Mapping digital competence: towards a conceptual understanding

Abstract

Informe a la Comisión Europea JCR. Technologies are increasingly being used in society and the economy, and this is transforming ways of working, studying, communicating, accessing information and spending leisure time, among others. Being able to benefit from digital tools and media can support all the spheres of life in society today. The Internet and especially social technologies are increasingly used by all groups of citizens. However, how citizens use these technologies and what benefits they gain as a result may vary a lot. Research shows that digital usage does not lead to improvement or development of advanced digital competence as such. Furthermore, not all groups of people have enough interest, confidence, social support or opportunity to begin developing their digital competence. People without sufficient digital competence are at risk of becoming excluded from important activities, not being able to take full advantage of the opportunities available, and they may even endanger themselves in their usage of digital tools and media. Digital competence divides have a tendency to coincide with and possibly increase other social and economic divides. Therefore, actions for encouraging digital competence development for all citizens, regardless of their age, profession or current ICT use, are needed.