Benchmark 5
A strategic/improvement plan that reflects the commitment to digital citizenship at all levels, including plans for review and adaptation of IT infrastructure as staff and student needs evolve
What would this ideally look like?
The institution either incorporates digital citizenship into their strategtic plan or self-evaluation or has a distinct digital plan that includes digital citizenship and ethics. This will include plans for staff development, implications for the institution's networks and infrastructure and key points for reflection on how well digital citizenship is being developed.
Self-assessment descriptors
Level 0 (Absent):
DCE is not factored into institutional priorities or strategic/improvement plans. The current IT infrastructure is outdated or lacks the capability to support DCE initiatives, and there are no plans for adaptation to evolving staff and student needs.
Level 1 (Emerging):
DCE is acknowledged but minimally integrated into the institutions strategic/improvement plans with few specific actions or measurable goals tied to DCE outcomes. Basic infrastructure is in place, but security may be limited or outdated and network reliability may be inconsistent. Some digital tools may be available, but they are not fully integrated or supported to meet evolving staff and student needs and there is minimal support for DCE-related activities.
Level 2 (Developing):
DCE is present in the institutions strategic/improvement plans with initial efforts to outline its role and objectives. Some goals are defined, and there is a growing understanding of how DCE supports broader institutional priorities, though implementation remains inconsistent across departments. Infrastructure supports basic DCE needs, with essential resources like secure network access, basic devices, and limited digital tools in place. There is some recognition of the need for upgrades or enhancements to support DCE more effectively, though implementation is sporadic. Security and access controls are improving but may still have vulnerabilities.
Level 3 (Proficient):
DCE is well-integrated into the institutions strategic/improvement plans, with clear objectives and action points aligning with institutional goals. There is a coordinated approach across departments, and DCE’s impact on student and institutional outcomes is periodically assessed and reported. A robust, reliable IT infrastructure that actively supports DCE is in place. Network and device security, as well as access controls, are well-established, allowing safe and equitable digital access for staff and students. The institution regularly assesses and updates its infrastructure to ensure it aligns with DCE goals, including the provision of necessary digital tools to meet evolving staff and student needs.
Level 4 (Advanced):
DCE is fully embedded in the institutions strategic/improvement plans as a strategic priority, with dedicated resources, measurable targets, and accountability structures. Its integration drives continuous improvement and aligns seamlessly with all institutional goals, fostering a digital culture that supports the whole institution’s development and quality assurance processes. The institution’s infrastructure is fully optimised to support and enhance DCE, with advanced, secure, and resilient systems in place. IT infrastructure is designed to provide flexible, inclusive, and sustainable digital access across the institution, with dedicated resources for regular upgrades and innovations. Network policies and infrastructure fully align with digital citizenship principles, fostering a secure and inclusive digital environment that enhances both learning and safety.
Reflective questions to guide decision making
•To what extent is DCE recognised as a priority in our Improvement Plan?
•How will DCE contribute to broader institutional goals, such as inclusivity, safety, and academic excellence?
•What measurable outcomes will indicate that DCE is effectively integrated into our strategic/improvement plan?
•Who will be responsible for implementing and monitoring DCE’s progress within the improvement plan framework?
•How can we ensure that DCE aligns with continuous improvement goals, especially in adapting to technological advancements?
•Does our current IT infrastructure support the effective delivery of DCE, including secure and equitable access to digital resources?
•Are there security protocols and privacy protections in place to foster a safe digital environment for both students and staff?
•What improvements or investments are needed to align our infrastructure with DCE objectives?
•How does our infrastructure address both digital access and ethical considerations, such as responsible AI use and data protection?
• What ongoing support and maintenance plans do we need to ensure infrastructure remains relevant and reliable?
•Does our current IT infrastructure support the effective delivery of DCE, including secure and equitable access to digital resources?
•Are there security protocols and privacy protections in place to foster a safe digital environment for both students and staff?
•What improvements or investments are needed to align our infrastructure with DCE objectives?
•How does our infrastructure address both digital access and ethical considerations, such as responsible AI use and data protection?
•What ongoing support and maintenance plans do we need to ensure infrastructure remains relevant and reliable?
•What are the financial implications for areas requiring development?
•Does policy need to change at school level or council/authority level?
Practical steps
Low resource
- Integrate DCE goals into the school’s strategic and development plans.
- Establish termly planning meetings dedicated to DCE advancement.
- Assign specific improvement targets and track their impact annually.
High resource
- Invest in external consultancy to refine and validate strategic DCE planning.