Development Of Digital Skills Research Articles

Fostering 4.0 Digital Literacy Skills Through Attributes of Openness: A Review

During the last decade, a growing interest in open educational resources (OER) has developed among educational researchers worldwide. This trend involves the examination of possible effects over diverse learning domains such as the development of literacy and digital skills in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. To address this matter, a systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA processes on 62 research articles published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals indexed in two major academic databases (Scielo and Scopus). Data collected during this literature review showed certain conditions that must be met to ensure a successful learning setup when OER are involved. Moreover, qualitative analysis revealed that certain attributes of openness are often more influential than others in the development of adequate literacy skills for the artificial intelligence era; also, there is an overall positive perception, from students and teachers alike, about the introduction of the attributes of openness and open materials into learning practices.

Fostering technical skills and creativity in the digital fabrication spaces: an open-ended prototyping approach

AbstractThis paper explores the impact of a digital fabrication course on the development of digital fabrication skills and creativity. The course focused on open-ended prototyping and aimed to investigate its effects on students’ motivation, enjoyment, and confidence. Students’ creativity levels were measured using a creativity test at the beginning and end of a seven-week course. Additionally, the students shared their subjective feedback on their skills and experiences in designing and fabricating prototypes using digital fabrication tools. The results showed that prototyping activities significantly improved students’ overall creativity and perceived proficiency in 2D and 3D modeling, prototyping, embedded programming, and operating fabrication machines. Students’ confidence increased across most skills, although some of their motivation and enjoyment for certain skills decreased by the end of the course. It was also revealed that collaborative learning was perceived as enjoyable and not always suitable for developing certain personal skills, such as 2D modelling and programming. Future research could investigate pedagogical approaches tailored to individual needs and collaborative configurations for optimal skill development.

5.B. Round table: Improving digital health literacy in the era of generative artificial intelligence

Abstract Improved access to generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms and technologies has prompted greater awareness of their potential application in health communication. This workshop will examine this potential alongside the practical challenges and risks of using generative AI in health communication in the broader context of the European Union AI Act. The workshop will explore the implications for the concept of digital health literacy in ways that reduce or mitigate existing digital health inequities across and within Europe. Chatbots and conversational AI platforms such as ChatGPT have opened opportunities for people to find, understand and use health information in significantly different ways. Public health professionals are already using these technologies to simplify health and medical information and to make it available in different languages. AI assisted technologies are also being used to create interactive and engaging learning experiences that provide the public with real-time feedback and insights about their health as well as prompting and reinforcing actions they can take to improve health. These developments have fundamental implications for our understanding of digital health literacy and the methods we use to support people in optimising the potential benefits of AI. Different communities in Europe vary considerably in their - access to digital technology, - skills to discriminate the accuracy and reliability of information, and - trust and responsiveness to what digital technologies have to offer. Building these fundamental digital health literacy skills is a critical priority if we are to ensure that all people benefit equitably from the potential offered by AI. Those of us engaged in improving health literacy have an important role to play in influencing the future direction of AI in health communication, including and especially by engaging in research and development activities that build evidence of effectiveness and support the development of digital health literacy skills in parallel with the expansion of access to AI-assisted digital technologies. The workshop chairs will provide introductory and summary remarks, moderate the panel discussion, and facilitate audience participation in the workshop. The individual panel members will make 3-minute introductions to key issues from different perspectives on the emerging practical applications of generative AI in health communication as well as the implications for strategies to improve digital health literacy in different population groups. The panel is made up of individuals in different roles and at different career stages who can offer complementary perspectives on these issues. Following the presentations, the co-chair will present some follow-up questions to the Panel before engaging directly with the workshop attendees for an open but structured discussion scheduled to last for 30 minutes of the Workshop. Key messages • We will examine how generative artificial intelligence has opened new both new opportunities and risks in the ways people find, understand and use health information. • We will consider how we can optimise the benefits of generative AI in a way that is equitable through the development of digital health literacy within and between communities in Europe. Speakers/panelists Catherine Jenkins London South Bank University, London, UK Diane Levin-Zamir Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Christopher Le Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Innlandet, Norway Miguel Telo de Arriaga Direção-Geral da Saúde, Lisbon, Portugal

Factors influencing the adoption of extended reality (XR) applications in libraries for sustainable innovative services: a systematic literature review (SLR)

