Digipädevuste

Digipädevuste refer to the digital competences necessary to use information and communications technologies effectively and responsibly. They cover the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to find, evaluate, create, and share digital content; to communicate and collaborate online; to protect privacy and security; and to solve problems using digital tools. The term is used in Estonia as part of national education and media literacy initiatives and aligns with international efforts to define digital literacy.

A widely employed reference is the European framework DigComp, which describes five areas of digital competence: information and data literacy; communication and collaboration; digital content creation; safety; and problem solving. Each area includes detailed descriptors across proficiency levels, enabling individuals and institutions to assess current capabilities and plan improvement.

In practice, digipädevuste underpin curricula, teacher professional development, and workforce training. They guide the design of learning outcomes, digital citizenship education, and assessments. They also support policies aimed at digital inclusion, ensuring that people of different ages, backgrounds, and regions acquire the skills needed to participate in an increasingly digital society.

Assessment and development typically combine self-assessment with formal evaluations, portfolios, and performance tasks. Ongoing updates to frameworks reflect new technologies and work practices, emphasizing lifelong learning and flexible, project-based learning.

See also: digital literacy; DigComp; information and communication technology education.