are suggested for colleges to improve students' digital competencies through curriculum integration, practical training, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity education and responsible AI use.
KEYWORDS
Digital literacy is an essential component of contemporary higher education. It extends beyond basic computer operation and includes information and data literacy, communication, digital content creation, cybersecurity, problem-solving, digital ethics and responsible use of emerging technologies. The reviewed literature indicates that frequent use of digital devices does not necessarily mean that students possess all the digital competencies required for academic research and professional work. Students may require additional support in evaluating online information, conducting digital research, creating content, protecting personal data and using technology responsibly. The increasing use of artificial intelligence further expands the meaning of digital literacy. Students need the ability not only to use digital and AI tools but also to evaluate their outputs critically and apply them ethically. Colleges can improve digital literacy through curriculum integration, practical workshops, reliable infrastructure, information-literacy programmes, cybersecurity education, faculty development and responsible-AI guidance. Developing these competencies can help students participate more effectively in academic, professional and digital environments.
UNESCO-UNEVOC. Digital Literacy – TVETipedia Glossary. UNESCO. https://connect.unevoc.unesco.org/home/glossaire%2Btvetipedia/lang%3Den/show%3Dterm/lang%3Den/term%3DDigital%2BliteracyUNESCO-UNEVOC. Digital Competence Frameworks. UNESCO. https://connect.unevoc.unesco.org/home/Digital%2BCompetence%2BFrameworksEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre. DigComp 2.2: The Digital Competence Framework for Citizens. Publications Office of the European Union. https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/50c53c01-abeb-11ec-83e1-01aa75ed71a1World Economic Forum. (2025). The Future of Jobs Report 2025. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/A study of higher education students' self-perceived digital competences for learning and everyday life online participation. (2020). Journal of Documentation. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022041820000752Zhao, Y., Pinto Llorente, A. M., & Sánchez Gómez, M. C. (2021). Digital competence in higher education research: A systematic literature review. Computers & Education, 168, 104212. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360131521000890Defining the need: Digital literacy skills for first-year university students. (2020/2021). Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/abs/pii/S2050700320000820Digital competence of higher education learners in the context of COVID-19 triggered online learning. (2022). Social Sciences & Humanities Open. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291122000742Meeting the digital literacy education needs of college students: A two-stage study in China. (2025). The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 51(5), 103084. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0099133325000801
Publication Date
9/24/2026
Peer Review Type
Double-Blind Peer Review
Review Rounds: 2
Documents
Article Views
1
Total views since publication
PDF Downloads
5
Total downloads since publication
Geographic Reach
5
Digital Preservation: This article is permanently archived on Zenodo and complies with all data preservation standards across major indexing platforms.
Plagiarism Screening
This manuscript has been checked for plagiarism using TurnitinPlagiarismChecker software.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest related to this research work.
Funding Information
No funding information available for this research.
Related research in the same subject area
Loading similar articles...