Evaluation of Digital Literacy as an Air Force Foundational Competency

Abstract

Describes the validation of Digital Literacy as an Air Force Foundational Competency, and development of measures for inclusion in MyVector. Two surveys were conducted to evaluate Digital Literacy behaviors in the Air Force context. In Survey 1, a total of 2,748 Air Force members (enlisted, officer, and civilian) rated the importance of 62 Digital Literacy behaviors for effective performance in their current job. Participants also rated the importance and frequency with which they demonstrated effective behaviors associated with Digital Literacy and each of the other Air Force Foundational Competencies. In Survey 2, an independent sample of 1,894 Air Force supervisors identified members (of the same rank/grade and career field) who they viewed as having a high or lower potential for success in an Air Force career. Supervisors then rated each high and lower potential member on the same 62 Digital Literacy behaviors to establish criterion-related validity. The surveys additionally provided respondents the opportunity to offer suggestions for training and education to improve the digital literacy of Airmen. Results of the two surveys demonstrate support for the proposed Digital Literacy definition, with the explicit addition of Digital Exploration as a key component of the definition. Behavioral measures for inclusion in the MyVector Pathfinder 2021 assessment were identified to correspond to the three Digital Literacy sub-competencies that most strongly differentiated supervisor-rated potential for Air Force career success: Critical Evaluation of Information, Communication Medium Choice, and Digital Exploration. Implications and future directions are discussed, including recommendations for improving the training and education of Airmen on Digital Literacy based on a qualitative analysis of 1,046 open-ended survey comments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2021
Accession Number
AD1143616

Entities

People

  • Laura Barron
  • Patrick Rowles

Organizations

  • Air Education and Training Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Digital Information
  • Digital Media
  • Electronic Mail
  • Information Systems
  • Instructors
  • Internet
  • Job Training
  • Management Personnel
  • Psychology
  • Situational Awareness
  • Social Media
  • Social Networking Services
  • Spreadsheet Software
  • Students

Readers

  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Radio communications and signal processing.