Digital Gaps in One of the World’s Most Digitalised Countries | Trends - OEB Newsportal

Norway is one of the world‘s most digitalised countries; some even consider it number one!^[1], summarizes OEB Newsportal. 
 

Photo: OEB Newsportal

Nevertheless, rapid technological development is also creating challenges. New
technology and more digital solutions are creating an increasing demand for new competencies. Development of 21^st-century skills is a requirement for everyone.

The number of occupations that do not require digital skills is rapidly decreasing. All realms of working life and society at large require internet access, as well as the ability and tools to access digital services, both public and private. We have to be able to quickly learn to use new tools in order to be a part of working life and society. Examples of this development can be found in various occupations such as teaching, industrial work and health care. With expanding digital access to knowledge, the teacher’s role is shifting towards that of a facilitator, motivator, and guide, rather than merely an instructor. Industrial workers are required to operate software, whereas they previously used tools and ”got their hands dirty”. Healthcare workers need to work digitally in more areas, for example registering patient data, communicating, reading work sheets, and operating medical equipment.

Digital skills – the foundation 21^st-century skills 
The concept of basic skills has changed with the digital evolution, and the “new basic skills” are those of the 21^st century. These abilities include life and career skills, basic skills and knowledge, learning and innovation skills, in addition to ICT skills. Lifelong learning is a concept to which we must all adapt...

Continuing education in digital skills 
Lifelong learning is a necessity to participate in working life, a realm that is continually changing, with changes happening faster than ever before. The lack of focused teaching of relevant and sustainable digital competencies means that newly graduated students face the risk of having an outdated education even before entering working life. The focus on lifelong learning and continuously updating digital skills has not been a focus or priority for people with higher education, as it has been assumed that higher education also means high digital literacy, but the focus is slowly shifting. 
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Source: OEB Newsportal