Basic Digital Skills

Every day's a school day - not something we necessarily wanted to hear when we celebrated the end of our school career.  I know 'Right life - here I come'! was definitely nearer the top of my thoughts.  That probably lasted for a couple of days until reality kicked in. The skills we need for life feel to be accelerating at an alarming rate - with there being no slowing down option only keeping up or opting out all together.  Only last month Basic Online Skills were our team's mantra, then Go-On UK published the results of their review and refresh - Basic Digital Skills .  There's a sound rationale behind the change.  Even so, we wanted to take a little time to reflect on the changes and what it means for the programme and projects here in Scotland.  Is it fundamental, tinkering around the edges, highly aspirational, a coat of new paint?  If possible it is all of the first three! It doesn't take us away from the basics of communicating, searching and browsing and sending personal information safely.  Phew! What I think it does do is offer greater nuance in these areas, bringing out the previously implicit information literacy elements and providing stretch via a new category of 'creating'.  I think this broadening and detail offers a greater number of relevant entry points for individuals - along with a better opportunity to measure progress and really understand the skills base. So - what does it mean for SCVO's programme and projects?  Well - we are moving to using the new Basic Digital Skills definition, and retro-fitting it to our recent Challenge Awards.  We'll be asking all Charter signatories to adopt the terminology from now on. So, what did my school day bring today?  A reflection that I'm really pleased to embrace continual learning.