The digital literacy of students belonging to different sectors and studying on multicultural campuses

Abstract

ABSTRACT Most academic campuses in Israel are multicultural, with a diverse composition of students. Using a mixed-method, mostly quantitative approach, this article examines the extent to which students’ cultural backgrounds affect their level of digital literacy. The findings show that students in two groups perceived digital learning differently across all seven factors examined: digital information processing and presentation; evaluation of information from the network; data collection and retrieval from the net; digital information management; communication and teamwork; awareness of integrity and ethical standards; and social responsibility. Ultra-Orthodox students perceived the digital environment as a means that enabled them to study, access course sites, and submit assignments. By contrast, students from the general population, with full access to digital environments, perceived access to information and communication technology (ICT) as an end in itself. Accepting cultural differences and different worldviews, will grant students equal opportunities, social mobility, and successful completion of studies.