Digital competence

Articol postat la 8 December 2009.

4. Digital competence

Digital competence involves the confident and critical use of Information Society Technologies (IST) for work, leisure and communication. These competences are related to logical and critical thinking, to high-level information management skills, and to well developed communication skills. At the most basic level, ICT skills comprise the use of multi-media technology to retrieve, assess, store, produce, present and exchange information, and to communicate and participate in networks via the internet.

The competence consists of the following elements of knowledge, skills and attitudes as appropriate to the context:

Knowledge

Understanding the main computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases,
information storage and management;
Awareness of the opportunities given by the use of Internet and communication via electronic media (e-mail, videoconferencing, other network tools); and the differences between the real and virtual world
Understanding the potential of IST to support creativity and innovation for personal fulfilment, social inclusion and employability;
Basic understanding of the reliability and validity of the information available (accessibility/ acceptability) and awareness of the need to respect ethical principles in the interactive use of IST.

Skills

Ability to search, collect and process (create, organise, distinguish relevant from irrelevant, subjective from objective, real from virtual) electronic information, data and concepts and to use them in a systematic way;
Ability to use appropriate aids (presentations, graphs, charts, maps) to produce, present or understand complex information;
Ability to access and search a website and to use internet-based services such as discussion fora and e-mail;
Ability to use IST to support critical thinking, creativity and innovation in different contexts at home, leisure and work.

Attitudes

Propensity to use IST to work autonomously and in teams; critical and reflective attitude in the sssessment of available information.
Positive attitude and sensitivity to safe and responsible use of the Internet, including privacy issues and cultural differences.
Interest in using IST to broaden horizons by taking part in communities and networks for cultural, social and professional purposes.

Source:

Key competences for lifelong learning – A European Reference Framework