Information and data literacy
Here, you will find an illustrative and exemplary description of the partial competence included in the competence area “Information and data literacy” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria:
- Browsing, searching and filtering data, information and digital content
- Critically evaluating and interpreting data, information and digital content
- Managing data, information and digital content
Browsing, searching and filtering data, information and digital content
This is the partial competence 1.1 in the competence Area 1 “Information and data literacy” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
This competence area includes the ability to search for, access and organise data, information and content by means of personal search strategies in digital environments and according to your individual needs.
What does it mean in practice?
Digitally competent people know different ways, tools and websites to search for content and information they need on the internet. For example, you can use search engines to get the best possible results by using precise search terms. In addition to simple searches on the internet, there are also more advanced possibilities. Digitally competent people know these functions and can, for example, use filters and search options to obtain the desired information. As the level of competence increases, people can continuously optimize search settings and search and filter by media type, language, document type, license or time of publication.
Why is that important?
The internet provides users with a vast amount of digital content. In everyday life, however, you usually need very specific information or sources. When using a search engine, you may get an unmanageable number of hits. Looking through and evaluating all search results is virtually impossible and takes a lot of time. Therefore, only people with a competent search strategy can make use of the content stored on the internet efficiently.
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.
Critically evaluating and interpreting data, information and digital content
This is the partial competence 1.2 in the competence area 1 “Information and data literacy” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
The competent evaluation and interpretation of digital information and content involves the ability to assess the credibility and reliability of information and data sources. This includes the ability to analyse, compare and critically evaluate information and content.
What does it mean in practice?
Through the internet, you have access to all kinds of information at any time, varying greatly in quality. In fact, there are no applicable quality standards or control procedures on the net. Digitally competent people must therefore be able to critically check information and its sources and assess its seriousness. This is especially true if they intend to redistribute this information or data. The dissemination of dubious and false information is partly due to ignorance or lack of information on the part of the persons who create or share it. In other cases, however, motives such as fear and smear campaigning, joking or the desire to deliberately harm or manipulate other people may be driving.
Why is that important?
If you want to find out about things on the internet or form an opinion about current discussions, you have to rely on reputable sources and information. Misinformation can lead to a distorted perception of reality and thus negatively influence the possibilities to participate in public discourse. On the one hand, this is because people are often not sufficiently informed to engage meaningfully on issues. On the other hand, the dissemination of false information tends to have harmful effects on the social climate of discussion.
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.
Managing data, information and digital content
This is the partial competence 1.3 in competence area 1 “Information and data literacy” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
The competence area covers the organisation and structuring of digital content, data and information. Individuals with competences in this area can adequately store, delete, retrieve and manage content and data in digital environments.
What does it mean in practice?
In a professional context, data management primarily involves storing digital information and data in a structured and organised form so that they cannot get lost. As a private person, it is also important to store digital content such as documents, photos or music properly so that it can be found again, does not fall into the hands of strangers and can be secured. In addition, there is also the conscious management of data and content that is disclosed in digital services such as apps or social media. For example, you should regularly check which personal data are accessed by the apps on your smartphone and, if necessary, adjust the privacy settings or switch to another app with fewer access rights.
Why is that important?
Nowadays, a great deal of data, content and information is generated and exchanged digitally both in the private and professional spheres. Some of this data only exists in digital form and therefore needs to be organised and managed accordingly. Especially when it comes to personal or professionally important and/or sensitive data and information, competent handling of digital content is of great importance.
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.