ProjectEVOLVE 2024 Report: Key Insights on Digital Literacy in UK Schools
The ProjectEVOLVE 2024 report, led by Professor Andy Phippen, offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of online safety and digital literacy education in the UK. The annual review, based on extensive data from over 3.7 million assessments, highlights both the achievements and challenges faced by schools in a rapidly changing digital environment.
What is ProjectEVOLVE?
ProjectEVOLVE is an educational toolkit (provided by UKSIC) designed to enhance digital literacy among young learners. It provides educators with a range of resources to improve students’ understanding of online safety and digital competency. With over 75,000 educators and 15,500 schools using the tool, its impact is significant. Feedback from educators has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly praising the tool’s ease of use and its role in boosting digital literacy in classrooms.
Key Findings from the 2024 Report
- Primary Focus, Secondary Gaps The report shows that the majority of ProjectEVOLVE’s usage occurs in primary schools, particularly in Key Stage 2. However, there is a marked decline in digital literacy education in secondary schools. While pressures on the secondary school curriculum may explain this, the report highlights the importance of teaching critical topics such as Privacy, Security, Reputation, and Managing Online Information as students approach adulthood. These areas are vital for shaping students’ attitudes toward technology and preparing them for future educational or workplace environments.
- Inconsistent Growth in Knowledge A key observation is the inconsistency in digital literacy education across different schools and key stages. While ProjectEVOLVE and the “Education for a Connected World” framework offer support, the lack of a comprehensive national curriculum means that schools vary widely in how they approach digital competency education. A more structured approach is needed to ensure consistent growth in students’ digital literacy from primary through secondary education.
- Gaps in Technical Knowledge, Especially Privacy and Security As cybersecurity becomes a national priority due to geopolitical instability, the report stresses the need for better education in areas like Privacy and Security. These are identified as the weakest areas of knowledge among students. With increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, building safer online behaviours and cyber resilience is essential.
- Teacher Confidence vs. Student Needs The report highlights a mismatch between what educators feel comfortable teaching and what students actually need. Many teachers tend to focus on topics they are confident in, such as the outdated “stranger danger” message, which may not reflect the modern risks students face online. To address this, schools are encouraged to use ProjectEVOLVE’s Knowledge Map to identify gaps in students’ understanding and adjust their teaching accordingly.
Recommendations for the Future
The ProjectEVOLVE report concludes with several key recommendations aimed at improving digital literacy education in the UK:
- Develop Targeted Initiatives: Address gaps in secondary education, particularly around technical competencies like privacy and security.
- Enhance Teacher Training: Provide ongoing professional development to equip educators with the skills needed to teach comprehensive digital literacy.
- Update Curriculum Standards: Collaborate with policymakers to make digital literacy a core component of the national curriculum across all key stages.
- Foster Collaborative Learning: Encourage schools to share resources and strategies, creating a more unified approach to digital safety education.
The ProjectEVOLVE 2024 report highlights the critical need for a more comprehensive and consistent approach to digital literacy education in the UK, especially as the digital landscape continues to evolve.