UNCG Capstone Project

The Digital Literacy Gap In The Modern Workforce

Welcome

Hello, everyone. I'm Malik, and I will be discussing the digital literacy gap in the modern workforce. Although many employees use computers daily, a significant number lack basic digital skills, which negatively impacts productivity, career advancement, and overall well-being in the workplace. My focus will be on employees within mid-sized organizations. To address this gap, I propose several potential solutions including integrated training programs, peer mentorship, embedded learning in daily workflows, and partnerships with online training providers.

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Project Prospectus

Closing The Digital Literacy Gap in The Modern Workforce

With the rapid integration of technology in the workplace, it has caused many companies to change how they operate on a day-to-day basis. Most integrated technical systems are used for communication, collaboration, and productivity, and while this can be seen as an excellent change for the workforce with many benefits, it also presents unprecedented opportunities and unforeseen challenges. Unfortunately, not all employees are equipped with the necessary skills to keep pace, which has created a growing digital literacy gap. An issue that affects job performance, employee morale, and organizational efficiency. The gap in digital literacy is not simply a matter of individual ability or generational differences but, a reflection of inequalities within education, training, and workplace support. Many workers today, those from under-resourced communities or older generations, struggle with tasks that are now considered fundamental in most industries. Despite the increasing demand for digital competency, many organizations do not have adequate systems in place to assess or improve their employees’ digital literacy levels. The issue is built on further by the fact that digital literacy is often treated as a one-time achievement instead of a lifelong learning process, and in reality, as digital tools evolve, the training and support systems available to workers have to change as well.

The research I have conducted so far supports the need for a structured, inclusive, and continuous digital literacy program. For example, the studies conducted by Marsh (2018) and Nikou et al. (2022) reveal that digital literacy not only enhances individual performance but also boosts employee retention and adaptability. Klassen (2019) highlights how the physical and cultural design of a workspace can either support or hinder digital engagement. Meanwhile, Jose (n.d..) and Bejaković & Mrnjavac (2020) emphasize the importance of addressing disparities caused by age, language, and access. These sources collectively inform my understanding of the issue and guide my thinking on potential solutions.

To address the gap in digital literacy, my project will explore various solutions that combine education, corporate responsibility, and public policy. Such partnerships can create hands-on, real-world training opportunities for students and employees. In addition, I plan to implement a tiered training program within organizations that starts with data collection via surveys and story circles, followed by training sessions on digital essentials. As success is achieved, the training will evolve into ongoing monthly learning modules to continually address the evolving technological demands.

Course Learning Grid

Core Course Concept / Learning Objective How the Concept is Related to My Project My Specific Plan to Apply This Concept in the Next 2 Weeks
Design Thinking: Empathy & Ideation Techniques Using empathy to uncover employee challenges and design training that meets their digital needs. I'll conduct 2 user interviews, create an empathy map, and brainstorm 3 training ideas.
Systems Thinking: Stakeholder & Process Mapping I'll analyze how HR, IT, management, and employees interact to understand and address the digital gap. I will draw a stakeholder map showing 4 key groups and identify one major feedback loop.
Global Awareness & Intercultural Competence: Recognizing Cultural Contexts I'll make sure the training is inclusive and culturally relevant for our diverse workforce. I will read 2 articles on cultural competence, host a story circle with management of each department, and adjust training content.
Understanding Data: Data Collection & Analysis I will use data that I collected from the story circle and surveys to validate the digital skills gap and guide evidence-based improvements. I'll create a 3–5 question survey, collect at least 5 responses, and analyze results in Excel.
Contemporary Media Literacies: Digital Communication Strategies I apply effective digital communication to promote the training and engage employees. I will draft a digital communication piece, share it with 3 peers for feedback, and refine the message.
Self-Awareness: Identifying Personal Values & Strengths (honesty, empathy, and personal growth) I rely heavily on my personal values of honesty, empathy, and personal growth. Honesty helps me critically assess and communicate the true extent of the problem; empathy allows me to connect deeply with employee's challenges, and personal growth motivates me to continuously improve my approach to solving this issue. I will write a reflective journal entry focusing on the progress and how honesty, empathy, and personal growth influence my approach to the project.

