Over the past few months, I’ve embarked on a journey to better understand my digital strengths and areas for growth through the Digital Capability Reports provided by the University of Limerick. The two reports—completed on February 16 and March 30—have served as snapshots of my evolving skills and have also been valuable tools for self-reflection and intentional learning.

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🧠 Initial Insights: February’s Baseline

When I completed the first report in February, I was pleased to see that I rated as Proficient in key areas such as Digital Proficiency, Digital Productivity, Media Literacy, and Digital Communication. These strengths reflected my confidence in navigating digital environments, managing information effectively, and engaging in online discussions with clarity and purpose.

However, I also identified areas for growth, particularly in Digital Learning Activities and Digital Skills for Work, where my confidence was marked as Developing and Capable respectively. This prompted me to critically think about how I was engaging in digital learning beyond just completing tasks—was I fully engaging and using the tools and platforms available to me?

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📈 Growth Over Time: March’s Reassessment

Fast forward six weeks, and the follow-up report in March showed notable improvement. I was now rated Proficient across all 15 digital capability areas—a proud milestone! This progress was not just a result of passive learning; it stemmed from actively applying the feedback and recommendations from the first report.

Some of the practical steps I took included:

• Enrolling in micro-courses on LinkedIn and earning certificates for same.
• Creating and maintaining a digital portfolio to showcase coursework and projects.
• Participating more regularly in collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams and Brightspace.
• Being more intentional with my digital identity by aligning my online presence across platforms.

These actions allowed me to shift from “capable” to “proficient,” particularly in Information Literacy, Digital Creation, and Digital Learning Activities.

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🛠 Reflections on Practice

What I found particularly insightful was the emphasis on self-directed learning and peer support. I began sharing productivity tools and resources with colleagues at work, which deepened my own understanding while fostering a sense of digital community. Becoming a digital mentor at work—even informally—was not something I anticipated, but it proved to be an empowering experience.

Additionally, the reports pushed me to be more critical and reflective. For example, I started evaluating the ethical implications of the digital tools I use, questioning their accessibility, privacy settings, and overall user experience. This awareness has changed how I select apps, platforms, and even how I communicate digitally.

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🚀 Looking Ahead

While I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, this journey has only highlighted how dynamic and expansive digital capability truly is. With technology continuously evolving, the learning never stops. My next goals include:

• Completing my website to house my digital portfolio.
• Exploring UX design principles to enhance my digital projects.
• Becoming a contributor to digital policy discussions at work.

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💡 Final Thoughts

These digital capability reports didn’t just rate my skills—they ignited a deeper curiosity and responsibility around how I learn, collaborate, and present myself in a digital world. I now view digital skills not just as tools for academic success, but as essential life and career competencies.

If you haven’t yet explored your own digital capabilities, I highly encourage you to take that step. You might be surprised by what you uncover—and what you can become with just a bit of reflection and action.