The digital competencies expected of all Northern College employees include:
(DC1) Knowledge and ability to use digital systems, tools and software applications appropriate to the job tasks.
(DC2) Understanding of the importance of ensuring Northern College students are equipped for life long success in a global digital economy.
(DC3) Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, and appropriately internally and with external clients irrespective of geographical locations and time.
(DC4) Skills to safely and appropriately search for, filter, access, utilize, manage, and evaluate information and digital content.
(DC5) Ability to develop, use, remix and share new content and digital materials with an awareness of accessibility requirements and in compliance with copyright and legislative requirements.
(DC6) Ability to recognize and solve problems related to common technology issues and a knowledge of how to seek out solutions and assistance when required, as it relates to their job task.
(DC7) Willingness to continually update digital and technology skills through participation in training and professional development activities or self-directed learning.
Preamble
In today’s connected global environment, the effective use and understanding of the role of digital technologies is essential to the success of individuals, businesses and educational institutions committed to preparing todays graduates for tomorrow’s workplace. Northern College’s Digital Strategy provides a vision to “Create high-quality, expertly-designed, accessible learning using technologies and digital resources that will increase student engagement, success, and retention.”
This vision, along with the guiding principles outlined in the Digital Strategy will serve as a framework for the:
- development of a policies related to the use of digital and educational technologies that will address basic expectations and commitments in the areas of learning design and student engagement for all college employees and learners.
- creation of technology and digital literacy training services for all college employees.
- course design assistance for faculty.
- methodology for engaging college employees in the selection, promoting and effective use of appropriate technologies to realize efficiencies and improve workplace communications.
- investments in business intelligence solutions and analytic tools to inform on teaching and learning practices, business decisions and reporting.
Key to success of the digital strategy will be the provision of professional development and training opportunities for students, support staff, faculty and administrative employees at the College. All College staff must be afforded the opportunity to develop strong digital skills and awareness of emerging technologies matched to the College’s expectations on the digital and technology competencies required for successful business, teaching and learning processes.
In June, 2017 a working group was formed to provide guidance and direction on the core digital competencies and technology skills required of support staff at Northern College. The working group has defined a framework that outlines a leveled set of digital and technology use competencies. This framework will be used towards promoting a culture of lifelong learning with an emphasis on ensuring digital awareness and skills amongst all staff. The Digital Competencies Framework will help shape the professional development and training opportunities available to all staff.