Despite growing up online, students' digital literacy is declining
Australian students have recorded their lowest results in digital literacy tests, with only 37% of year 10 students and 50% of year 6 students achieving proficiency. The assessment revealed significant achievement gaps, particularly among Indigenous students and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Education officials are concerned about the decline in proficiency despite increased access to digital technology and devices.
- ▪Approximately 10,000 students took the NAP-ICT test in May last year.
- ▪The number of year 10 students rated proficient has fallen by almost 30 percentage points since 2008.
- ▪The 2025 results represent the lowest level of proficiency since testing began in 2005.
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Despite growing up online, test shows school students' digital literacy at new lowBy national education and parenting reporter Conor Duffy and the Specialist Reporting Team's Cath McAloonTopic:TechnologyWed 27 May 2026 at 4:50amWed 27 May 2026 at 4:50amWed 27 May 2026 at 4:50amApproximately 10,000 students took the NAP-ICT test in May last year. (ABC News: Luke Stephenson)In short:One in three year 10 students and one in two year 6 students reached proficiency standards in new national technology literacy testing.The test is run by the government's curriculum agency as an offshoot of NAPLAN and took place in May last year.The assessment runs every three years and the number of year 10 students rated proficient has fallen by almost 30 percentage points since the 2008…
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