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University of Wollongong Australia

Digital Capabilities Explained

Digital Communication, Collaboration and Participation

This capability area focuses on the capacity to engage, work and communicate with others in digital spaces. This is often required within your degree, such as needing to use digital tools to collaborate for a group assessment. After graduation, it will be important to continue building this ability as you move into the workforce and need to communicate with colleagues and peers in your industry, and work collaboratively on professional projects.

To effectively communicate, collaborate and participate in digital spaces, it is essential to consider a holistic view of these interactions. Beyond being able to operate the software or platform needed, consider cultural elements including the language used by the people you are connecting with, differing communication preferences such as those displayed by extroverted and introverted people, and the nuances of non-verbal communication that are important to be aware of when you aren't meeting face to face. UOW has a range of resources to get you started with building your capabilities in this area.

Useful tools

Digital behaviours

Learning path

Access the Digital Communication, Collaboration and Participation learning path on LinkedIn Learning for further resources in this area.

What skills are contained in this capability area?

Digital communication

  • The capacity to: communicate effectively in digital media and spaces such as text-based forums, online video, audio and social media; design digital communications for different purposes and audiences; respect others in public communications; maintain privacy in private communications; identify and deal with false or damaging digital communications
  • An understanding of the features of different digital media for communication and of the varieties of communication norms and needs

Digital collaboration

  • The capacity to: participate in digital teams and working groups; collaborate effectively using shared digital tools and media; produce shared materials; use shared productivity tools; work effectively across cultural, social and linguistic boundaries
  • An understanding of the features of different digital tools for collaboration, and of the varieties of cultural and other norms for working together

Digital participation

  • The capacity to: participate in, facilitate and build digital networks; participate in social and cultural life using digital media and services; create positive connections and build contacts; share and amplify messages across networks; behave safely and ethically in networked environments
  • An understanding of how digital media and networks influence social behaviour

(Taken from the JISC Digital Capabilities Framework, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA.)