Programming and automating processes

This is the partial competence 3.4 in the competence area 3 “Digital content creation” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria (DigComp 2.2 AT and DigComp 2.3 AT).

What is it about?

This competence area includes the ability to plan and develop a sequence of comprehensible instructions for a computer system to solve a particular problem or to perform a specific task.

What does it mean in practice?

Digitally competent people are able to understand digital processes in a computer system or programme and have a basic understanding of programming. Computational thinking is closely related to actual programming. This involves, for example, defining problem-solving steps, that should take place in a certain order (parallel or sequential). People who can act in a digitally competent manner know programming languages and their structure in syntax and semantics, and can distinguish different types of programming languages and even apply it at an advanced level. This allows individuals to create comprehensible instructions for a computer programme or app and to solve digital problems.

Why is that important?

Today’s world cannot be imagined without apps, computers, programmes, websites, smartphones and many other technologies. To understand how these things work requires at least a basic understanding of programming and computational thinking as a basis. This involves the ability to understand that programming requires analysing problem-solving steps, identifying patterns and defining processes. In order to write various codes, different programming languages are needed as a further step.

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.