Las competencias en la digitalización: experimento en el entorno de un curso internacional - [Competencies in digitalization: An experiment in an international course]

Abstract

- Digital transformation is affecting the allocation of human resources; indeed, the rate of digitalization is likely to be rapid and profound. Digital skills are required to succeed in this growing virtual context. The aim of this research is to explore competencies in the digital global context through an international experiment jointly conducted at Veracruzana University (Mexico) and the Public University of Navarre (Spain). In this paper, we report test scores of three groups of students located at both universities and attended a semi-presential course supported by the platform Moodle. The course was based on the Industry 4.0 and digital transformation. Students were required to work in international teams through virtual communication and collaborative tools. In so doing, the researchers defined a global context of work—itself reinforced by technologies that simulate the digital cross-cultural workplace. The main findings were that digital competencies—while necessary—did not appear to be sufficient for moving towards a digital workplace. Additionally, the research identified the most developed competencies (decision-making and cognitive development) and those that need to be strengthened (digital competencies). From a practical perspective, the international experiment engendered a collaborative learning scenario that could be implemented on a broad scale.