Most Australian Year 10 students cannot pass basic educational standards for computer literacy skills, despite growing AI usage.
Only 37 percent of Year 10 students and 50 percent of Year 6 students have “proficient” information communication technology (ICT) skills, according to a newly released report.
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) tested the abilities of students in Years 10 and 6, with 2025 results showing sharp decline in students’ general ICT skills and knowledge. These have fallen to their lowest levels since testing began in 2005.
ICT literacy aims to build students’ capacity to become literate, creative and productive users of digital tools – both hardware and software.
The online assessment in a sample of schools across the country also draws on student’s wider literacy and numeracy skills and is used to improve teaching and learning.
ACARA CEO Stephen Gniel said the decline in ICT literacy was in contrast to most students reporting extensive experience using digital tools and access to the internet.
“Greater student engagement with ICT, as reported by students, was associated with higher ICT literacy scores,” he said.
“Reflecting the rapid impact of AI across our society, students also reported frequent use of AI tools to assist with schoolwork at school and to generate written content.”
