Integration of Digital Literacy in Universities’ Curricula and its Implication for Career Readiness among Students in Arusha Region, Tanzania

Vicky J. Mollel & Christine Elisante Mnjokava
St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Arusha
Email: vickyjoel208@gmail.com/ cmnjokava@yahoo.com

Abstract: This study assessed the integration of digital literacy in universities’ curricula and its implication for career readiness among universities students in Arusha region. The specific objectives were to assess the extent to which digital literacy is integrated in universities curricula for student’s career readiness and to investigate the contribution of digital literacy in enhancing universities’ students’ career readiness and employability skills. Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge guided the study. A mixed-methods design was employed. The target population of 1204 included four universities with 1,000 third-year students, 200 course instructors and four digital literacy experts. A sample size of 124 was selected comprising of 100 students, 20 course instructors and four digital literacy experts. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires and interview guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Validity was ascertained through content validity and reliability was tested and coefficients of 0.82 for course instructors and 0.73 for universities students’ questionnaires was generated using SPSS version 25 confirming the reliability of instruments. Findings revealed that digital literacy enhances students’ ability to work with technological tools in their chosen field. The study concluded that digital literacy should be effectively integrated into universities’ curricula to better prepare students for career readiness and employability. It is recommended that universities should invest in most current digital tools and course instructors should put efforts in teaching process that is practical and based on effective digital literacy training.