Navigating the Digital Landscape - ICT Literacy among Visual and Performing Arts Newcomers

Abstract

Education is being reinvented through the digital age, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an essential skill for the success of university students in Sri Lanka. Although the use of digital devices is increasing rapidly with the advancement of technology, the level of computer literacy among newcomers at local universities is significantly different. The objective of this research is to identify the ICT literacy level of newcomers for dance and drama degree programs, focusing on their prior knowledge in ICT, usage of digital devices, communication platforms, and software knowledge, which is essential to their university life. By a quantitative research method, data have been collected through an online questionnaire from the newcomers of the Faculty of Dance and Drama, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, focusing on the 2018/2019 to 2022/2023 academic years. The collected information was analyzed in accordance with the requirements to gain knowledge about their ICT awareness, literacy level, and digital device usage. Accordingly, there is an increase in the following of ICT as a subject in the GCE (A/L) and GCE (O/L) examinations. After the 2021/2022 academic year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this trend has been accelerated, where students were compelled to use digital devices for their academic purposes, which tends to involve communication platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Moreover, most of the newcomers have developed a greater proficiency in using Microsoft Word, despite other software. Nearly 99% of students can browse the internet and check emails, which shows a high level of digital competence. Research findings indicate that there is a slight improvement in ICT literacy among the newcomers. However, research revealed that there are students who do not have sufficient ICT literacy in every aspect. By giving the ICT knowledge and conducting practical sessions, teachers can empower the students to thrive in the digital age.