Defining essential digital skills in the Canadian workplace: final report

The purpose of this study was to develop a proposed digital skills framework for generic users of digital technology in the Canadian workplace. The research methods used to achieve this objective consisted of an analytical survey of the literature, and a key informant consultation. Insight gained from the literature review was used to develop a proposed digital skills framework for Canadian workers, which included four clusters: (1) foundational skills; (2) transversal skills; (3) technical digital skills; and (4) digital information processing skills. Key informants representing various economic sectors were requested to validate that framework and the embedded sub-sets of digital skills. Results indicated that the great majority of the key informants rated the proposed digital skills framework as useful and comprehensive. They also rated the digital skills clusters as either extremely important or important. Key informants' rating of the digital skills embedded in the four clusters showed variations in the perceived degree of importance, level of use, and workers' proficiency. The study also examined various procedures and tools in current use for assessing digital skills. Finally, complexity scales for rating workers' digital skills proficiency level were explored. Several recommendations for further research were made.

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