Future of ICT: Trends and Digital Literacy Skills

Posted on Mar 6, 2025 in Computers

The Future of ICT: Trends and Developments

What is likely to evolve in ICT? This summarizes the key aspects of this likely evolution. Based on current trends, developments in ICT in the coming years may be characterized by the following:

  • Progressive increase of portable computer systems.
  • Progressive spread of flat-panel displays (TFT).
  • Implementation of the omnipresence of wireless technology.
  • Widespread use of systems for broadband internet connections.
  • Mobile UMTS third generation, with image and graphic internet connections.
  • Software supplied through the internet.
  • Multiplication of activities conducted from cyberspace.
  • Generalization of the digital whiteboard in the classroom.

Dimensions of Basic ICT Competence

Digital literacy encompasses these characteristics:

1. Knowledge of Computer Systems (Hardware, Networks, Software)

  • Knowing the basics of computers and their functions.
  • Connect basic computer peripherals (printer, mouse, etc.) and perform maintenance (paper and printer ink, etc.).
  • Knowing the correct process for startup and shutdown of a computer.
  • Install programs (following the instructions on the screen or manual).

2. Use of Operating System

  • Knowing the basic terminology of the operating system (file, folder, program).
  • Save and retrieve information on a computer and on different media (floppy, hard disk, etc.).
  • Properly organize information through files and folders.
  • Undertake basic maintenance of the system (antivirus, backup, delete unnecessary information).
  • Knowing various utility programs (understanding of files, document viewers, etc.).
  • Know how to use shared resources on a network (printer, disk, etc.).

3. Search and Selection of Information Through the Internet

  • Have criteria for evaluating the reliability of the information found.
  • Basic use of browsers: Internet browsing (store, retrieve, and print data).
  • Use search engines to locate specific information on the Internet.
  • Have a clear goal for searching and navigate routes relevant to the job desired (not surf aimlessly).

4. Interpersonal Communication and Collaborative Work Over Networks

  • Knowing the rules of courtesy and integrity in network communication.
  • Send and receive emails, organize your address book, and know how to attach files.
  • Using ICT responsibly as a means of interpersonal communication in groups (chat rooms, forums, etc.).

5. Text Processing

  • Know the basic terminology in text editors (font, format, paragraph, margins, etc.).
  • Use basic features of a word processor (writing documents, store, and print).
  • Internal structure of documents (copy, cut, and paste).
  • Formatting text (fonts, margins, etc.).
  • Inserting images and other graphical elements.
  • Use spell checkers to ensure proper spelling.
  • Familiarity with the use of the keyboard.

6. Image Processing

  • Use basic features of a graphical editor (draw pictures and charts, store, and print work).

7. Use of Spreadsheets

  • Know the basic terminology of spreadsheets (rows, columns, cells, data, and formulas, etc.).
  • Use basic features of a spreadsheet (do simple calculations, adjusting the format, store, and print, etc.).

8. Use of Databases

  • Know what a database is and what it is for.
  • Consult databases.
  • Introducing new data to a database through a form.

9. Entertainment and Learning with ICT

  • Control time devoted to ICT entertainment and be aware of the power of addiction.
  • Knowing the multiple sources of information and training provided by the Internet (libraries, courses, training materials, press, etc.).
  • Use the help information provided by programs and manuals.

10. Remote Management

  • Know the precautions that must be followed to make monetary remote management, giving or receiving information.
  • Knowing the existence of protection systems for remote management (electronic signature, privacy, encryption, safe places, etc.).

11. General Attitudes Towards ICT

  • Develop an open and critical attitude towards new technologies (content, entertainment, etc.).
  • Be predisposed to continuous learning and updating.
  • Address access to conflicting and/or illegal information.
  • Act with caution on new technologies (the origin of messages, critical files, etc.).