COMPETENCE AREA 2 | COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION
It has been clear for some time – not just since the coronavirus pandemic – that confident and responsible use of digital communication is an essential skill, both professionally and privately. At the same time, it is one of the most visible and widespread aspects of the digital transformation. For many people, the appropriate tools have already become an integral and natural part of their everyday lives. However, it is often not easy to navigate the wealth of options available, weigh up the security and functionality of the tools, and decide which tool to use for which purpose.
In addition, privacy-friendly alternatives to WhatsApp, Zoom, and similar platforms are often little known. Reason enough to take the time to deal with these issues in more detail. In this section, we focus in particular on messengers. These seemingly small apps have developed – not only, but especially among young people – into extremely important platforms in recent years. The keywords “messengerization” and “dark social” describe the phenomenon that more and more communication is moving away from traditional social media such as Facebook or Instagram to the more or less unprotected spaces of messenger services.
This affects not only the much-loved and much-hated family groups, but also political communication and civic engagement. Due to the increased relevance of messengers, especially among young people, it is also important for youth workers to familiarize themselves with these tools. There is a lot to discover about this topic that goes beyond simply sending text messages.
But digital communication is of course not limited to this. The pandemic, at the latest, has led many people to engage more intensively with video conferencing and team messengers in their professional and private lives. For most, it was the first time they had worked from home and had to organize themselves as a team from a distance. Here, too, there are numerous options, tips, and tricks that help to communicate in a data-efficient, targeted, and effective manner.
This module provides a practical and informative overview of the various applications of messengers and helps assess them in terms of functionality, security, and data economy. It also offers insight into potential selection criteria for video conferencing tools and an introduction to netiquette – a topic that is particularly important in everyday digital collaboration.
2.1 Communicating and interacting using digital technologies
Interacting using various digital technologies. Understanding appropriate, context-specific ways of communicating digitally.
A brief introduction to messenger apps
The aim of this task is to familiarize participants with different messenger apps and how they work. They will learn to reflect on various quality features and make informed decisions for their personal and professional lives.
Digital communication: From zero to hero!
The aim of this task is for participants to learn and understand the basic criteria that are relevant for selecting applications, especially communication tools, such as data minimization, encryption, and functionality. Participants will also learn tips and tricks as well as netiquette in digital communication.
2.2 Sharing and making available using digital technologies
Sharing data, information, and digital content using appropriate digital technologies. Acting as a mediator. Being informed about referencing and attribution practices.
Cultures of sharing
The aim of this task is for participants to reflect on their own digital sharing practices, exchange tools with each other, and thereby discover new possibilities for digital sharing. In addition, they will develop knowledge on key topics related to the culture of sharing.
Digital sandbox
The aim of this task is for participants to explore tools for digital sharing and publishing, learning how to acquire new tools in a targeted manner and use them creatively.
2.3 Participating in and shaping society with the help of digital technologies
Participating in society through the use of public and private digital services. Seeking opportunities for self-empowerment and participatory citizenship through the use of appropriate digital technologies.
Market of Opportunities: Digital Engagement
The aim of this task is for participants to learn about the diverse forms and opportunities for social participation using digital media and tools and to discuss them with each other.
Let’s get started: Digital engagement
The aim of this task is for participants to try out practical ways of getting involved in society using digital technologies.
2.4 Collaboration using digital technologies
Using digital tools and technologies for collaborative processes, co-creation and co-design of data, resources and knowledge.
A brief introduction to digital collaboration
The aim of this task is to give participants an initial overview of a selection of tools that enable various forms of collaboration using digital technologies.
Project journey through the tool landscape
The aim of this task is for participants to gain an overview of various tools for collaboration using digital technologies and learn how to select them for targeted use in different contexts.
2.5 Netiquette: Communicating appropriately online
Knowing and recognizing rules and norms of behavior in digital environments. Adapting one’s own communication to a specific audience and taking cultural and generational diversity into account.
World Café: Netiquette
The aim of this task is to encourage participants to exchange knowledge about different contexts and characteristics of online communication and netiquette.
Youth Clubhouse
The aim of this task is for participants to learn how to communicate in a target group-specific manner from the perspective of an organization.
2.6 Creating your own digital identity
Creating and managing one or more digital identities. Being able to protect your own reputation and handle the data that is generated when using different digital services.
Me & my digital identity
The aim of this task is for participants to reflect on their own identity in the context of digitality and identify areas for change and information needs.
Shaping and protecting identity
The aim of this task is for participants to learn how to deal with a variety of digital identities by putting themselves in the shoes of people with different profiles and the challenges and problems they face when shaping their digital identity, and to develop solutions in an advisory capacity.