Session 32: Creating a student-led digital development community: The Digital Development Club experience

Abstract

Curriculum Enhancement Internship Project funded by the Teaching and Learning Academy

Session overview:

This session introduces the Digital Development Club, a student-led initiative designed to foster digital literacy, peer collaboration, and well-being through technology. Established as part of a curriculum enhancement project, the club provides an inclusive platform where students support each other in developing essential digital skills for academic success and future employability. By focusing on peer-led learning, the club helps students navigate challenges such as digital overload, isolation, and stress, which are increasingly prevalent in technology-driven learning environments. Through structured workshops, interactive learning sessions, and developing a digital toolkit, students exchange practical strategies for using technology effectively. These activities should not only build confidence but also promote collaborative problem-solving and student empowerment, fostering a sense of digital resilience and adaptability. The session will feature firsthand insights from students and staff, highlighting the club’s development, early successes, and the potential for broader adoption within and beyond Liverpool John Moores University.

Key learning points from this session:

Attendees will learn how peer-led digital initiatives enhance student well-being, engagement, and employability. They will gain insights into implementing inclusive, student-driven digital literacy programmes, using technology to support learning, and fostering sustainable student-staff collaboration. In addition, we will explore a replicable model for scaling digital development communities across the university.