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BIDDEFORD, Maine

Undergrad digital literacy advisers provide help to fellow students

Lindzee Ridley, digital literacy adviser and second-year Athletic Training major, demonstrates use of the green screen as Megan
Lindzee Ridley, digital literacy adviser and second-year Athletic Training major, demonstrates use of the green screen as Megan Libby, digital literacy adviser and second-year Exercise Science major, adjusts the digital camcorder.

At UNE, students are increasingly expected to develop their digital literacy as they complete coursework. While most students easily navigate social media platforms or the web, not all are comfortable using digital tools to create projects for class. Enter the digital literacy adviser. Digital literacy advisers are fellow undergraduate students who have chosen to advance their digital skills through coursework and hands-on practice and who offer additional support, beyond classroom instruction, to students as they begin building their professional digital identities.

The role of digital literacy adviser was created in 2016 to support UNE鈥檚 ePortfolio project 鈥 the creation of individual websites by students to collect, organize and preserve their writing and digital projects and to demonstrate their content knowledge and digital skills throughout their years at UNE.  Now, working in UNE鈥檚 new DigiSpace, located in Decary 051, the digital literacy advisers assist students with all things digital, from podcasts to iMovies, and the DigiSpace provides access to equipment such as MacBooks, a digital camcorder and green screen, as well as videography and editing software.

In the past, digital literacy advisers provided support and encouragement to their peers on a drop-in basis only, but this semester they have added classroom visits to their repertoire as well, visiting English and Spanish classes. Jennifer Gennaco, adjunct associate lecturer, professional writing specialist and DigiSpace coordinator, explained that during these classroom visits, the digital literacy advisers not only assist students, but they help faculty, as well. 鈥淎lthough they primarily assist students, they are also available to discuss digital tools or problem-solve as issues arise,鈥 she noted. 鈥淚 hope to develop this practice to create strong relationships between the advisers and faculty because faculty, students and digital literacy advisers all benefit from these classroom visits. Faculty and students feel supported in their development of digital projects, and advisers feel valued in their contributions to the 51小黄车community.鈥 

Adviser Lindzee Ridley, a second-year Athletic Training major, has observed the significant benefits afforded to students who seek digital literacy services. 鈥淓very student ends up leaving with a newfound confidence鈥 in his or her digital skills, she remarked. The students who have used the services agree.  Sarah Desmarais (鈥21) commented on the skills she acquired by working with a digital literacy adviser. 鈥淔rom uploading, recording and designing a podcast to customizing my space to how I like, DigiSpace placed me in the right direction to succeed and express myself in my English class,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 left with confidence after exploring new and creative ways to use my ePortfolio. I learned much more鈥 by going to DigiSpace rather than trying to figure it out on my own.鈥

The benefits are not one sided, however, but are mutually shared in the adviser-peer relationship. Ridley noted that as the result of her work as a digital literacy adviser, her public speaking skills have improved, and she and the other advisers feel valued by the learning community. 鈥淚t is always satisfying to know we have done our job, and we love when students and teachers express their gratitude towards our work,鈥 she stated.

According to Gennaco, digital literacy advisers have helped approximately 70 students in the DigiSpace since mid-September. With about 800 undergraduates maintaining ePorfolios, she anticipates that the advisers鈥 services will continue to be sought with increasing frequency.

The DigiSpace and UNEPortfolio project are funded by the Office of Strategic Initiatives, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of English. Many faculty who include digital projects in courses developed their practices through a faculty seminar or workshop generously funded by The Davis Educational Foundation.

To learn more about the DigiSpace, ePortfolios and the services offered by digital literacy advisors or to inquire about becoming a digital literacy adviser, visit or visit the DigiSpace in Decary 051. 

 

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions

51小黄车 the University of 51小黄车

The University of 51小黄车 is Maine鈥檚 largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state鈥檚 top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine鈥檚 only medical college, Maine鈥檚 only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.