Identifying needs and technological responses

This is the partial competence 5.2 in the competence area 5 “Problem solving and continuing learning” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria (DigComp 2.2 AT and DigComp 2.3 AT).

What is it about?

The competence area is about the ability to know and use digital applications in response to your own needs. This also includes designing digital environments according to one’s requirements.

What does it mean in practice?

Here’s an example: Most people have a bank account, need to manage it and carry out banking transactions. However, a bank branch is not always easy to reach nor open if you have time. People with basic digital competences in everyday life (levels of competence 1-2) know that it is possible to do banking online, independently of time and place. They know the opportunities of accessing the digital banking environment (e.g. the digital signature) and can apply it. People with higher digital competence in everyday life (levels of competence 3-4) can organise the processes in the virtual space in a way that best suits their personal needs. For example, they can make a reasoned decision about the way they want to receive their transaction number or digitally communicate with bank advisors and consultants.

Another example is the use of apps for various everyday tasks. Digitally competent people use apps for current information (weather, news), regional orientation and transportation (search, public transport, etc.), for taking notes (text, audio, video) or for communication (messenger apps, video conferencing apps), for learning, entertainment (music), storage (customer cards, tickets), for organisation (to-do lists, calendar apps) and much more.    

Why is that important?

Many services can be used digitally today, some of them are offered only digitally. This entails advantages, especially because processes are often shortened and/or simplified. However, this also means that only people with corresponding digital competences in everyday life can benefit from these advantages or use certain services.

Where can I continue learning?

On the homepage of fit4internet, you will find further background information on the Digital Competence Framework for Austria under the heading “Understanding”. In the section “Learning”, you will find learning offers to increase your digital competence.