Software literacies in the tertiary environment

Abstract

This paper reports on findings from a two-year funded research project exploring software literacy - how it is understood, developed and applied in tertiary teaching-learning contexts and how this understanding serves new learning. The project has looked at MS PowerPoint (a widely used application) and software specific to two disciplines (Media Studies and Engineering). Data was collected through online student surveys and focus groups. Findings revealed that students tend to rely upon informal learning strategies when learning to use all software, and to demonstrate variations in their understanding of software affordances and their ability in applying software to their learning. However, in all cases they were generally not able to critique applications beyond a superficial level, suggesting a need for formal recognition of software literacy as a means to empower students to more critically engage with a variety of / forms of software.