Filenews 1 June 2023
The Digital Citizens' Academy of the Deputy Ministry of Innovation opened its web portals yesterday, aiming to develop digital skills of all Cypriots. As "F" is informed, within days all stakeholders will receive letters to give them access to this platform to start supplying it with material. The training programs are divided into three pillars: for all citizens, for the workforce, for professionals in Information and Communication Technologies.
As mentioned, the aim of the Academy is to build a society that trusts digital products and services, and can detect disinformation, protect against cyberattacks and online scams, benefit from technologies. Moreover, in Cyprus, according to the Digital Economy and Society Index, only 45% of citizens aged 16 to 74 have at least basic digital skills, while the EU average is 56%.
The Citizens' Digital Academy will, among others, offer:
a) A tool for assessing the level of digital skills of the individual and his/her needs, contributing to the formulation of a plan for their development.
b) Educational programs based on the skills needed by the citizen and free choice of courses per level (basic or specialized). These are divided into five sections: Use of information and data. Communication and collaboration. Creation of digital content. Safety. Problem solving. These modules include more than 30 topics, including web browsing, device and application use, social media use, teleworking, programming languages, device security, personal data protection, online transactions, cybersecurity.
c) Digital skills tool, through online educational material. These are interactive tools and applications for assessing and improving the digital competences of the individual.
In addition, the Citizens' Digital Academy has links to an electronic library, funding opportunities, good practices and research on digital skills, events, etc.
Regarding the three pillars, the one for society – digital skills for all, concerns at least basic digital skills such as: acquisition of basic digital skills (for digitally illiterate), internet security and cybersecurity, microsoft office (word, excel, power point) etc. In addition, lifelong learning aimed at empowering citizens to effectively face the challenges of society and professions in general.
The workforce pillar refers to upgrading the skills of employees (from basic to advanced level), including the unemployed, with the aim of career prospects and advancement. Among the skills are cybersecurity, teleworking and distance learning tools, etc.
The pillar professionals – specialists in Information and Communication Technologies concerns upskilling and reskilling – upskilling. Ability to be certified in specialized subjects. Among the skills project management, artificial intelligence, development of information systems and applications, etc.
