Digital Literacy Skills among the Postgraduate (P.G.) Students

a study of selected Central Universities of North East India

Abstract

The paper examines the Digital Literacy Skill (DLS) of Postgraduate (P.G.) students in the School of Life Science of selected Northeast Central Universities. The study revealed how the students developed their digital literacy skills, identified familiarity with web-based applications and digital devices, scrutinised awareness of academic/professional networking
sites, and found the main challenges encountered by respondents when using digital resources. The study took a qualitative approach to identify the research problems. The respondents were selected using a purposive sampling technique. A structured questionnaire in print and online (Google form) was distributed among 240 PG students in 15 departments, out of which 198 questionnaires were answered. The data gathered were further examined and analysed using SPSS,MSExcel, and Google Form application software. The study highlights the necessity for
students to enhance their digital literacy skills in both academic and everyday life. While students demonstrate competence in accessing digital devices, web-based applications, MS Office software, and academic and professional networking platforms, they face challenges
when using the internet. To address this, organisations and institutions are encouraged to develop user education and awareness programmes. These programmes aim to mitigate issues like encountering unauthentic information, ultimately fostering a more robust digital literacy environment.