Purpose This study aims to identify the factors influencing the adoption of extended reality (XR) applications in libraries for sustainable innovative services and reveal the challenges of adopting XR technology in libraries. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 26 most relevant seminal studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study. Findings The findings showed that access to digital collections, skill development, marketing, innovation and sustainable development factors influence the adoption of extended reality applications in libraries. The study illustrated that technical challenges, financial challenges, the unavailability of staff expertise and lack of institutional support caused barriers to the adoption of XR in libraries. Originality/value The study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It has provided a framework to efficiently adopt extended reality in libraries for the delivery of sustainable, innovative services to library patrons.

Transforming Inclusive Digital Pedagogy in Malaysian Tertiary TVET: Adapting to a New Educational Landscape

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly sped up the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. The aim is to create a more inclusive and fair system, especially in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for individuals with special needs. This approach focuses on personalized learning, high-quality information, and employer involvement, even though it is challenging to replicate traditional classroom experiences. Using the fuzzy Delphi technique, the methodology adapts inclusive digital teaching to changing needs, stressing infrastructure, accessibility, personalized learning, digital skills development, and teacher capabilities. Malaysia is working to become a global leader in education by using ICT to support student-centered learning and develop digital skills, in line with the National Digital Policy. The results show a strong potential for building a thorough digital education system. This integration has important effects on improving educational infrastructure, accessibility, and teacher skills, helping Malaysia establish itself as a leader in the global education scene.

Enhancing digital literacy skills among teachers for effective integration of computer science and design education: a case study at Astana International School, Kazakhstan

This study explores the development and impact of digital literacy skills among teachers at Astana International School, Kazakhstan, and examines how these skills influence the teaching of Computer Science and Design to middle school students. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative assessments of students’ proficiency with qualitative evaluations of teacher and student experiences, involving 71 teachers and 382 students from grades 7 to 10. The findings indicate that students taught by digitally literate teachers demonstrated significant improvements in designing and utilizing virtual reality tools, mobile applications, and other digital resources, with teachers facilitating more interactive and engaging learning environments that enhanced students’ technical skills and creative capacities. This research contributes new insights into the dynamics of digital literacy in education, emphasizing the critical role of teacher training in digital tools for enhancing educational practices and uniquely demonstrating how systematic application of digital literacy can transform educational outcomes, supporting the integration of technology in teaching, aligned with the needs and competencies of Generation Z students.

A digital narrative study concerning global crisis period: The pandemic's impact on the domestic responsibilities of women health workers in Türkiye

The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted a profound influence on female healthcare workers, resulting in a notable escalation in the time allocated to domestic duties and unpaid household labor. This study delves into the professional and personal experiences of these women through the medium of digital narratives. Employing interpretive analysis within a phenomenological framework, the research scrutinized six female healthcare workers, all of whom were mothers of children under the age of 18. The investigation revealed that the pandemic has exacerbated existing gender disparities, manifesting in an increased burden of unpaid domestic responsibilities coupled with a concomitant reduction in personal time. Moreover, the utilization of digital narratives emerged as a multifaceted tool, not only facilitating socialization among healthcare workers but also nurturing their well-being and fostering the development of digital literacy skills.

Transforming digital learning and assessment strategies in higher education

This study proposes a transformative approach to integrate modern technology and online assessments in higher education, emphasizing the shift from traditional methods to advanced-conceptualized digital platforms. It explores the potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and mobile applications to reshape education by offering scalability, real-time feedback, and personalized learning experiences. These technologies provide opportunities to create immersive learning environments and enable students to engage with content more interactively. Through a survey conducted with 367 sophomores from four faculties at Universitas Terbuka, digital readiness, challenges, and expectations were assessed. The survey results indicated a diverse range of digital proficiency among students, highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement in digital skills. Preliminary findings indicate significant differences in digital readiness and expectations for interactive and flexible learning environments among faculties. Students from technology-oriented faculties exhibited higher readiness and adaptability to digital tools compared to those from humanities and social sciences faculties. The study underscores the need for targeted strategies to enhance digital competencies and support systems, ensuring equitable access to digital learning tools. Additionally, it identifies key barriers such as limited access to reliable internet and insufficient digital literacy training, which must be addressed to fully realize the benefits of online education. For instance, students reported difficulties in accessing advanced educational software due to limited bandwidth, which impacts the efficacy of online learning platforms. These insights provide practical recommendations for educators, developers, and policymakers to optimize digital learning experiences and address emerging educational challenges, setting the stage for future transformative practices in higher education. The findings advocate for a comprehensive institutional policy that promotes continuous digital skills development and infrastructure investment to support inclusive and innovative learning experiences.

