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Basic Education Students’ Digital Competence in the Area of Communication: The Influence of Online Communication and the Use of Social Networks

Author

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  • Marcos Cabezas-González

    (Department of Didactics, Organization and Research Methods, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain)

  • Sonia Casillas-Martín

    (Department of Didactics, Organization and Research Methods, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain)

  • Ana García-Valcárcel Muñoz-Repiso

    (Department of Didactics, Organization and Research Methods, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain)

Abstract

The global public health crisis unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that digital competence in education is no longer an option, but a necessity. Online communication with friends using social networks is an activity in which young people very frequently and at increasingly early ages engage. This article presents the results of a study analyses digital-competence levels in the area of communication of Spanish basic-education students (aged 12–16) and establishes whether online communication with friends and the use of social media impact it. A quantitative methodology with a descriptive and cross-sectional design was used. The sample comprised 807 students, and data collection was based on a problem-solving test. Findings show that students who use online communication with their friends very often and that those who use social networks a lot have lower levels of digital competence. Education centres should reflect on this in order to implement curricular programs that may strengthen this type of competence.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcos Cabezas-González & Sonia Casillas-Martín & Ana García-Valcárcel Muñoz-Repiso, 2021. "Basic Education Students’ Digital Competence in the Area of Communication: The Influence of Online Communication and the Use of Social Networks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4442-:d:537048
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    References listed on IDEAS

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