The document discusses the ELINET project, funded by the European Commission, which aims to enhance literacy across Europe, citing that one in five 15-year-olds and nearly 55 million adults lack basic literacy skills. It emphasizes the necessity of moving from digital competence to a broader understanding of digital literacy, which encompasses operational, cultural, and critical dimensions. Furthermore, it outlines challenges and opportunities in advancing digital literacy, encouraging contributions through the European Literacy Communication Platform.

1. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This publication reflects the views of its authors only, and the Commission cannot be
held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein.
Fabio Nascimbeni
ELINET Network
Beyond Digital
Competence: a
proposal by the
ELINET Network

2. 2
The ELINET starting points:
Literacy is a Basic Human Right.
One in five 15-year-old Europeans, as well as nearly 55 million adults,
lack basic reading and writing skills.
(ELINET data)
Almost everyone who struggles with reading and writing could
develop adequate literacy skills, given the right support.
(EU High Level Group of Experts on Literacy 2012, Final Report,)
We need to ACT NOW!
(EU High Level Group of Experts on Literacy 2012, Final Report)

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The European Literacy Policy Network ELINET
Established in February 2014
Funded for 2 years with a 3 million Euro grant from the EC (DG EAC)
78 partner organizations from 28 European countries
Aiming at building a strong network that brings together European policy
actors committed to reducing the number of children, young people and
adults with poor literacy skills in Europe.
Cross-age, cross-sector, cross-thematic approach

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Some ELINET results:
• European Literacy Communication Platform www.eli-net.eu
• European Framework of Good Practice in Literacy
• Examples of Good Practice covering all areas and age groups
• 30 Country Reports on literacy policy and performance
• Declaration of Literacy as a Human Right
• Literacy Glossary
• Literacy Week across Europe (8-17 September 2015)
• Toolkits for Fundraising and Awareness Raising
…

5. 5
ELINET Position Paper on Digital Literacy
1. A clear definition of Digital Literacy
2. A claim to go beyond Digital Competence
3. the critical dimension recognises that meaning-making resources are
selective and operate as a means of social control. Becoming critically
literate with digital media therefore includes not simply participating
competently in digital literacy practices but also developing the ability to
transform them actively and creatively.

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Defining DL: three interrelated dimensions
1. the operational dimension includes the skills and competences that
enable individuals to read and write in diverse digital media (including
making meaning with and from diverse modes such as spoken and
written language, static and moving images, sounds, screen design etc)
2. the cultural dimension refers to developing a repertoire of digital
literacy practices in specific social and cultural contexts (such as
constructing and/or maintaining effective social, educational and/or
professional relationships online)
3. the critical dimension recognises that meaning-making resources are
selective and operate as a means of social control. Becoming critically
literate with digital media therefore includes not simply participating
competently in digital literacy practices but also developing the ability to
transform them actively and creatively

7. 7
From Digital Competence to Digital Literacy
ELINET believes that the focus should move from Digital Competence
to Digital Literacy, and that a clear distinction between the two
concepts should be made, in policy as well as in practice.
From this:
“Digital literacy refers to the skills required to achieve digital competence,
the confident and critical use of information and communication technology
(ICT) for work, leisure, learning and communication” (Eurostat)
To this:
“Digital literacy looks beyond functional IT skills to describe a richer set of
digital behaviours, practices and identities”. (JISC)

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Defining policy challenges and opportunities
Challenges
• Restricted access to technology.
• Lack of teacher competence
• Risks for physical and mental health that may derive from the use of the
internet.
Opportunities
• The use of digital (and mobile) devices is a motivating factor.
• Partnerships with technology companies.
• Digital Literacy capacity building would be a cost effective way to support
the integration of migrants.

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We are working through an open process,
you can contribute:
Through the European Literacy Communication
Platform
By joining the Final ELINET Conference in Amsterdam
on 21/22 January 2016
www.eli-net.eu