Many teachers report that students do not master even basic computer actions — like Copy/Paste, sending files via email, or saving documents. The main reasons for this are inadequate equipment and unequal access to computers.
What about technical skills? An article published in 2023 in the French daily newspaper La Dépêche quotes teachers who are astonished at how many young people, despite growing up with screens, still do not really master basic functions on the computer (via La Dépêche).
According to Anne Cordier, a researcher in information and communication sciences, many children and teenagers are significantly less computer-savvy than often assumed.
Computer vs. Smartphone
Why is the necessary basic knowledge lacking? Although young people today grow up with smartphones, tablets, and consoles, many do not acquire productive computer skills, according to the report.
Instead of mastering Word, PowerPoint, or file management, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube dominate their digital everyday life. The problem is: Those who never learn to handle a mouse and keyboard or understand a file system get stuck in digital illiteracy. In French, there is even a specific term for it: “Illectronisme”.
According to figures from the French statistics office Insee, around 15% of the population in France was affected in 2021, and even among young people, according to the ANLCI Agency, about 11% show significant difficulties with basic skills, which also includes IT competence.
The situation in Germany is no different. Although the daily lives of many young people here are also increasingly shaped by smartphones and tablets, a comparative study shows that more and more of them struggle with using computers.
According to ICILS 2023 from Paderborn University, 41 percent of eighth graders have only very basic skills in handling digital devices (via Pedocs). The authors of the study assess this proportion as alarmingly high and point out that it has significantly increased compared to the survey from 2018.
Does social class influence digital competence? According to research reports, a central factor is the social background. According to the cited Anne Cordier, it is primarily students from disadvantaged families who do not have a personal computer at home — they often only have a smartphone available, which is hardly suitable for school tasks.
The ICILS study describes the situation in Germany as follows:
In Germany, ICILS 2023 reveals glaring educational inequalities in the acquisition of digital competencies. These are unfavorable to students with migration backgrounds, to students with a different family language than German, and also to students from disadvantaged social backgrounds.
These groups of students are not equipped through school education with the digital competencies required for their future and the stability of society, and they risk being left behind.
The researchers emphasize that the existing inequalities in access to education and the acquisition of digital competencies for disadvantaged social groups must be urgently recognized and specifically addressed. (via ICILS2023).
Anne Cordier sees possible solutions in a stronger involvement of media professionals in schools. They could convey digital fundamentals even in early grades. Additionally, teaching staff need to be better trained in informatics and media competence to prepare students for an increasingly digital society. (via La Dépêche).
That the basic computer skills are lacking is far from affecting only individuals – it shows how much educational success depends on social background. Those who do not have the opportunity to practice digital skills quickly fall behind. Germany is not alone in this. How well the population is educated worldwide – and how Germany compares internationally – can be found here: The ranking of countries with the best educated population
