In an increasingly globalized and digitalized world, information and communication technologies (ICTs) play a key role as societal development enablers. The 2020 ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been underlining – as nothing else before – the vital importance of meaningful connectivity and showing the great potential of technologies in allowing people to continue with their work, education, and social participation despite of movement restrictions in place.

Yet a huge part of our population is still not using the internet. One of the main barriers to greater uptake is the lack of skills required to use digital devices, services, and content efficiently, in particular among the most underserved groups.

Our reliance on digital tools during the current crisis emphasizes the need of rapidly improving access to digital skills training that allow a wider and more inclusive access.

In July 2020, Microsoft launched a global skills initiative to bring digital skills to a total of 25 million people worldwide. GAN Australia, in collaboration with the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN Global) and with the financial support of Microsoft Philanthropies, will help the big multinational in meeting this target, and will specifically focus on promoting the MS free training offer across Australia for a target population of at least 960 individuals in socio-economic vulnerable contexts.

The challenging technological landscape requires an ever-evolving skills portfolio. Digital literacy and informational technology skills are quickly becoming essential for people to carry out ordinary day-today activities such as using the internet at office and in schools to research, prepare and deliver work, and acquiring basic skills for staying safe online.

Digital literacy therefore means having the skills you need to live, learn, and work in a society where communication and access to information is increasingly through digital technologies like internet platforms, social media, and mobile devices. Communication is also a key aspect of digital literacy.

Digital literacy means being able to understand and use technology. It relates to the ability to find, use, and create information online in a beneficial and useful way. Digital literacy also means knowing the limitations of technology and understanding the dangers and precautions that the use of technology requires.

Thank you for participating in this survey regarding your digital literacy skills. Your responses will be treated in strict confidence and individuals will not be identified in any report.