Digital competence is gradually becoming important in modern life, especially in the era of information technology and communication developing strongly like today. So what competences are included in digital competence ? How to classify digital competence? Let's explore with 1C Vietnam to learn more about this topic!

1. What is digital capability?

Digital competency is a concept related to the ability to manage, communicate, access and create information through digital technology, with the purpose of serving areas such as: Learning, working, business and creating social value. Possessing digital competency is considered a factor that brings success in the future, especially when advances in science and technology are increasingly developing.

2. Digital competency frameworks

Digital competency frameworks help businesses assess the skills needed to use technology and manage data. Currently, there are many different perspectives on digital competency frameworks, such as: UNESCO Digital Competency Framework, CAUL Digital Competency Framework, Council of Europe Digital Competency Framework.

2.1 UNESCO Digital Competency Framework

This is considered one of the most comprehensive frameworks, including important skills and knowledge to use digital technology effectively and safely in the era of information technology explosion. This competency framework is built to meet the opportunities and challenges that digital technology brings. The 6 main pillars of UNESCO's digital competency framework include:

• Equipment Operation: Focuses on recognizing, selecting, and using software proficiently. Also includes basic technical problem solving skills.
• Information and data: Focuses on accessing, evaluating, using and communicating information effectively.
• Communication and collaboration: Emphasizes interoperability through information technology. At the same time, supports individuals to be aware of cultural and generational diversity, as well as to be able to practice citizenship by self-managing identity.
• Content Creation: With this group of competencies, individuals can create and build their own digital content. At the same time, each individual will also know the related policies, licenses and create commands for computer systems.
• Security: Enhance your ability to protect yourself and those around you from digital threats.
• Problem Solving: Helping individuals understand and operate digital technologies relevant to specific domains.

2.2 Australian Council of University Librarians Digital Competency Framework

The Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL) is the representative body for university libraries in Australia. It has developed a digital competency framework to describe the key skills and competencies that individuals need to have in today’s digital environment.

The CAUL competency framework will cover the following areas:

• Adapt and master technology

Proficiency in digital tools and software is one of the top factors for success in the digital age. This includes choosing the right software, understanding basic programming, information processing and interactions between systems. At the same time, digitally literate people need to be proficient in using email and communication tools.

• Improve digital skills

The ability to learn and improve digital skills is a key factor for each person to keep up with the rapid change of technology. Willing to learn new knowledge, adapt to changes in the environment and recognize the importance of lifelong learning. At the same time, use resources, plan and analyze the learning process and manage work effectively.

• Creativity and problem solving

This type of capability plays an important role in creating new value in a digital transformation environment. Individuals need to be able to design and innovate products, apply digital research methods to solve problems, analyze data, and develop new ideas based on digital technology.

• Cooperation, communication and integration

Emphasize the importance of collaboration, communication and integration in a digital environment. Individuals need to understand the means of collaboration, digital communication and the impact of digital media to work together and share information effectively.

• Communication skills and understanding of data

This competency focuses on finding, evaluating, and using information effectively. Individuals need to have an understanding of how algorithms use data, the ability to evaluate the source and reliability of information, and the ability to interpret digital information in a variety of digital formats.

• Digital Identity

Promote awareness of digital identity and the impact of digital technology on individual mental health. This includes understanding the benefits and risks of participating in digital environments, developing and managing digital identities across platforms, and considering activities related to the use of digital tools.

2.3 Council of Europe Digital Competence Framework

The Council of Europe (EC) Digital Competency Framework is an important reference model for defining the skills and competencies needed to effectively and responsibly use digital technologies in learning, working and participating in society. The framework will include the following competencies:

• Information and data

Focuses on the ability to access, evaluate, and manage information effectively. Includes:

- Browse, search and filter information

- Evaluate the level of information

- Store and search information.

• Communication and collaboration

Individuals can communicate and share information in a digital environment, connect and collaborate through digital tools, and participate in communities and be aware of cultural exchanges. Specifically as follows:

- Communication through digital technologies.

- Share information.

- Participate as an online citizen

- Collaborate through digital channels

- Follow proper network etiquette

- Digital management.

