Psychological and Educational Factors of Digital Competence Optimization Interventions Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Lockdown: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The rapid development of the ever-changing information and communication society demands skills from its members that allow access to and adapt to the various situations that they may face. To achieve this, it is essential to acquire a set of key competencies throughout different stages of life, among which we find digital competence. This systematic review aims to analyse, through a series of focal points and indicators, the internationally published interventions in the last ten years aimed at improving digital literacy and the acquisition of this competence by students in early childhood education, primary education, and higher education, as well as professionals from various fields. The procedure followed for the selection of the interventions has been documented and graphically represented according to the PRISMA statement, with searches conducted across various databases and journals. In total, 26 studies were selected, covering the period before, during, and after the COVID-19 health lockdown, and the influence of the lockdown on the development of digital competence was examined. The obtained results show the evolution of the selected interventions in terms of general aspects, instructional and evaluative procedures, fidelity, and encountered limitations. The results demonstrate a growing concern for the development of digital competence, amplified by the needs arising during the COVID-19 lockdown and evidenced by an increase in interventions aimed at this goal. It also showcases the relationship between adequate acquisition and the nurturing of other psychoeducational variables like motivation or satisfaction.