During the last decade, technology has evolved at an exponential rate.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, experts predicted that 90% of the entire population would be connected to the internet within ten years [1]. In the next four years, 133 million jobs will be created in technology innovation, while 75 million jobs in other areas will be replaced by technology [2,4]. In addition, this accentuates the inequality between women and men as it is known that women represent only 30% of the workforce in science, technology, and engineering compared to men [4,5].
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of technology to work, play, learn, and stay connected. This means that we are in a time when we can no longer afford to be disengaged from the digital world.
Research has shown that, on average, people's screen time has increased by 20-30% during the crisis [6]. This situation has shaped new digital habits that may entail challenges and negative effects such as cyber risks [3]. However, it also creates an opportunity to rethink and transform our education to match digital expectations.
According to the DQ Global Standards Report 2019 [2, 3], in the 21st century, we require a new form of intelligence called DQ or “Digital Intelligence Quotient.” This is a comprehensive set of digital competencies rooted in universal moral values for individuals to use, control, and create technology to advance humanity [2].
The facts described above were the spark that brought Dexterity Club to life.
Our mission is to offer innovative resources to children, parents, and educators that encourage active and responsible participation in the digital transformation, emphasizing those affected by the digital divide.
Through this brand new blog, each week, we want to share updated information that can help inform and inspire a responsible use of technology and the use of technology for good!
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Keywords: Digital Intelligence Quotient, digital transformation, technology, digital world, STEM, digital divide.
References
[1] WEF. (2016). 8 digital skills we must teach our children. 22 Jun 2021, from World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/06/8-digital-skills-we-must-teach-our-children/?fbclid=IwAR3sot7n6Tx49MJfGgL7s4nwrMkvQe9_zg9Nnr9punm8_qYXwipKWyDtebI [2] DQ Institute. (2019). DQ Global Standards Report 2019. 22 Jun 2021, from DQ Institute: https://www.dqinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DQGlobalStandardsReport2019.pdf
[3] WEF. (2018). Forget IQ. Digital intelligence will be what matters in the future, 22 Jun 2021, from World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/02/digital-intelligence-internet-safety-future/
[4] WEF. (2020). Future of Jobs, 22 Jun 2021, from World Economic Forum: http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2020.pdf
[5] WEF. (2020). 3 things to know about women in STEM, 22 Jun 2021, from World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/02/stem-gender-inequality-researchers-bias/
[6] Meyer J, McDowell C, Lansing J, Brower C, Smith L, Tully M, Herring M. Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Response to COVID-19 and Their Associations with Mental Health in 3052 US Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(18):6469.