Perception and reality: Measuring digital skills in Singapore

• Main Author: GOTTIPATI, Swapna
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2017
• Subjects: Asian Studies; Digital Communications and Networking
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sis_research/4207; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sis_research/article/5210/viewcontent/Perception___Reality___ICDL_Asia___SMU.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

ICDL Asia carried out a digital literacy study in Singapore, looking at an essential skill for everyday life. The goal of the study was to discover the digital skills gaps among young people in Singapore. Singapore is considered to be a digitally advanced country where young people have access to the latest technology and gadgets. At the same time, it is imperative for young people to possess relevant digital skills for a future-ready and healthy economy. The studies consisted of two key parts: self-assessment and practical assessment of digital skills. Our findings show that, though the digital native fallacy exists in Singapore, young people have performed well for certain types of skills, including ICT skills and word processing skills. The findings revealed that people usually tend to over-estimate their skills. Moreover, young people have digital skills gaps that are critical in both their education and in the workplace.