• Create digital content

This competency focuses on creating and sharing digital content, individuals need to have a good understanding of creative tools and techniques to create multimedia content, including text to images, audio and video. There are 4 main competencies:

- Content creation

- Integrate and adapt existing content and knowledge

- Proficient in applying copyright and licenses to information and content

- Know how to program.

• Safe

Focus on protecting individuals and loved ones in the digital environment, including protecting data, digital identities, implementing security measures and using tools safely. This scope includes the following 4 competencies:

- Protect your device and personal data

- Health protection

- Environmental protection

• Problem Solving

This area focuses on the ability to analyze and identify digital needs and resources. Individuals need to be able to apply critical and creative thinking skills to find effective solutions in complex digital environments. Competencies within this area may include:

- Solve technical problems

- Identify technology needs and feedback

- Creative in using technology

- Identify gaps in digital capabilities.

3. What are the digital competencies?

Digital competence not only supports the proficient use of digital technology, but also helps individuals exploit information, solve problems and enhance development. So what are the digital competencies ? Let's find out with 1C Vietnam in the section below:

3.1 Equipment Operation

This competency represents the ability to proficiently use technological devices such as smartphones, tablets, etc. People with this competency can perform basic functions, use and maintain software effectively. This helps them work, learn and create value effectively, while opening up a huge amount of knowledge on the internet.

3.2 Capacity to exploit and manage information

Information exploitation and management capacity includes the ability to search, access and evaluate information in the digital environment. People with this capacity can classify information, use search and data collection tools proficiently, and have the ability to use data to solve problems. Accordingly, this capacity plays an important role in supporting people to access knowledge, learn and research.

3.3 Communication in digital environment

This type of competency is related to the ability to effectively use online channels such as email, social networks, messaging software, etc. Competencies in this group may include:

• Understand the rights and obligations of individuals in the digital environment
• Be aware of norms and behaviors
• Interact and share information
• Establish and practice codes of conduct in the digital environment

3.4 Create digital content

Digital content creation competency describes the ability to create engaging digital content, including text, images, videos, etc. People with this competency can use basic creative software and know how to share digital content effectively.

3.5 Learning and developing digital skills

This is a group of competencies related to the ability to self-study and update digital knowledge and skills effectively. This skill helps individuals promptly adapt to changes in technology, especially self-development in the new era.

3.6 Cybersecurity

This is an important group of skills when operating in cyberspace. The goal of this skill is to help people protect themselves and their devices from online dangers, such as: account hacking, fraud, information theft, etc.

3.7 Career-related digital competencies

This competency includes the use of specialized technologies in the occupational field to improve work efficiency and understanding new technology trends. Through this, individuals can improve work productivity, increase competitiveness and develop their careers.

4. The importance of digital literacy

Digital competence is becoming increasingly important and an essential part of everyday life. Effective application of digital competence not only helps improve work efficiency, create jobs, access the economy, but also improves the quality of life and promotes national digital transformation. Below are the important benefits that digital competence brings to people and society:

4.1 Improve work and study efficiency

Digital capabilities support people to complete tasks, solve problems and process information effectively. Thanks to digital capabilities, workers will reduce duplicate tasks, collaborate with teams using online tools and access a huge amount of knowledge on the internet. In addition, digital capabilities are also a solution to support students to study directly, update knowledge and promote effective self-learning ability.

4.2 Expanding career opportunities

Nowadays, many jobs require candidates to understand and be proficient in specialized software, graphic design, social network management, etc. Therefore, mastering digital skills will help each individual improve their chances of getting a job and developing their career.

4.3 Participate in the digital economy

Understanding and mastering digital skills will help people get closer to the digital economy, build brands and develop businesses effectively. Currently, there are many jobs on digital platforms that bring high income, for example:

• Information technology: Programmers, engineers, software developers, cybersecurity experts,....
• Digital Marketing: SEO Specialist, SEM Specialist, Data Analyst...
• Content creator: Youtuber, Tiktoker, blogger, graphic designer...
• E-commerce: Online store owner, e-commerce marketing expert...

4.4 Improve quality of life

Digital capabilities create a network of connections between people, providing entertainment and easy access to online public services such as booking online medical appointments, participating in online activities, paying bills online, etc. It can be seen that digital capabilities help improve the quality of life and open up many conditions for people to live happier, more fulfilling and more comfortable lives.

