Nurturing a Digital Mindset

In this episode, we explore what a digital mindset really means — and why it’s critical for students to move beyond simply using technology, to creating with it. We unpack how the Australian Curriculum: Technologies supports this shift, and clarify the difference between the Technologies curriculum and the Digital Literacy capability. Join us for practical ideas on how to build your students' confidence, curiosity, and creativity in digital spaces — so they can become the innovators, problem-solvers, and ethical creators our digital world needs. 

Music by amado zapana from Pixabay

Transcript

Hi everyone — welcome back to Digital Pedagogy in Practice.

Today, we’re diving into yet another really important topic—how we, as educators, can help our students build a digital mindset… and more specifically, how we can support them to become creators of digital solutions, not just consumers of digital content.

 Now before we get too far, let’s pause for a moment—because sometimes educators ask:

“What’s the difference between teaching Technologies and teaching digital literacy?”

It’s a great question. And understanding this difference is key to helping students really build that digital mindset.

In the Australian Curriculum, we’ve got two different things happening:

There’s Digital Technologies—this is a subject in its own right. Here, students learn how technologies work, and how to design and create digital solutions. They learn about data, algorithms, programming, creating digital systems and products. Think coding, robotics, digital design, systems thinking—students become creators of technology.

Then we have the Digital Literacy Capability—which is a general capability. It’s developed across all learning areas. This is more about how students use technology to support their learning—things like researching online, collaborating, creating digital presentations, managing files, evaluating information sources.

Both are important—but they are different.

And here’s the key point: 

If we only focus on Digital Literacy Capability—students are mainly just using technology tools. If we provide students with learning from Digital Technologies—they’re building the deeper understanding and skills to create new solutions, to innovate, and to problem-solve.

That’s the shift we want to support—a digital mindset where students can see themselves as active creators in the digital world, not just passive users.

A digital mindset is an attitude and way of thinking that embraces the opportunities and challenges of the digital world. It goes beyond just knowing how to use technology — it’s about being curious, adaptable, creative, and ethical when working with digital tools and environments.

Someone with a digital mindset:

• Sees technology as a tool to solve problems and create new solutions
• Is open to learning new technologies and adapting as things change
• Understands both the possibilities and the risks of digital tools
• Thinks critically about information, data, and sources
• Approaches digital challenges with a “growth mindset” — believing they can learn new skills over time
• Is aware of ethical and responsible technology use
• Understands that creating with technology is as important as using it

In education, helping students build a digital mindset means preparing them not just to use today’s tools, but to innovate with technology and to be lifelong learners in a world where digital change is constant.

So—how do we help students develop this digital mindset? Apart from teaching the curriculum Digital Technologies and Digital Literacy Capability.

Here are some practical ideas you can use in your classroom:

First—get them creating, not just clicking.
Whenever possible, have students make something with technology. Maybe it’s a podcast… a short video… a game in Scratch… an animation… a robot they’ve programmed… an app idea for their community. When students create, they move beyond using tech to truly innovating with it.

Second—let them experiment.
Give them space to explore different tools and platforms. Let them play, test ideas, and learn from mistakes. Creativity and innovation thrive when students aren’t afraid to experiment.

Third—encourage a growth mindset around technology.
No one is “just good at tech.” Everyone can learn. Remind your students that curiosity, persistence, and practice are key. Celebrate learning from mistakes!

Fourth—talk about ethics and responsibility.
Whether it’s AI, copyright, online safety, data privacy—our students need to understand the ethical side of digital creation. They’ll be shaping the digital future, so these conversations are critical.

Fifth—give students real audiences.
When students know their work will be shared—whether with classmates, families, the school community or even online—they engage more deeply and take ownership of their creations.

And finally—model this yourself.
You're going to need to show your students that you’re a learner too. That sometimes tech works and somtimes it doesn't. That you as the educator have the skills to persevere when things go wrong. So, when you try new tools or explore new ideas alongside them, you’re modelling that digital learning is for everyone, not just the “techies.”

Remember—our goal isn’t to fill every lesson with tech either, or to jump on every shiny new app or piece of software available. It’s about using technology with purpose—to help our students become confident, creative, and ethical creators of digital solutions.

By developing their digital mindset, we’re helping prepare them for whatever the future holds—and giving them the tools to shape that future themselves.

Thanks for joining me today! If you found this helpful, why not share this episode with another educator.

Until next time—keep learning, keep experimenting, and keep helping your students create amazing things with technology!