A global framework of reference on digital literacy skills for indicator 4.4.2

The objective of the Digital Literacy Global Framework (DLGF) project is to develop a methodology that can serve as the foundation for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) thematic Indicator 4.4.2: 'Percentage of youth/adults who have achieved at least a minimum level of proficiency in digital literacy skills'. The importance of digital literacy is evidenced by the many national and regional efforts to develop and implement digital literacy frameworks and strategic plans to bolster citizens' digital literacy. However, the reasons for countries to adopt and develop frameworks vary. Likewise, definitions for digital literacy also differ. In reviewing related frameworks collected from government and non-government agencies, we find that the following notions recurred constantly: 'access', 'manage', 'understand', 'integrate', 'communicate', 'evaluate' and 'create'. Hence, we propose the following definition for digital literacy: Digital literacy is the ability to access, manage, understand, integrate, communicate, evaluate and create information safely and appropriately through digital technologies for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. It includes competences that are variously referred to as computer literacy, ICT literacy, information literacy and media literacy.

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