An analysis of how digital technology impacts trade costs—Based on the empirical data of RCEP member countries

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 14pt;">This paper explores how digital technology reduces trade costs using bilateral trade data from RCEP member countries and a panel fixed effects model. The findings show that digital technology significantly lowers trade costs, a conclusion that holds even after accounting for lag effects and various robustness checks. The impact of digital technology on trade costs follows an inverted U-shape: the effect is most significant in the current period, especially with a one-period lag, and diminishes over time. Larger economies and higher export levels strengthen this negative impact due to their reliance on exports and continuous improvements in domestic digital technology. The study recommends investing in digital infrastructure, formulating reasonable internet access policies, supporting digital skills development, and enhancing digital connectivity to bridge the digital divide, thereby promoting trade facilitation and efficiency.</span></p>

Building a Virtual Medical Environment for Online Rehabilitation: The e-KINE Pilot Application

The digital transformation of healthcare (eHealth) has been a longstanding priority on the European Union's agenda. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrably underscored the critical importance of eHealth solutions. This paper presents a response to this urgency by outlining approaches and solutions for online rehabilitation developed within the Erasmus+ joint project " Development of digital skills for online rehabilitation therapies/e-KINE" with the close collaboration and efforts of hospitals and higher education institutions from Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Unlocking Pakistan’s digital potential: A roadmap for workforce digitalization and economic transformation

This paper explores the various aspects of workforce digitalization in Pakistan. Through an exploratory case study, it examines key trends of workforce digitalization, and the multifaceted impact of digitalization on the workforce in Pakistan, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and economic benefits. Moreover, it analyzes the government policies and initiatives for the promotion of digitalization in Pakistan. Finally, it suggests a roadmap for workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan. Workforce digitalization and economic transformation entail a multifaceted approach to modernizing labor practices, leveraging digital technologies, and fostering economic growth. The digitalization of the workforce in Pakistan reflects the country’s evolving socio-economic landscape and technological advancements. However, workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan present significant opportunities and challenges. Embracing digitalization can enhance productivity, create new job opportunities, and drive economic growth. Further, modernizing government services through digitalization initiatives, including e-governance platforms for improved efficiency, transparency, and accountability fosters a more conducive environment and accelerates digital transformation across different sectors. However, addressing challenges related to digital literacy, cybersecurity, and access to digital infrastructure is essential to ensure that all segments of the population can benefit from the digital economy. As Pakistan seeks to strengthen its economy, digitalization is key to unlocking new opportunities, driving sustainable development, and becoming a digital nation in the future. Workforce digitalization and economic transformation in Pakistan require a comprehensive strategy that addresses digital skills development, infrastructure improvement, entrepreneurship support, government digitization, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, industry collaboration, and international partnerships. By prioritizing these areas, Pakistan can unlock its digital potential and drive sustainable economic growth in the digital age.

Effects of managers' environmental consciousness and digital expertise on their technology adoption intentions

Environmental consciousness and digital competence are sought-after characteristics of managers by many organisations today. The digital expertise of organisations is considered a critical capability that drives their digitalisation strategies. Also, values and beliefs towards environmental sustainability influence their attitudes towards achieving environmental performance. By integrating the three 'big' adoption theories of DoI, TAM and UTAUT, along with decision-making literature, this study empirically investigates the effects of the digital expertise and environmental consciousness of managers on their intention to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. We used an online survey with 172 managers from Australian firms using the PLS-SEM method for data analysis. The results show that managers’ environmental consciousness and digital expertise significantly and positively affect their intention to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies. Their perceived usefulness of technologies partially mediates the relationships between digital expertise and intention to adopt and between environmental consciousness and intention to adopt. The mediation roles of perceived ease of use, perceived visibility and social influence were not empirically confirmed. Integrating adoption theories with domain-specific knowledge-based decision-making is a novel theoretical approach adopted in the study. The key contribution is to the Industry 4.0 technology adoption literature by empirically confirming the effects of domain-specific knowledge expertise and environmental consciousness on the intention to adopt. Its practical implications lie in the confirmation that organisations benefit from their investment in the digital skill development of managers and environmentally conscious managers.

