Digital Essential Skills

Digital Essential Skills

• These skills encompass the basic knowledge required to use digital tools effectively
• These skills enable participation, communication, and task performance in the digital world
• Continued evolution of technology makes digital essential skills crucial for individuals to stay informed and productive
• These skills are important for personal empowerment, professional growth, and active participation in the digital world

Six Key Digital Essential Skills

• Digital Literacy
• Communication and Collaboration
• Online Safety and Security
• Critical Thinking and Problem solving
• Adaptability and Learning
• Digital Etiquette

Digital Literacy

• The ability to navigate, evaluate, and create information using digital tools
• Involves responsible application, effective online communication, and critical assessment
• Encompasses understanding digital tools such as computers and software
• Encompasses navigating the Internet, browsing and using online resources

Basic Computer Skills

• Operating System
• File Management
• Applications Software
• Security Practices

Operating System (OS)

• Software acting as the backbone of a computer or device, managing hardware and software
• Provides a user-friendly interface to interact with the device and run applications
• Critical for device functionality

Key Functions of Operating Systems

• Resource Management to controls and allocates memory, processing power, and storage to various programs
• User Interface to Provides graphical or command-line interfaces for user interaction
• File Management to Organizes, stores, retrieves, and manipulates data on storage devices
• Hardware Communication acts as bridge between hardware components and software applications
• Security protects data and system resources from unauthorized access

Popular Examples of Operating Systems

• Windows is widely deployed on personal computers and developed by Microsoft.
• MacOS is designed for Apple computers.
• Linux is an open-source OS that can be customized.
• Android is used in most smartphones and tablets.
• iOS is exclusive to Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad.

File Management

• Process of creating, organizing, storing, accessing, and maintaining files for easy location and secure storage
• Important for file organization, which involves structuring files into folders and subfolders
• It is important to use meaningful file and folder names
• File operations include creating, opening, editing, saving, closing, copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files
• Knowledge of file formats like .docx, .pdf, .jpg, and .mp4 are also important
• File storage includes using local drives (e.g., C: drive), external drives (e.g., USB drives), and cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive).
• Search and retrieval involves using search features to quickly locate files based on keywords, types, or dates
• Backups prevent data loss and ensuring recovery options in case files are accidentally deleted or corrupted
• Security involves protecting files with passwords and controlling access to sensitive data

Types of Software Applications

• Productivity Apps include examples being Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Productivity apps enhance productivity, task management, and facilitate collaboration.
• Communication Apps include examples such as WhatsApp, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack.
• Communication apps enable communication through messaging, video calls, and conferencing.
• Creative and Design Apps include examples such as Adobe Photoshop, Canva, and Blender.
• Creative and Design apps help with graphic design, video editing, animation, and other creative work.
• Education and Learning Apps have examples such as Duolingo, Coursera, and Khan Academy.
• Education and Learning apps provide resources for learning new skills, languages, or academic subjects.
• Entertainment Apps include examples like Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube.
• Entertainment apps deliver music, video streaming, games, and other forms of entertainment.
• Utility Apps include examples such as File Explorer, WinRAR, and antivirus programs like Norton and McAfee.
• Utility apps help to manage files, perform system maintenance, or secure devices.

Platforms for Software Applications

• Desktop/PC: Installed on computers, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux apps.
• Mobile Apps: Designed for smartphones and tablets, such as Android or iOS apps.
• Web Applications: Accessed via browsers without installation, such as Gmail or Google Drive.
• Software applications are tailored to meet varying user needs, depending on their purpose and platform.

Security Practices

• Use strong passwords, by creating unique, complex passwords, avoiding guessable personal info, using password manager
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• Keep software updated so you always have the latest protections
• Be cautious with links and attachments
• Secure your Wi-Fi network and avoid public, unsecured ones
• Understand privacy settings on social media sites and apps, adjust to control your visibility
• Recognize and avoid scams like emails asking for personal information
• Back up your data on external drives or cloud storage regularly
• Use antivirus and firewall protection
• Educate yourself about new threats and security practices

Internet Navigation

• Use web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari, enabling website viewing
• Knowledge to search using search engines such as Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo is important
• Entering URLs directly in the address bar, using tabs to open multiple websites and navigating with browser buttons also

Efficient Web Browsing

• Refine search queries using specific keywords for speed
• Save frequently visited sites as easy-to-access bookmarks
• Use browser tabs and tools to keep work organized

Usage of Online Resources

• Educational Platforms include Coursera, Khan Academy, edX, and Udemy which offer courses across topics
• Research Databases include Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed provide peer reviewed sources
• Online Libraries and E-books like Project Gutenberg, Open Library, and Google Books give free access to resources
• Effective Online Communication is using clear precise subject lines, using labels to avoid spam
• Social Media use caution about over sharing
• Forums and Online Communities are Reddit, Quora and Stack Overflow where you can ask questions and share knowledge
• Organize information via Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Evernote, Microsoft, OneNote, Notion etc

