Using the DCAF survey to track student progression

We have developed a survey that is designed to track students’ progress over their learning journey, using the DCAF as a guide. We used Typeform as the survey platform, but obviously the question can easily be recreated in any survey software (or on paper), bearing in mind that the new GDPR regulations require you to be extra careful to protect students’ personal data.

For this survey, we used a Lickert scale (Fig.1), turning the DCAF elements into a series of statements, where participants are asked to respond depending on the extent to which they agreed with each statement. Because the survey uses the likert question type it’s a simple way to measure student’s progress over time. You can ask students to complete it at the beginning and end of a course or unit, to see how their perceptions or digital attributes have changed. We’d encourage you to share the results with students to aid reflection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig. 1 – Example of a Lickert scale question

 

Survey Layout:

1. What’s your full name?

2. What course are you on?

3. Do you consider yourself from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background?*

a. Yes

b. No

4. Are you enrolled as a Home (UK), EU or International student?

a. Home (UK)

b. EU

c. International

5. Are you a first generation entrant to University (i.e. neither of your parents have a higher education qualification)?

a. Yes

b. No

OK, so now let’s talk about attributes we’ll be developing through this course/ unit:

1. Proactivity

a. I know how to seek out and explore the digital tools and spaces I need to make my work

b. I’m comfortable discovering and taking part in online networks and communities

c. I’m confident actively crafting and developing my online identity

 

2. Enterprise

a. I know how to use the internet to perceive and create professional opportunities

b. I know how to pursue professional opportunities in an ethical and sustainable way

c. I’m confident using digital tools that can help me manage projects and businesses

 

3. Agility

a. I know how to use the digital to work with people from different disciplines or areas of expertise

b. I’m comfortable switching between different online roles, identities, tools and spaces

c. I’m confident adapting to new technologies

 

4. Communication

a. I know how to adapt how I communicate for different platforms and audiences

b. I’m comfortable sharing my work at various stages of production

c. I’m confident about conveying my ideas and work online

 

5. Connectivity

a. I know how to grow my personal and professional networks

b. I am comfortable engaging in discussions with and contributing to online communities

c. I am confident using digital tools and spaces to connect to and work with collaborators

 

6. Storytelling

a. I know how to use the internet to produce and share compelling stories

b. I’m comfortable sharing the story of myself and my practice

c. I’m confident designing stories for a range of potential audiences

 

7. Curiosity

a. I know how to identify and explore new areas of enquiry

b. I’m thoughtful about the pros and cons of using various digital tools, spaces and practices

c. I’m comfortable exploring known and new communities

 

8. Self-efficacy

a. I know how to use digital tools to organise and prioritise work and working processes effectively

b. I’m comfortable using creative digital tools to get my work done

c. I’m confident identifying and connecting with people who can help me realise my work

 

9. Resilience

a. I’m comfortable receiving critical responses to my work through online feedback

b. I often reflect critically on my own and others’ online activities

c. I maintain a good balance between my online and offline activities