Уровни цифрового неравенства: особенности проявления в Уральском федеральном округе

Introduction. Access to information, digital products and services contributes to reducing barriers in individual’s interaction with state, organizations, and other individuals, also providing opportunities for human development. The author assesses the digital inequality level of the constituent entities of the Ural Federal District.Materials and methods. Theoretically, the research is based on the concept of three levels of digital inequality, according to which inequality can be manifested at the level of access to Internet and information and communication technologies; at the level of the users’ digital skills and competencies; at the level of benefits obtained from the use of digital technologies and impacting individual life chances. The materials used are: statistical data of the Russian information society development monitoring, research on the digital literacy of the Russian population, conducted by the Analytical Center of the National Agency for Financial Research, the Russian Association of Electronic Communications, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation and the National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, as well as the results of an expert survey conducted by the author in 2023 with state civil servants of the Sverdlovsk region and employees of “Electronic government operator”, the state budgetary institution of the Sverdlovsk region.Results. The article reveals the specific features of digital inequality of the entities of the Ural Federal District. The geographical features of the region paradoxically affects the digital inequality level. The more compactly located territories of the Sverdlovsk, Tyumen and Chelyabinsk regions provide for the appropriate infrastructure with better broadband Internet access. A social consequence of low Internet access in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is, in part, that not all medical organizations can be connected to the Integrated National Health Information System. In addition, there is no direct correlation between Internet access and digital skills development. On the contrary, remoteness and inaccessibility of territories act as drivers for the development of digital competencies of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug and Yugra residents, who are more efficient in using digital technologies in e-commerce and public services.Discussions and conclusions. “Bridging the Digital Divide” federal program implementation will increase the information infrastructure availability. Conscious and focused effort is required to improve digital literacy and cyber hygiene of the population.

ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ПОДХОДЫ К ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЮ МУЛЬТИМЕДИЙНЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ В ОБУЧЕНИИ ИНФОРМАТИКЕ

This article discusses the issue of innovative approaches to the use of multimedia technologies in computer science education. In the context of modern education, where digitalization is playing an increasingly important role, exploring the possibilities of various methods and strategies is becoming an urgent task. The approaches discussed in the article, in turn, can improve the effectiveness of teaching computer science using multimedia resources. The article discusses topics such as a game-based approach to learning, virtual and augmented reality, interactive learning materials, machine learning and artificial intelligence, as well as project-based learning and collaboration. Providing an overview of current trends and best practices, the article aims to introduce innovative methods into the educational process, contributing to a deeper understanding of computer science and the development of digital literacy skills among students.

Digital literacy: a foreign language for students from rural areas in South Africa

The Digital literacy has become an imperative part of higher education, since the Covid19 outbreak, traditional institutions had to adapt digital learning techniques. However, students from rural schools were left in the dark. Since there are still some extremely poor schools in the rural parts of South Africa, where there is still no access to electricity. Therefore, the ability to use any digital tools remains a huge challenge for such students. The transition from a rural school to an urban higher education institution that is very tech savvy and living in the 4th industrial revolution is extensively difficult. Subsequently, the success of students from rural schools gets hindered. However, this doesn’t necessary mean that these students are incapable of succeeding in their respective programs. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced by students from rural schools regarding digital literacy. The research methodology will be a quantitative approach, the sample will be drawn from students in traditional universities who are coming from rural high schools. The findings of this paper will be used to recommend ways of increasing the success rate of learners from rural schools in digital literacy and skills development for traditional universities in South Africa. Keywords: Digital Literacy, Inclusive Education, Student Succes, South African Higher Education Subject classification codes: I230; I240; I210

Post-COVID-19 European Country-Specific Recommendations on adult education, training, and skills: Content, focus, shifts, and patterns

