Digital creation, problem-solving and innovation

Digital creation

Digital creation is about digital production of content.

Digital problem-solving

Digital problem-solving is your ability to solve problems, make decisions and answer questions.

Digital innovation

Digital innovation describes your willingness to try new practices and look for new solutions with digital technology.

In practice:

• To be able to use a range of digital tools to both create clear and informative content and evaluate information from a range of sources.
• To have the confidence that even if you don’t know the answer or how to do something, you know where to find out.
• To have the confidence to experiment and try something new and outside your comfort zone.

In teaching:

• To have the ability to design clear and informative learning content that is engaging for students.
• To have the confidence that even if you don’t know the answer or how to do something, you know where to find out.
• To have the confidence to experiment and try something new and outside your comfort zone.

In learning:

• To have the ability to create work that is both visually appealing and informative. To be able to articulate concepts and learning through a range of media.
• To be able to critically evaluate digital content.
• To have the confidence that even if you don’t know the answer or how to do something, you know where to find out.
• To have the confidence to experiment and try something new and outside your usual comfort zone.

The 3E framework can add an additional (optional) nuance to the examples presented. The framework consists of three descriptors: Enhance, Extend, and Empower. These should be seen more as degrees of engagement rather than levels of attainment and it will be more contextual as to which might be the most appropriate for a given circumstance. These should not be seen as levels of achievement where to reach the next level you must first attain the previous.

The enhance component of the framework focuses on increased productivity. Extend goes deeper and focuses on more collaborative practice and working beyond the obvious. Finally, empower highlights innovative practice often involving others in a creative way. Even the same task performed by different people, or the same person at different times may require a different degree of engagement.

Take a look at the examples below for this dimension of the Jisc digital capability framework. Can you think of some other examples which better relate to your own context and practice? You can also use the Discovery Tool to conduct a self-audit of your skills, generating a report with recommendations of resources and developmental opportunities mapped against your own desired developmental outcomes.

Enhance:

• Use digital tools and systems to collect, collate and share new evidence.
• Explore new digital approaches, discussing opportunities, risks and benefits in line with professional practice.

Extend:

• Work collaboratively with others.
• Implement appropriate new digital applications in personal or professional practice.

Empower:

• Generate new projects, challenges and ideas.
• Use digital tools and systems to address complex, multi-faceted questions and problems.

Discovery Tool

Assess your digital capabilities with the Discovery Tool. It aims to aid understanding and self-reflection and then highlights opportunities for you to develop your skills. Answer questions relating to your digital skills, understanding and confidence to receive a personalised report. The report provides details of your digital capability levels across various themes and highlights relevant resources, including specially curated resources by OD&PL. The Discovery Tool is based upon the six elements of the Jisc digital capabilities framework.

Case studies

There are some great examples of how the Discovery Tool has been implemented across the sector, find out more by exploring the JISC implementation case studies. We are interested in hearing about your applications of using the Discovery Tool amongst departments, services and with your students.  If you are interested in spotlighting an example of your practice, then please do get in touch: academicdev@leeds.ac.uk.

Further Guidance

• Digital Educations Systems Help site - For how-to guides and practical support in using tools, visit the Digital Educations Systems Help site.
• IT Services - For technical support and to request assistance, visit the IT Services websiteusing your university username and password to log in.
• Organisational Development & Professional Learning (OD&PL) – You can find further development opportunities related to your personal and professional development on the OD&PL website. This includes information about staff and student access to a free LinkedIn Learning
• Embedding into the Curriculum - For support with embedding digital capabilities into the curriculum please discuss with your Faculty Digital Education Enhancement Teams.

Related networks and Communities of Practice

There are several networks and communities of practice at Leeds which can support you and your practice. A list of staff networks on the For Staff website is available, as well as a list of student education networks and communities on the OD&PL Student Education Development website.