Online safety and privacy

• Cybersecurity Basics states there is a need to be aware of security threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware.
• Phishing is the act of sending emails or other messages purporting to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information,
• Malware is software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system
• Ransomware blocks access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid
• Using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and not clicking on untrustworthy links is also important
• Important to control personal data
• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) helps to maintain privacy
• Be cautious about oversharing on social media

Safe Web Navigating

• Make sure to verify facts before sharing information by using fact-checking sites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact.
• Be cautious of sensational headlines, and always cross-check information across reputable sources.
• If any sites encrypt data make sure it is marked HTTPS

Digital Skills

• Mastering makes you efficient when using Internet and online resources
• Mastering makes you is effective at study, work and personal development

Communication and Collaboration

• The use of tech and online platforms to help team work and information exchange
• Allows for maintaining relationships regardless of physical location

Essential Components of Digital Communication

• Digital Literacy is understanding emails, messaging apps, and video conferencing tools.
• Clarity & Tone is important to adapt your language
• Multimedia Use is enhancing messages with visuals
• Feedback Etiquette is knowing how to provide and receive constructive feedback in a virtual space.

Time management and scheduling

• Important to use Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or Calendly to schedule meetings, set reminders, and manage personal and team calendars

Tool for Collaboration on Documents

• Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365, and Zoho support multiple users on projects which helps avoid confusion

Collaboration Platforms

• Miro, MURAL, Jamboard, and Canva allow help better creativity and input

Online Safety and Security Facts

• In today's digital world is requires protecting personal, financial, and professional information

Password Management Facts

• Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Aim for at least 12 characters and avoid easy words
• Unique Passwords should be used for different accounts
• Use Password Managers to securely store and manage your passwords
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) means you need a 2nd form of verification
• Biometric Security requires options like fingerprint scanners

Protecting Personal Data Online

• Limit oversharing
• Set Privacy Settings
• Understand What You're Sharing
• Be Cautious on public WiFi

Online Scams and Phishing

• Carefully inspect emails
• Check sender's address comes from addresses that appear similar to legitimate ones but may have small differences
• Look out for urgent messages
• Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links, by hovering over links in emails to see real destination URL
• Verify Requests by using contact details to confirm requests

How to Secure Your Device

• Operating System and Software need consistent updates to protect against most current threats
• Install Antivirus Software helps to protect from things like Ransomware
• Use firewalls to detect outgoing/incoming traffic
• Use encryption on devices to protect if there are theft and use strong logins

Safe Internet Usage

• Look for HTTPS websites to make sure data is secure
• Avoid Pop-up ads which could contain malware
• Search by using Reputable Search Engines like Google and DuckDuckGo
• Clear Browser History and Cache to protect privacy
• Disable Unnecessary Browser Extensions or only choose trusted

Mobile Device Security Facts

• Secure Your Smartphone by enabling logins or using trusted app stores
• Set Remote Wipe and Device Tracking and also regularly check app permissions

Secure Transactions Facts

• Using trusted payment methods like PayPal and also look for HTTPS website to make sure are payments are safe

Protecting Online Activity

• Think with care before you post as Cybercriminals can use data
• Set profiles to private or use restricted settings

Digital Etiquette

• Refers to the set of rules and guidelines for proper behaviour and communication
• Digital etiquette is similar to traditional social etiquette, but it applies to online interactions, whether through emails, social media, or other digital platforms

Key Aspects of Digital Etiquette

• Respecting time and attention
• Be clear and concise e.g. in emails, messages, or posts, get to the point and avoid unnecessary jargon
• Always respond promptly
• Always think before posts and make sure your are acting truthful and giving correct privacy

How to Language Online

• Be polite
• Be respectful
• Do not SHOUT
• Respect Digital Boundaries
• Do not bombard or be intrusive
• Always follow/respect guidelines, people, and settings

Emojis GIFs and Memes

• Emojis and GIFs can add personality but overusing them ruins communications.

Online Behaviour

• Be sure to ask questions to messages you misunderstand
• It's important to Use appropriate punctuation
• Take a moment to reflect

Understanding the Permanence of your Digital Footprint

• Be mindful of the content you create or interact with
• Be careful with oversharing of private details
• In professional settings make sure to use email correctly
• Relevant lines make an e-mail better

When sharing content

• Always give correct attribution,
• Always mind the reply features on multi person mails
• Be positive and respectful
• Avoid bullying and trolling
• Always engage in good behaviour and be constructive
• By practicing good digital etiquette this helps to maintain professional respectful communications