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted economic and social life across Europe and the wider world. Currently, the European Commission is heavily investing in recovery and resilience facilities to encourage economic and social reforms in Member States. As part of the European Semester, the Commission formulates annual Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) to steer and advice Member States on their policy directions. This paper aims to investigate to what extent the European Commission’s recommendations include advice on education, training, and skills development to boost economic and social progress. Four specific aims were to investigate (1) the content of CSRs that mention the need for actions relevant to adult education, training, and skills development, (2) the extent to which these CSRs focus on economic versus social goals, or both, (3) the extent to which the content and focus of these CSRs shifts over years, and (4) the extent to which there are visible patterns within the content and focus of CSRs across the 27 EU Member States. Results indicate that CSRs in the first year of the COVID-19 lockdowns – 2020 – heavily focussed on the need for digital skills development. CSRs in 2022 were not dominated by advice on education, training, and skills development apart from the focus on skills mismatches in some countries. The 2023 CSRs were strongly targeted towards the need for green skills development. In line with previous academic debates around education and training, CSRs contained text on economic and social goals, although social aspects tend to lead back to the integration of vulnerable adults in the labour market for economic purposes, instead of treating education holistically. While CSRs are country-specific, it is clear from the analyses that core recommendations feature across Member States, linked to broad European agendas such as the Twin transition to a green and digital economy.

Development of Technopreneur Leadership to Improve High School Teachers' Teaching Performance: Innovative Approaches in Education

This study aims to describe technopreneur leadership development as an innovative approach to improving the teaching performance of high school teachers. The research method used is quantitative survey research with teachers as research respondents with a sample of 54 respondents based on non-probability sampling techniques with saturated sample types. The data collection technique was used through a closed Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using simple correlation and regression tests. The results showed that technopreneur leadership development can positively impact the teaching performance of high school teachers. Technopreneur leadership development involves introducing and applying relevant technology in the learning process, the development of digital skills and information literacy for teachers, and establishing a culture of quality in schools. In this context, technopreneur leadership plays a role in facilitating teachers to adopt technology effectively, deal with change, motivate and empower education staff, and create a supportive environment for innovation. This research is an important contribution to understanding the importance of technopreneur leadership development as an innovative approach to improving the teaching performance of high school teachers.

The emotional ambiguities of healthcare professionals’ platform experiences

This paper investigates how healthcare professionals experience digital platforms in their work practices and how these relationships enable forms of emotional labour and contribute to shaping their emotional health.Methodologically, the contribution draws on audio-diaries kept by 15 healthcare professionals and a final semi-structured interview conducted with the same informants. The research material was analysed using open and axial coding techniques, in a grounded theory fashion.Findings provides meaningful insights to the literature on the emotional labour of healthcare professionals, as well as to studies on digital health and labour. Specifically, we show that participants associate different and even contrasting reflections and emotional states with their relationships with digital platforms. Thus, there is not exclusively one trajectory that can explain the implications of media uses, as different and potentially conflicting emotions coexist within the same experience. Given this scenario, we argue that it can be fruitful to use the lens of ‘ambiguity’ to scrutinise the ambivalences and tensions characterising platform experiences, and how emotional labour in healthcare intertwines with technological developments. Moreover, we advocate for the development of critical digital literacy skills among healthcare professionals.

Exploring the potential of digital marketing skills development for SMES competitiveness and responsiveness

Exploring the potential of digital marketing skills development for SMES competitiveness and responsiveness

PENGELOLAAN SDM UMKM DI ERA DIGITAL PADA PULAU HARAPAN, KEPULAUAN SERIBU

Effective and adaptive management of Human Resources (HR) to the development of digital technology is the key to the success of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the modern era. Harapan Island, one of the islands in the Thousand Islands, DKI Jakarta, has great economic potential, especially from the MSME sector. However, limitations in human resource management and the use of digital technology are the main challenges for the growth and sustainability of MSMEs in this region. This community service activity aims to increase the capacity of MSME human resource management on Harapan Island through the application of digital technology. This program includes training and assistance in the use of digital tools for human resource management, the development of basic digital skills for MSME actors, and increasing digital literacy among MSME workers. The methodology used includes workshops, intensive training sessions, and direct mentoring in the field. It is hoped that through this program, MSMEs on Harapan Island can optimize their human resource management, improve operational efficiency, and expand market reach through digital technology. In addition, this program also aims to build awareness and better understanding of the importance of digitalization in business management. Thus, MSMEs on Harapan Island can develop better and contribute more significantly to the local economy and the welfare of the local community.