Welcome to the Optometry Digital Literacy Toolkit
The Optometry Digital Literacy Toolkit supports learning activities and assessments in the Deakin University Optometry course. It contains information designed to improve skills in these areas:
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Use research tools and software
- Reflective Practice
- Visual Communication
- Business Intelligence
- Video Creation
- Online Collaboration
- Data Management
- Critical Appraisal
The Toolkit was created by analysing the Optometry course and considering where assessments called for digital literacy. From there, the specific knowledge or skills needed were identified and the Toolkit was created. Its intention is to provide enough information for students to begin developing the digital literacy knowledge and skills required by the course.
We hope you find the Digital Literacy Toolkit useful. If there's anything you think is missing from it or if you have any questions, please email libhealth@deakin.edu.au
You can use the menu to the left or the links above to head straight to the section you're interested in.
Otherwise, read on below to learn more about digital literacy.
What is Digital Literacy?
Digital literacy skills allow us to find, use and disseminate information using a variety of digital media. We need a broad range of critical skills to ensure we can effectively navigate our information driven society.
Elements of Digital Literacy
Technology's influence and reach mean that synthesis and critical assessment of resources are key skills you must learn. It is also important to consider ethical and legal use of information and privacy.
Digital literacy is dynamic, so as Information Communications Technology (ICT) changes you must develop and apply your skills using appropriate new technologies for information discovery, transfer, analysis, review and communication.
The Digital Competence Wheel
Would you like to know more about your own digital literacy skills?
Try the Digital Competence Wheel, a self-assessment tool which generates a picture of your "digital competence" - a concept very similar to digital literacy.
By answering a series of questions you'll be given a score for each element of digital competence, along with advice resources on how you can improve in different areas - and, importantly, why you should aim to improve in each area!
Further Help
The Optometry Digital Literacy Toolkit was developed by Deakin University Library.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or feedback.