ID038 Building Digital Confidence for a Future‑Ready University

The Idea

To prepare students for a digital-first workforce, Keele University must first build the digital confidence and capability of its staff, something that current resource levels cannot fully support. By making digital upskilling a core strategic priority, the University can enable staff to create transformative learning experiences that empower students while also reducing workloads through greater efficiency.

Digital confidence refers to the ability of staff to use digital tools effectively, safely, and responsibly, underpinned by the principles of digital citizenship described in the IEEE Global Standard for Digital Intelligence (DQ), the framework already adopted at Keele. This includes not only technical proficiency but also the judgement to navigate digital environments ethically, securely, and with an awareness of rights, safety, and digital wellbeing.

Strategic Pillars

1. Staff Digital Upskilling
   • Deliver a university-wide digital skills programme for academic, professional services, and operational staff.
   • Prioritise practical, role-specific competencies such as AI literacy, data skills, and digital collaboration.
   • Embed continuous learning through peer-led training, micro-credentials, and digital champions.
2. Embedding Digital Skills in the Curriculum
   • Equip staff to integrate digital competencies into teaching and assessment.
   • Co-create authentic learning experiences with students.
   • Align curriculum development with industry needs and emerging technologies.
3. Empowering Students Digitally
   • Ensure all students graduate with strong digital literacy.
   • Expand access to extracurricular digital programmes, placements, and innovation spaces.
   • Promote interdisciplinary collaboration using digital tools.
4. Strategic Partnerships
   • Collaborate with industry and training providers to ensure relevance and extend capacity.
   • Leverage external expertise for co-delivery and real-world insight.
5. Measuring Impact and Driving Innovation
   • Use data to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement, including through My Skills Progress.
   • Encourage experimentation in digital pedagogy and engagement.

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

A comprehensive digital confidence and capability strategy would strengthen Keele University by addressing critical skills gaps in a sector facing significant digital inefficiencies. It aligns directly with Keele’s Education Strategy, which calls for future-focused, digitally enhanced learning. Improved staff digital skills would enhance efficiency, enrich teaching quality, and strengthen student outcomes, including employability. By investing in digital capability, Keele can build a more resilient, innovative, and future-ready institution that is better equipped to respond to evolving educational, technological, and workforce demands.

How We Would Implement This Idea

Keele University could implement this strategy by launching a coordinated digital upskilling programme for all staff, led by the IDS Digital Skills Training Team. The programme would offer role-specific training in areas such as AI, data, and digital teaching, supported by dedicated development time for each staff member.

Training could combine Keele-specific support for approved platforms with access to externally accredited qualifications, such as Microsoft Office Specialist, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, and BCS Essentials in AI. Digital champions and peer-learning networks would support ongoing development and knowledge sharing.

Curriculum teams could integrate digital competencies into programme design through structured guidance, collaboration with students, and industry input. University-wide access to digital tools, innovation spaces, and extracurricular opportunities would further strengthen student capability.

Partnerships with external training providers would expand capacity, while central data tracking through tools such as My Skills Progress would monitor progress and support continuous improvement. This approach would help establish Keele as a digitally confident and future-ready institution.

What Success Would Look Like

Success would mean Keele University has a digitally confident workforce in which staff routinely use AI, data, and digital tools to enhance teaching, streamline processes, and improve student engagement effectively, safely, and responsibly. These practices would reflect the principles of digital citizenship described in the IEEE Global Standard for Digital Intelligence (DQ).

Digital skills would be fully embedded within curriculum design, ensuring students graduate with strong digital literacy and the capabilities needed for a modern workforce. These skills would also support initiatives such as the Global Challenge Pathway for Digital Society, which explores the opportunities and challenges arising from digital transformation.

Staff would feel supported through ongoing training, peer-learning networks, and accessible resources. Innovation spaces and external partnerships would contribute to new teaching approaches, improved student experiences, and operational efficiencies.

Progress would be measured through My Skills Progress and other assessment tools aligned with the IEEE Global Standard for Digital Intelligence. Success would be demonstrated through increased digital capability, reduced inefficiencies, stronger educational outcomes, and a thriving, future-ready university community.