DigitALAD Hanbook_All sections_FV

4 1. Digital Competences: What are they and why they are important? The rapid evolution of technology has caused several changes in different aspects of our lives, such as leisure time, the way we work or communicate, or even the access to information and knowledge 1 . Digital competences are essential for learning, work and active participation in society. The term digital competence refers to the ability of using confidently and critically the full range of digital technologies for information, communication and basic problem-solving in all aspects of life. The European Commission pinpoints that these changes also have a direct effect on the labour market. The different sectors of the economy are starting to demand individuals with more complex ICT skills. Therefore, every citizen needs to have some basic digital competences to face this challenge. Acquiring these digital competences will help citizens to use digital technologies efficiently and critically, but also to facilitate the process of " self-evaluation, setting learning goals, identifying training opportunities and facilitating job search " (European Commission, 2020). These competences must be taught, hand in hand with strong literacy and numeracy skills, critical and innovative thinking, solutions to complex problems, the ability to collaborate and socio- emotional skills. The Digital Competence Framework for Educators 2 carried out by the European Commission consists of six competence areas in three levels concerning the acquisition of 22 competences. As shown in the figure 1 below, the three levels refer to the: 1. Educators’ professional competences 2. Educators’ pedagogic competences 3. Learners’ competences These levels clearly indicate the complexity of roles educators need to exhibit, as they need to act as professionals , teachers and role models . They are called to be active citizens and highly involved participants of the society, both personally and professionally, as they are distinguished by their specialized knowledge. At the same time, their primary and more obvious work relies to the role of learning facilitators, or more plainly teachers. Through the dedication of their teaching practice, they have a responsibility to pass on their expertise as well as the general digital competences for life and employability to their aspired learners. 1 Redecker, C. (2017). European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu). Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. DOI:10.2760/159770. 2 Ibid