Communication, interaction and collaboration
Here, you will find a clear and exemplary description of the partial competences included in the competence area “Communication, interaction and collaboration” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria:
- Interacting through digital technologies
- Using digital technologies to share data and information and to collaborate
- Using digital technologies for social participation
- Carrying out purchases and sales
- Using appropriate forms of expression
- Understanding and managing digital identity
Interacting through digital technologies
This is the partial competence 2.1 in the competence area 2. “Communication, interaction and collaboration” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
This competence area includes the ability to interact using digital technologies and to select appropriate digital communication tools for a specific context (including cultural, social and gender considerations).
What does it mean in practice?
Digitally competent people know the advantages and opportunities of digital communication. They can select suitable technologies and use them compliant to data protection to get in touch with other people. In addition to widely used applications such as e-mails and short message services (chats), live online meetings are also increasingly popular in digital communication. Video conferencing, in particular, has the advantage that communication is not only text-based, but people can see and hear each other even if a face-to-face meeting is not possible.
Why is that important?
Digital technologies enable a location-independent communication, as the only thing needed is an internet connection. Thus, it is possible to stay in touch despite physical distances. In order to benefit from the advantages of digital communication technologies, you should be able to select the right tool and use it competently, depending on the situation. As digital communication generates data, users need a basic knowledge about which communication tools are secure and how to use them in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation.
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.
Using digital technologies to share data and information and to cooperate
This is the partial competence 2.2 in the competence area 2 “Communication, interaction and collaboration” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
The competence area includes the ability to exchange data, information and digital content with others using digital technologies. This also means being able to use digital tools and technologies for the cooperative process and thus jointly develop resources and knowledge.
What does it mean in practice?
Digitally competent people need to be aware of both the opportunities and risks of the data and information exchange by means of digital technologies and tools. Moreover, they can process information themselves and share it with others. This allows for collaborative knowledge resources that can be shared, for example, in wikis or on other platforms. Another example of the use of jointly generated and shared knowledge is research or the public service-oriented use by educational institutions or providers. This competence area also includes sharing data in private and professional contexts and communicating with each other online.
Why is that important?
Communication and cooperation channels are increasingly becoming digitised. This offers great opportunities as it is possible to be connected despite long distances — in synchronous or asynchronous ways. This means that people can communicate and work together independently from time and place. Thus, it is possible to connect with people who might not have been able to meet in an analogue way or who have completely different rhythms of life and work.
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.
Using digital technologies for social participation
This is the partial competence 2.3 in the competence area 2 “Communication, interaction and collaboration” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
This partial competence is about the ability to know and operate basic digital services. This also includes using digital media and devices to obtain information on the one hand and to access public discourse on the other.
What does it mean in practice?
People who use digital skills for social participation know about digital services and technologies that they can use for their own good and the common good. In addition, they can express their opinions digitally, for example on public platforms for the exchange of views, and thus actively participate in the discussion in socially relevant areas.
Why is that important?
Digitalisation is primarily changing the flow of information in our society. On the one hand, many opportunities, processes and services are being digitised. On the other hand, the discussion of public affairs is shifting more and more into the digital world. In order to ensure everyone’s participation in society, we need the ability to use digital technologies. As participation in all areas of society is increasingly dependent on digital skills, it is particularly important to support people (groups) such as seniors who are at risk of being “left behind” digitally.
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.
Carrying out purchases and sales
This is the partial competence 2.4 in the competence area 2 “Communication, interaction and collaboration” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
The competence area includes the ability to shop, auction or exchange goods on the internet, as well as the knowledge about how to offer something for sale or auction on the internet.
What does it mean in practice?
Digitally competent people know reputable online providers and platforms to buy, exchange, auction and offer goods and services. Buyers can compare and purchase goods and services from online providers. They know how to handle sensitive data, can detect fraudulent providers and protect themselves from attempted fraud. In addition, digitally competent people know options to buy goods from others, sell their own things and exchange things. Examples include online flea markets, Facebook exchange groups or digital marketplaces like willhaben.at. They know their rights and obligations and can communicate digitally with buyers, sellers as well as exchange partners in order to initiate and/or conduct exchange and purchase transactions online.
Why is that important?
Online shopping is becoming more and more popular as it is independent from time and location. Furthermore, there is often a greater range of products available online. This gives you the chance to save money by comparing different offers. Conversely, the increasing popularity of online shopping means that local stores tend to offer less choice. Often, certain products are only available online— especially for people who do not live in metropolitan areas. People also sell, trade or give away used things online, which they do not want to throw away. This is helpful for those who cannot or do not want to buy new things.
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.
Using appropriate forms of expression
This is the partial competence 2.5 in the competence area 2 “Communication, interaction and collaboration” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
The competence area includes knowledge about behavioral norms in communication and interaction in the digital space, as well as the ability to adapt communication strategies to relevant contexts or stakeholders and to choose appropriate digital communication channels.
What does it mean in practice?
Digitally competent people can write online in a way to be understood by others and appropriate to the respective situation. Here is an example: In the Facebook comments column, it usually makes little sense to write long and complicated essays on a topic as short and concise entries are proven to be read and understood more easily. In addition, it is not appropriate to emotionally engage too much in commentary or discussion posts nor engage in a verbal exchange. Constructive online discussions require factual arguments and appreciative criticism.
Why is that important?
Today, many people communicate on the internet and social discourse is increasingly shifting towards social media. However, it might happen that online communication tends to be more disinhibited than face-to-face conversations. Therefore, it is particularly important to communicate appropriately in social networks in order to avoid misunderstandings and escalations.
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.
Understanding and managing digital identity
This is the partial competence 2.6 in the competence area 2 “Communication, interaction and collaboration” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
The competence area is about the ability to create and manage one or more digital identities. Important aspects are identity management and the knowledge about and handling of the data generated in the context of the digital identity.
What does it mean in practice?
Many people have at least one, but often more digital identities such as an email account or a profile in a social network. With the help of the digital identity, such an account and the activities carried out with it are assigned to a real person. For example, if you give likes on Facebook or join groups, a “digital reputation” is created over time, i.e. a certain impression that others gain of the profile or the person behind it. To ensure that this is an impression you want to convey and feel comfortable with, you should consider what you do online and in what medium. For example, posting very private photos publicly on social media can make you vulnerable in a professional context.
Why is that important?
The internet does not forget anything. Thus, any thoughtless comment or embarrassing photo can reappear, even if you have deleted it (e.g. if someone else captures it as a screenshot). This can sometimes have serious consequences. With some online services, it is also not easy to determine what information is being published. A regular check of the privacy settings is therefore essential to sustainably protect your digital identity.
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.