In the project Digital Competence across the Lifespan, we are developing an online tool to test and improve digital competence: the DigIQ tool. Making use of the validated DigIQ measure of digital competence, the DigIQ tool will provide citizens with a way to test their digital skills and knowledge. Moreover, it will give users personalized advice about how they can improve their digital skills, including tailored information about where to find relevant courses and information.

The DigIQ tool is currently being developed for a general population with funding from the Dutch Ministry of Internal Affairs. However, we do not know to what extent the general version of the tool will also be suitable for persons with lower levels of literacy (i.e., persons who have difficulty with reading and writing). GO Fonds has provided funding to test the suitability and effectiveness of the DigIQ tool for persons who have low literacy levels and to make necessary adaptations. Dian de Vries, Jessica Piotrowski, and Frank Huysmans (Communication Science, UvA) will work on this project together with Bibliotheek Utrecht and BiSC. The project runs from November 2022 to April 2024.

If you would like to learn more about this project or collaborate with us, please contact Dian, Jessica, or Frank. We look forward to sharing our results with you.