Digital Literacy: The Hallmark of Contemporary Higher Education

Abstract

Abstract The need to be digitally literate becomes not only necessary, but essential especially in higher education. This chapter discusses digital literacy as a hallmark of the contemporary higher education; the chapter also explained the chronological development of Digital Literacy (DL) from traditional literacy, visual literacy, media literacy and information literacy to now modern literacy in higher education (digital literacy) which indicates the innovation and development of literacy in education. Contemporary education, academic technology and technological disruption in education were discussed. Academic technology and digital literacy inclusion strategies in higher education were also discussed. Furthermore, the chapter explained digital literacy as a component of life skill and encouraged the stakeholders in higher education such as universities management, academia and faculty members to train students and tech digital literacy as a core course in general studies in the universities and colleges as part of inclusion strategies. Other higher education technology trends to watch out include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Digital Twins, the Metaverse (including digital avatars and NFT art for use in the Metaverse and other Web3-based virtual environments), Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, Cloud, Gamification, and Chatbots were all explained.