Students need to be equipped with "digital skills" before implementing the digital transformation process.

Digital literacy is still a relatively new and not widely known concept in Vietnam. However, it can be affirmed that, in the context of economic recovery after the pandemic, with the inevitable need for digital transformation in all aspects of social life, digital literacy has now become a top priority criterion for young human resources.

Recognizing this trend early on, since the 2020-2021 academic year, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has become an official partner of Meta Group (formerly Facebook) in the Digital Age Thinking program.

Professor Hoang Anh Tuan, Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

Developing the first digital competency framework in Vietnam.
- It is known that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was one of the first universities to implement measures to enhance digital skills for its students. Could you elaborate on the results of this implementation, as well as the advantages and challenges the university has encountered?
With the desire to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of digital skills among young people, we conducted a survey and developed the first digital skills framework in Vietnam specifically for students. This framework also serves as the basis for developing in-depth courses on digital skills and publishing important publications such as the Handbook on Digital Skills Development and the Digital Skills Monograph.

In addition, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has also placed great emphasis on supporting students in developing digital skills through extracurricular activities.

The USSH Digital Me Club, established under the University's Youth Union, has become a crucial resource contributing to the successful organization of forums and competitions for students nationwide, aiming to raise awareness and understanding of digital skills and spread messages about participating in a safe and positive digital environment.

- In your opinion, what benefits has the digital skills enhancement program implemented by the university brought to students, especially in the context of digital transformation profoundly impacting the labor market in Vietnam?
 

Seminar and digital skills training for students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

It is evident that in recent times, the characteristics of industries and professions in Vietnam have undergone significant changes. Young people, students, and university graduates now not only need to prepare themselves with the necessary skills for specific jobs already listed in the labor market, but also need flexibility and the ability to develop their own skill sets to adapt to the constantly changing nature of future jobs.

Thanks to the influence of digital literacy enhancement activities, students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities have quickly become aware of and understand this new concept, and proactively take advantage of learning and exchange opportunities as well as self-improvement to acquire better digital skills.

This could be greater proficiency and agility in using digital tools (such as personal computers, smartphones, social media, and application platforms/software), or the ability to question rationally and think critically to evaluate a vast amount of information. It could also be the capacity to maintain safe and positive interactions within digital communities, aiming for balance for individuals and society as a whole based on a multifaceted perspective and the capacity for empathy and respect for differences.

Most importantly, students will be better prepared to proactively develop and enhance their digital skills, which will benefit their studies and lifelong career development.

Integrating students into the university's digital transformation ecosystem.

- How has equipping and enhancing students' digital skills created a breakthrough and accelerated the school's digital transformation process, sir?

Digital transformation is a process of change associated with the application of digital technology to all aspects of human social life. By being equipped with and enhancing their digital skills early on, students of the university will bring experiences, habits, and behaviors related to digital technologies from their daily lives into their studies, research, and work.

They will integrate comfortably into the digital transformation ecosystems provided by the school, and later by agencies, businesses, and employers.

In other words, what we have done over the past period has contributed to preparing the most important element of any digital transformation process: the human element. From here, the application of digital technology in teaching and learning, in scientific research methods, or in administrative and management solutions will all be more effective.

- The process of enhancing students' digital skills is a personalized process, and in reality, it faces many difficulties. Could you share the experiences and lessons learned from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities?

It can be said that, as "digital natives," Vietnamese students have the full potential to develop comprehensively in the digital environment; however, the development path and trends of each young person are very different.

Therefore, what we need to do is equip them with basic knowledge and skills about the digital world, provide them with a multifaceted perspective, and help them build their own value system based on respect for differences, empathy, and the capacity for rational skepticism. And let's not forget that we ourselves also need to regularly practice these values ​​in our interactions with young people.

Enhancing digital literacy also means helping young people understand and take care of their physical and mental health while using these platforms. Besides avoiding prolonged screen time, many other factors need to be considered, such as environmental conditions, safety, and privacy.

Recognizing this, activities aimed at developing digital skills at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities are implemented systematically, based on thorough surveys and research, and strive to meet the needs of various target groups.
 

Digital competency framework for students

- To ensure universities implement digital capabilities in the most effective way, what suggestions or recommendations do you have?

The Prime Minister has approved the National Digital Transformation Plan until 2030, in which Vietnam is expected to be among the top 50 countries in e-government; potentially enhancing the competitiveness of the economy with the goal of the digital economy accounting for 30% of GDP.

To train a high-quality workforce with appropriate digital skills, the ability to adapt and master technology, actively participate in the digital transformation process, and remain flexible in the face of all changes in the labor market, leaders, managers, educators, and parents must first clearly understand the importance of digital skills for students.

Therefore, digital competence needs to be integrated into the curriculum at different educational levels, with various levels of approach, and there should be regular surveys and assessments of citizens' digital competence based on digital competence frameworks corresponding to specific target groups.

At the same time, we also have a responsibility to create an open educational environment that allows young people to debate, share, explore, and establish the principles they need for the digital space.

We have a responsibility to train and nurture a new generation of digital citizens who are competent in digital technology (creating, working, sharing, socializing, exploring, playing, communicating, and learning); who actively and responsibly participate (values, skills, attitudes, knowledge) in the community (local, national, global) at all levels (political, economic, social, cultural, and intercultural); who are engaged in a dual process of lifelong learning (in formal and/or informal environments); and who uphold and protect human dignity.

Thank you very much, sir!