4.5 Contribute to promoting digital transformation

Ultimately, digital capacity is the key factor in promoting national digital transformation, helping to accelerate the application of information technology in all areas of social life. From there, it opens up many opportunities for development and enhances the country's position in the international arena.

5. Application of digital capabilities in today's life

In both work and study, digital skills are widely applied, not only helping individuals work effectively, but also opening up many opportunities to absorb knowledge and apply advanced learning methods. Specifically as follows:

5.1 At work

Digital capabilities play an extremely important role and are gradually becoming an essential condition in today's digital transformation era. Especially when applying digital technology devices and software in industries. From simple jobs such as office workers, to jobs requiring high expertise such as programming, data analysis, etc.

Recognizing this, some businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve the digital skills of their entire workforce. Including ways such as: Applying project management software, monitoring tools, controlling production via the internet or using digital data to make business decisions.

5.2 In learning

For the education sector, digital competence is considered a leading factor in the learning and innovation process. For example, when using online learning platforms, learners need to have digital competence to use online education platforms, which not only helps learners easily access knowledge, but also supports effective digital skills improvement.

In addition, teachers also need to have digital skills to effectively use technology in the teaching process and monitor students. Applying modern technology to convey knowledge will help improve the quality of teaching, improve interaction and effectively monitor students' learning progress.

6. How to develop digital capabilities successfully

Developing digital competencies requires effort and a clear approach. It includes proficiency in using technology devices, information searching skills, creative thinking, etc. Below are specific strategies for everyone to successfully develop digital competencies:

6.1 Information mining

In the era of information explosion, the exploitation of information and data is very necessary and easy, but this also poses many great challenges. Therefore, individuals need to know how to search, identify and evaluate authentic information, ensuring the truth.

6.2 Communication in digital environment

The explosion of technology has changed the way people communicate and interact with each other. In a society where most people use smartphones, being proficient in online media such as social networks, email, and video calls is extremely important. This helps expand relationships, connecting people with similar interests and goals.

6.3 Network safety and security

Cyber security is one of the topics that receives great attention. Cyber attacks by criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex, aiming to steal information and conduct fraudulent transactions, or even attack important systems... Therefore, ensuring network safety and security is considered urgent, each person needs to raise their vigilance and equip themselves with information security skills.

6.4 Diverse digital content

Individuals need to know how to create various digital content, such as articles, images, videos to convey knowledge, express their personal style or promote and market products. In general, the proficiency in using content editing and sharing tools has become an indispensable part of creating quality content.

6.5 Developing digital skills

Digital technology will always change and transform, so each individual needs to learn and improve every day to avoid falling behind.

7. Assess the digital transformation landscape and digital capability needs

In today's era, the digital transformation era is gradually approaching life and bringing many great changes to humanity. This is a promising revolution and brings breakthroughs to the economy and society.

All tangible assets are transformed into digital form, strongly affecting human resources and the way businesses operate. The digital transformation process always requires flexible adaptation, effective knowledge management and skills. In particular, social networks and mobile technology will directly impact the activities of individuals, businesses and organizations.

In Vietnam, digital transformation is taking place strongly with many specific policies from the Government. Accordingly, the goal by 2025 is to achieve 80% of level 4 online public services, the entire Government reporting system is online and digital, bringing Vietnam into the top 70 countries leading in e-government.

However, according to a report from the International Labor Organization, Vietnam is currently an ASEAN country heavily affected in terms of employment due to the digital transformation process, with more than 70% of the workforce in basic occupations being affected. This has posed major challenges for the education system at universities and colleges in training quality human resources, adaptability and mastery of technology in the digital age.

In the above article, 1C Vietnam has answered what digital capabilities include and the common types of digital capabilities. It can be seen that digital capabilities are the leading factor in improving the quality of life, building smart systems, effectively managing resources and the environment, and actively contributing to the sustainable development of society... Hopefully, the article has provided a lot of interesting information. If your business has more questions or wants to explore more about this topic, follow the latest articles of 1C Vietnam!