ICILS 2013: Australian students’ readiness for study, work and life in the digital age

The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) is the first international comparative study that examines students’ acquisition of computer and information literacy (CIL): ‘the ability to use computers to investigate, create and communicate in order to participate effectively at home, at school, in the workplace and in society’ (Fraillon, Schulz, & Ainley, 2013, p. 17). Information and communication technologies (ICT) are an essential part of 21st-century society. As a result, it has become increasingly important for citizens to understand and be able to use ICT in order to effectively participate in life in the digital age. Although students use ICT at home and other places, school is an appropriate place to develop essential competencies in ICT. This report examines the CIL achievement for participating ICILS countries, for the Australian jurisdictions and for particular groups of students, and explores the influence of student characteristics and students’ use of computer technologies in and out of school on CIL achievement.