Problem solving and continuing learning
Here, you will find an illustrative and exemplary description of the partial competences included in the competence area “problem solving and continuing learning” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria:
- Solving technical problems
- Identifying needs and technological responses
- Creatively using digital technologies
- Identifying digital competence gaps
Solving technical problems
This is the partial competence 5.1 in the competence area “Problem solving and continuing learning” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
When working with digital devices or environments, technical problems may arise. The skills needed to solve such problems are summarised in this competence area. Digitally competent people are able to independently identify problems, find the causes of technical errors and solve problems.
What does it mean in practice?
Here are some examples: While working with the computer, the screen suddenly freezes and the device no longer responds to inputs. The computer does not start when you turn it on. A programme on a smartphone, tablet or computer cannot be opened or closed. In all these cases, digitally competent people can assess possible causes because they have a basic understanding of the processes taking place in the background. They also know how to deal with technical problems and can apply different problem-solving strategies and systematically identify the cause of the problem in order to finally solve it.
Why is that important?
Technical problems can arise at any time and for different reasons, even when working with the latest technologies and devices. It is important to have basic problem-solving skills in order not to be constantly dependent on outside help and to be able to use the digital applications again as quickly as possible.
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.
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.
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.
Creatively using digital technologies
This is the partial competence 5.3 in the competence area 5 “Problem solving and continuing learning” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
Dealing with digital technologies creatively means using digital tools and technologies in such a way that either new knowledge is created or processes and/or products can be improved in the process. This is possible in both individual and collaborative discussions with problems or problem situations in digital environments.
What does it mean in practice?
Here is an example: If you share views on a topic in a forum with other people, on the one hand, new knowledge can arise through the exchange. On the other hand, the forum can act as an information platform and database. Often it also allows joint problem solving, for example, when you turn to the forum community with a specific question. The digital environment thus becomes a space for individual and collaborative learning and development.
Why is that important?
Information and knowledge are fundamental parts of social interaction — especially in times of the internet and the constant availability of knowledge. Creatively using digital technologies requires, above all, the joint development of this knowledge in order to innovatively design the future.
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.
Identifying digital competence gaps
This is the partial competence 5.4 in the competence area 5 “Problem solving and continuing learning” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.
What is it about?
This part of the competence area “problem solving and continuing learning” refers to the ability of people to identify personal development potential with regard to digital competences. From level 5 onwards, this also includes the ability to support other people in their development of competences.
What does it mean in practice?
You can recognise whether it is necessary to further develop your digital competences. This could be the case, for example, if you are faced with a digital task in everyday life or at work, which you cannot adequately handle with your current level of competence. The skills of this partial competence allow you to determine which competences you need to update or further develop your own competences. On the other hand, you can independently find and use instructions, training or other learning offers to develop your competences.
Why is that important?
Digitalisation involves dynamic developments. This results in a constant need for new learning in order to be able to adequately cope with various digital tasks, both at work and in everyday life. Lifelong learning is particularly important in the context of digitalisation.
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.