Nowadays, almost all of us walk around with laptops, smartphones, tablets, Bluetooth devices etc. The Digital Era has become more important than ever before, The European Commission expects the total digital economy surpass records of use in terms of input and output of data, innovation and communications for the coming decades.
However, a little less than 50% of European citizens have above basic digital skills, which still leaves room for improvement. It has been proven that improving digital literacy helps citizens navigate even outside their respective communities. Foster valuable connections, gain new insights, get more opportunities, participate in cultural exchanges and stimulate the overall social contribution of society once they put their online experiences into practice in any field of career development.
Hence, the European Union has set in motion the Digital Decade 2030, whereby Europe will play a vital role in transforming Europe by 2030 in a more interconnected online world, as it’s aiming high on the political agenda of main priorities. However, the challenge remains that even most young people lack basic digital literacy skills and communications. This is something that needs to be addressed and increased in order for Europe to be prepared for the global digital infrastructure.
Digital Literacy Skills for Youth
The European Commission has created the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 one aspect of measuring skills is the ‘Digital Competence Framework for Citizens’, which are key competences in order to enhance digital literacy skills. Now and for future generations. It can be adjusted or changed according to the skills needed in the marketplace, private or public use.
The five main areas are;
- Mastering Information; At the culmination of this process lies the capability to navigate and structure data and information online effectively. An essential aspect is the capacity to assess the significance of referenced sources and digital content.
- Promoting Communication and Collaboration; In the context of diversity and cultural backgrounds, practicing thoughtful and considerate communication is paramount. Additionally, fostering communication and collaboration serves as integral components in fostering civic engagement and active citizenship in today’s society.
- Guiding the Content Creation Process; This entails understanding the processes behind license issuance and copyright regulations. Moreover, it involves proficiency in utilizing technological devices to generate knowledge assets and comprehending the principles of programming.
- Ensuring Safety Online; Ensuring the security of technological devices is vital and requires careful attention, particularly concerning personal data and privacy protection. Expanding this focus to encompass socially inclusive and well-being-oriented environments is imperative. This approach safeguards various elements, including devices, personal data, privacy, health, well-being, and the environment.
- Enhancing a Problem-Solving Attitude; The ability to identify challenges and devise solutions is an invaluable skill. Leveraging digital tools and technological devices not only enriches this capability but also accelerates the problem-solving process.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
In general, programs and trainings that enhance digital literacy skills for individuals that lack an understanding of them, are most valuable in rural areas, with a large number of people are beginning to learn digital skills. As this is also crucial in order for vulnerable young people to increase their valuable opportunities in finding a job or applying for a university or vocational education. It is, therefore, much needed to focus on this important skillset. However, should digital education be one of the main pillars in schools and universities in the modern world? Or is it something youths will ‘get along’ with eventually?
As the European Commission actions and policies are aligned with the key competences and principles, the main effective measurement of results is; if citizens are truly involved in acquiring basic digital competence skills. As each Member State will define its own form of national policy regarding digitalization as a roadmap to follow.
This is where the EU Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) comes in, as the main umbrella for so called Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) in so that measurements of digital skills development are being done correctly in accordance with the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030. Therefore, Member States still need to adhere to these indicators the European Commission put forward in order to maintain and balance their national sovereignty and provide and stimulate these basic digital competences for citizens.
Sources:
https://joint-research-centre.ec.europa.eu/digcomp/digcomp-framework_en
Enhancing Digital Skills – Circle of Sustainable Europe (cose-eu.org)
