Reimagining digital literacy and virtual identity in the Age of AI” - Special Collection Editorial

This special collection reflects on the need to reimagine teaching and learning spaces in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). Understanding digital literacy and virtual identity is essential to engaging with our contemporary society, which is defined by the fast pace of socio-economic digitalisation. Experts in the development of educational models, systems, and curricula need to consider how to integrate the development of advanced digital literacy skills, ensuring that learners can interact with technology and have the competencies to find, evaluate, and communicate information online, protect themselves from online threats, and secure personal information. The importance of virtual identity provides insights into how teaching and learning models can be grounded in human-centred learning spaces. Spaces that should be accessible and foster collaboration, discussion, and critical inquiry through community-driven activities that go beyond content delivery. Learners are shifting towards being co-creators in AI-mediated working and learning environments. As such, there is a need to combine elements of innovative and transformative pedagogy, cultural studies, and critical literacy to engage in and lead educational transformations.