Digital competence
1. Theoretical Part
Digital competence is the ability to search process and communicate using
information and convert it into knowledge, including the use of information
technologies and communication as an indispensable tool. Consequently one who
has this skill has the ability to search, obtain, process and communicate. It
incorporates different capacities, ranging from access to information through various
means of transmission, including the use of information technologies and
communication as essential for the transmission of information, learning and
communication.
It is associated with the search, selection, record and process, analysis of information
using various techniques and strategies. It is a source of access and support functions
expressed in oral, print, image, and through digital media. This skill requires basic
knowledge of specific languages (textual, numerical, iconic, visual, and audio
digitization) and guidelines for decoding and transferring, as application in different
situations and contents.
Having information does not mean that some knowledge is generated automatically.
Transforming information into knowledge requires thinking skills in organization,
analysis, synthesis and conclusions and discounts at various levels of complexity to
understand and integrate the knowledge of previous systems. It also means
communicating information and knowledge using expressive means of incorporating,
not only different languages and specific techniques, but also the potential of
information technologies and communication.
It provides the ability to use information technology and communication as a means
of intellectual and include the use of dual role of transmission and generation of
information and knowledge. It can be used for the production function, for example,
as a tool for the application of mathematical models in natural, social, economic or
artistic level. Also, this skill allows people to manage rich and complex information,
solve real problems, make resolutions, work in collaborative environments and
create responsible and creative productions.
1.1 Analysing Structure & Objectives of Key Skills
Digital competence involves the use of information technology and communications
for the maximum performance from understanding the nature and functioning of
technological systems, and the effects of changes in social-personal world. It is also
involved in handling strategies identifying and solving common issues of software
and hardware that arise. It also allows people to mobilize information providing for
analysis of autonomous, personal or collective work, both short and long lasting,
meeting and interacting with the natural and social environment. Moreover, it can
be used as a tool for organizing information, direct treatment to achieve objectives,
and for the purposes of learning, work and leisure.
In short, the digital skill involves the regular use of technological resources available
to effectively solve real problems. At the same time, allows the evaluation and
selection of new information resources and technological innovations and enables
the development of specific tasks or the achievement of goals. Thus, data processing
and digital competence is autonomous, effective, responsible, critical and thoughtful
in selecting and processing. The various technological tools have a critical attitude
and reflective assessment of available information. In our society is considered
particularly important this skill due to the impact that internet has.
1.2 Strategy and procedure to acquire the competence
Digital skills can be acquired in five basic steps:
As part of this work is presented the pyramid of skills that is built on the following
levels:
A. Acquisition of basic ICT skills (Digital Literacy)
A1. Basic knowledge of computers: Knowledge of basic computing concepts, using
computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheets and databases, and
creation of presentations.
A2. Basic Use of Internet Applications
A2.1 Environment of Information: Using a browser, place the sites in a special folder
so as to have direct access etc.
A2.2 Environment of Communication: use of email applications.
B. Ensure skill selection fast and secure access to networks and basic services offered
by ICT:
B1. Networks: this category includes basic knowledge of networks and their
capabilities and potential limitations (technological, economic, security)
B2. Basic Services: In this stage the person is familiar with the use of communication
environment (chat, forum etc), comes into contact with the benefits and possibilities
of videoconferencing and remote users of computers.
C. Develop Advanced skills in Searching Web information: At this stage the person is
initiated into technical internet search with the criteria of validity reliability and
timeliness of information. Emphasis is placed on safe use of the internet in relation
to illegal and harmful content.
D. development of productive Skills – Organization - Digital Content Management: In
this stage the person acquires the appropriate skills to be able to design and produce
himself his own content, creating own websites focusing on the areas of work,
education, communication, transactions etc.
E. Development of skills in applications and Advanced services (Value Added
Services) : In this stage the person should be able to use the applications of IS in
almost all the range of employment and of social life: employment-telework-on
transactions -E-Commerce, education - elearning, collaborative environments,
learning communities-in dealings with government agencies, entertainment,
organization of everyday life etc.
1.3 Benefits
The expected benefits to the person who eventually acquire digital skills are the
following:
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Access to services offered primarily through the Internet
Faster and more efficient service when dealing with services, organizations,
etc.
Enrichment of their knowledge
Prevent risks of social exclusion
Better adaptation and responsiveness to changing conditions and demands
2. Examples
2.1 Analysing structure and objectives of Key Skill
George is a young Greek who has just finished his studies at economics. He also has a
master degree in information systems and he attended the course of master in
science in a foreign country. In the city where he lives, working opportunities are
limited and thus the small salary that is offered cannot allow him to live alone away
from the family’s house.
During the summer holidays of his course, he worked for 6 months (totally) in 3 big
businesses. The tasks of his work included accounting and database management of
the businesses and the management of businesses sites.
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