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JIMINY SELF-HELP HANDBOOK 5

Introduction to digital skills

We live in a society of dynamic changes concerning many areas of human activity. We observe a wide
range of changes occurring in the economic, social and technological sphere related to the
transformation towards an information society. These changes are of a long-term nature and lead to
a fundamental increase in the ability to use knowledge. The economy and social life has been mastered
by technology and automation and the constant pursuit of innovation in every field. Just as in the
information society, the development and spread of information and communication technologies
(ICT) plays an important role in the concept of a knowledge-based economy. However, the emergence
and development of new information and communication technologies are not indifferent to the
labour market. The development of new, very important digital skills, enabling efficient and conscious
use of new technologies and active participation in the information society, is observed.

A key factor in increasing prosperity is productivity. In order to make things simpler, more efficient
employees earn more, experience higher living standards (sometimes also as a result of the procession
of specific digital skills). Many research studies indicate that the reason for the significant differences
between countries in terms of economic growth in recent years has been differences in ICT
investments. The use of ICT is widely recognised as a key factor in improving the competitiveness of
the economy. These technologies also affect many aspects of social life, both professional and
personal. Their important role as general-purpose technologies is marked in so many spheres of life
that it would be difficult to calculate them.

The use of ICT is one of the main factors influencing changes at home work and education over the
last few decades. The spread of ICT is the subject of many scientific studies, including statistical
research. Despite the increase in the use of ICT in everyday life, there is a mismatch or at least difficulty
in matching the skills offered on the labour market with the demand of enterprises. This situation may
worsen as labour market requirements increase, but also technology is changing at fast pace,
introducing newer solutions and the need for digital upskilling. Undoubtedly, this requires building
and implementing up-to-date training programmes to increase digital skills among all adults.

What in fact what are these digital skills?
Every skill and competence should be developed while adapting to changes in the society environment.
The best way is to start from the earliest years. The earlier you assimilate the principles of technology
and its role in everyday life, the easier it will be to adapt to the constantly appearing transformations.
Assimilation of digital skills will also allow for fully safe functioning and operation in the network.

Digital skills are a broad set of skills that determine the efficient and conscious use of new technologies
and active participation in the information society. They are not limited to operating the equipment
itself, but also include information skills, reaching and using new information from different sources,
expanding one's knowledge through ICT.

According to the definition of the European Council Recommendation 2018 "digital skills involves the
critical and responsible use of digital technologies and an interest in them for learning, working and
participating in society". It is a set of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Digital skills include:
 the ability to use information and data,
 communication and cooperation,
 media literacy,