Digital Information Literacy of Undergraduate Students in Higher Education Institutions in Malawi: Challenges and Policy Implications

Abstract

Digital Information Literacy (DIL) skills have been recognized as critical skills in the 21st Century Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as the world moves from print to digital environment. DIL enables students to master information content, become self-directed and assume greater control over their own learning without relying on lecture notes given by their teachers. DIL also helps students know how to learn because they know how knowledge is organized, how to find information and how to use this information for their satisfaction. Furthermore, when students possess adequate DIL skills, their confidence and ability to work independently is improved since they can think critically, interpret information and make informed judgments. Previous studies suggest that though, a majority of students in higher education institutions in developing world now have access to digital information resources, such resources are often under-utilized due to lack of DIL skills among students. In Malawi, like other developing countries, a large proportion of students registering in HEIs come from environments where there are no computers, Internet, and libraries. Consequently, they face challenges in utilizing digital information resources as they transition from high school to university environments. A closer examination of the Malawi’s National Education Policy (2013), ICT Policy (2013), and National ICT for Development (ICT4D) Policy (2006) make no specific provision or guidelines on the development of DIL for citizens in the country in general and that of students in HEIs. In addition, these policies are structured more on print information than digital/electronic information. The dearth of literature in DIL in Malawi has also led to lack of informed policy decisions on how DIL programs can be developed and implemented in the country. This study therefore, sought to investigate the current status of DIL skills of students in HEIs in Malawi, so that the findings would inform policy direction. The University of Livingstonia (UNILIA), a private institution of higher learning in Northern Malawi, was adopted as a case study, targeting first year undergraduate students.