Forty percent of ninth-grade students in Norway show lowest levels of digital competence

A recent study indicates that 40% of ninth-grade students in Norway demonstrate the lowest levels of digital competence, raising concerns about their ability to navigate an increasingly digital world. A student from Ugla School noted the importance of digital skills, especially since tasks often require the use of computers.

The International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS) is conducted every five years to assess the digital capabilities of students. The Education Directorate emphasized the importance of this evaluation in comparing Norway’s educational progress with that of other countries to enhance its schooling offerings.

The ICILS focuses on students’ skills related to data use, information retrieval, information production, and digital communication. Results from 2023 reveal a troubling trend: the percentage of students scoring at the highest levels has significantly declined compared to previous assessments. Knowledge Minister Kari Nessa Nordtun expressed disappointment, highlighting that Norway invests heavily in digital learning tools, yet the outcomes do not reflect this investment.

Overall, while Norwegian students perform above the international average in digital skills, their scores have notably decreased since 2013. Currently, about 60% achieve levels 2 to 4, but the increase in students falling into the lowest competency category is alarming. The study also highlighted a gender gap, with girls outperforming boys in digital skills.

Minister of Digitalization Karianne Tung pointed to an overemphasis on the quantity of digital tools rather than their quality, indicating a need for thorough evaluations of digital instruction methods. Concerns have also been raised about students’ declining reading abilities, which could be linked to decreased academic performance in general. The government is currently evaluating measures to enhance practical and active learning approaches in schools, while promoting a balanced use of digital tools.