Assessing the Second-Level Digital Divide in Austria: A Representative Study on Demographic Differences in Digital Competences

Autor(en)
Alexander Schmoelz, Corinna Geppert, Stephanie Schwarz, Erich Svecnik, Jana Koch, Till Bieg, Lisa Freund
Abstrakt

The second-level digital divide concerns individual levels of digital competences and demographic indicators of digital gaps. In this paper, we have analysed empirical data that allow a thorough and differentiated look into the second-level digital divide with a rigorous methodological quantitative approach. We investigated the relationship between results from a self-assessment of one’s own digital competences, and a knowledge test about digital tools among Austrian citizens (N=1109). The study explores second-level digital divides in gender, education level, age, first language, and length of time living in the country regarding respective competence levels and areas, referring to the Digital Competence Model for Austria - DigComp 2.2 AT. Results show that the digital gender divide is paramount across all competence areas, while the age divide remains strong when comparing under 18-year-olds with over 60-year-olds. Moreover, positive effects are related to education level and first language.

Organisation(en)
Institut für Bildungswissenschaft, Institut für Klinische und Gesundheitspsychologie
Externe Organisation(en)
Austrian Institute of Technology, Institut des Bundes für Qualitätssicherung im österreichischen Schulwesen
Journal
Digital Education Review
Seiten
61-75
Anzahl der Seiten
15
ISSN
2013-9144
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1344/der.2023.44.61-75
Publikationsdatum
12-2023
Peer-reviewed
Ja
ÖFOS 2012
509026 Digitalisierungsforschung, 503020 Medienpädagogik, 504005 Bildungssoziologie
Schlagwörter
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete
Education, Computer Science Applications
Link zum Portal
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/ab40f223-2ca6-4d85-9ae1-d98348739053