Information and Communication Technologies: Competencies in the 21st-Century Workforce

The competencies of the 21st-century workforce include more than just knowledge and skills to implement current information and communication technologies. These competencies require the ability to meet complex demands, drawing on both skills and attitude. For example, the ability to collaborate effectively in a multinational setting is a competency that may draw on an individual’s knowledge of language, cultural practices, practical information technology (IT) skills, and the attitudes of those communicating. This entry discusses these competencies in detail, relates them to the concept of digital citizenship, and discusses the implications of these competencies for learning.

The complexity of the competencies expected of workers in the 21st century is exemplified through the definition of digital citizenship, an all-encompassing term that sums up how educators should approach improving education through current and emerging areas of information and communication technology. Digital citizenship describes an individual using information technology regularly and effectively to engage in [Page 361]society, learning, politics, and government. A digital citizen extensively communicates, collaborates, and accesses information and tools through mobile devices, computers, and other technology and who leverages this access to information, people, and tools to engage in problem solving and informed and collaborative decision making. There are nine main elements of digital citizenship (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 The nine elements of digital citizenship

Critical technologies for the 21st century required for digital citizenship include cloud and mobile networks, intelligent systems and assistive devices, analytic tools, e-government, security and privacy in social networking, and seamless, ubiquitous, and contextual learning.

The workforce is immersed in a world where mobile technology is used to communicate and share images and data. We use mobile networks for access to people and information, to watch movies or sporting events, to get directions, to purchase tickets, to make mobile purchases, and for mobile learning. Workers have instant access to data they need to be able to analyze options for planning, problem solving, and decision making. This more consistent and constant access to information is creating a demand for learning that is (a) ubiquitous and simple to access; (b) seamless, with instant and continuous access via different technologies; and (c) contextual, using location-based and personal sensor-based technologies.

Mobile cloud and distributed computing can be used to support this learning as these technologies provide (a) anytime-anywhere access to data, business applications, and collaborative services; (b) better synchronization with multiple devices; (c) improved reliability; and (d) access to many new services. Through the cloud, there is increased coordination between events in the real world and their associated information available digitally. Twenty-first-century workers need to be able to access the cloud and use these resources to increase their effectiveness and productivity.

For example, local and federal governments are taking advantage of the digital surge and making more information and resources available to the general public in digital form. Workers in the 21st century need to know how to access this information, analyze the information in the format in which it is provided, make informed decisions, and make effective use of relevant services.

The use of social networking has exploded with the increased use of mobile technology and the ease of sharing information. In the 21st century, the focus is on privacy and security. While technology organizations are working on improving these aspects to protect users from harassment and identity theft, workers can no longer be simple users posting information and connecting with colleagues or friends. As users and consumers, workers need to be cognizant of etiquette, personal and group rights and responsibilities, security, and legal ramifications.

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