Data

Digital Literacy Survey Summary

Pre-Training Averages

Question Avg. Score

Post-Training Averages

Question Avg. Score

Average Scores Comparison

Solution

Digital Literacy Training Program

This comprehensive training program is designed to bridge the digital skills gap in the modern workforce by providing targeted and continuous learning opportunities tailored to the needs of mid-sized organizations.

  • Initial Assessment: Utilize surveys and story circles to identify the current digital literacy levels.
  • Tailored Workshops: Conduct hands-on sessions that focus on core digital competencies.
  • Peer Mentorship: Implement a buddy system where experienced staff support their peers.
  • Continuous Learning: Launch ongoing monthly modules and refresher courses to keep pace with evolving digital tools.
  • Data-Driven Feedback: Analyze survey data to continuously refine and enhance the training program.

This solution leverages modern e-learning tools combined with in-person training sessions to create a scalable, inclusive, and sustainable approach to closing the digital literacy gap.

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Summary

Project Overview & Findings

In summary, the digital literacy gap presents a significant challenge for modern workforces, particularly in mid-sized organizations. Through targeted assessments and continuous training sessions, the proposed program demonstrates measurable improvements in digital competency and overall efficiency.

The integration of tailored workshops, peer mentorship, and ongoing learning modules—underpinned by data-driven feedback—creates a scalable solution that adapts to evolving technological demands. Future efforts will further refine these strategies based on additional data and stakeholder input.

Reflection

Looking back on my journey through the BIPS program I realized how transformative and foundational this experience has been...

Looking back on my journey through the BIPS program I realized how transformative and foundational this experience has been for both my personal and professional growth. When I first entered the program, I had a clear goal of enhancing my career, but I am concluding this journey with a wider perspective, stronger competencies and a higher sense of confidence in my capabilities within my career. Throughout the program I had several courses influence my growth. Particularly the design thinking course impacted my approach in problem solving. Learning empath and ideation techniques allowed me to have a deeper understanding and address employee challenges, as an example my Capstone project, where empathy driven interviews and training sessions were important to addressing the digital literacy gap within the workforce.

This course has taught me not just to create solutions, but solutions that genuinely resonate with people’s needs. Similarly, the Systems thinking course transformed my ability to see the bigger picture and helped me better understand many concepts in my professional life. Mapping out stakeholders and processes in organizations enabled me to recognize interdependencies within teams, notably between HR, IT, management, and employees. This approach changed my thinking to a holistic perspective, heavily influencing my Capstone project by making sure I had comprehensive and inclusive strategies to close the digital literacy gap. The course on Global awareness and intercultural competence was equally impactful. It led to a more heightened sense to cultural context, preparing me to design training programs that were not just effective, but culturally relevant. So, by understanding diverse perspectives is now engrained into my personal ethos, reinforcing my commitment to inclusivity in the workplace.

Getting on a personal level, the course emphasizing self-awareness allowed me to identify and honed in on my core values, honesty, empathy, and personal growth. Which is something that I never really took the time to look into. By reflecting on these values, it helped me shape my approach to every project and decision throughout the program, especially in the Capstone project, which guided me toward authenticity and continuous self-improvement.

My educational and professional goals have changed throughout this journey. In the beginning I was geared towards gaining all the technical skills necessary for the job that I wanted or thought I wanted, but my goals now are focused on actively contributing to equitable and accessible digital environments. This coursework equipped me with analytical skills, critical thinking and comprehensive understanding of digital literacy’s role in the workforce. I now think strategically about creating sustainable solutions for complex, real world challenges. During this degree, my understanding of education itself has changed a little. I recognize that an ongoing education is a perspective that is reinforced and inspired by my coursework throughout the practical application of concepts in real world scenarios. The BIPS program not only honed my professional skills but also instilled a commitment to lifelong learning.

As graduation comes ups, I feel that I am well prepared to apply my education in workforce. The comprehensive and integrated approach of the program has set a strong foundation for my future. Moving forward I am committed to continuing this trajectory of growth, confident in my ability to make a positive impact.

Here is my final presentation website: malikturnbull.com/capstone.html

Presentation

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