Digital skills education: Teaching children to take ownership, not to be led.

We have to be honest: there is indeed a risk of device dependence, even for adults. But the question is reversed: Without teaching and guidance, will children learn to resist that dependence on their own, or will they be at even greater risk?

Students learn about digital devices at the Digital Transformation Day at Phu Tho Primary School, Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: MY DUNG

Professor Huynh Van Son, Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, raised this issue in an interview with Tuoi Tre newspaper regarding digital skills education for high school students. Professor Son is also the chief editor of the newly published Digital Skills Education textbook series (grades 1 to 5), which has been approved by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training for use in schools throughout the city.

We cannot stop the progress of technology, but we can integrate it into our children's lives in a responsible way.

Professor Huynh Van Son

Mastering the digital space

* Professor, the Politburo has just issued Resolution 71 on breakthroughs in education development, emphasizing the task of "comprehensive digital transformation, widespread adoption and strong application of digital technology and artificial intelligence in education and training." Could you share why the Digital Skills Education textbook series was released at this particular time?

Professor Huynh Van Son - Photo: TTD

- This series of books is not a momentary "reaction" but a proactive approach based on solid data. Resolution 71 provides us with a more secure political foundation, but educating students in digital skills is already a trend in practice.

In fact, we have been investing in research on digital skills and digital education for about five years now, especially in the context of the pandemic and digital transformation. This is also partly a result of the research project that I led.

We believe that since children start using technology from the first grade, even before they learn to read, having a systematic set of materials guiding them on effective, safe, humane, and ethical use of the digital space is essential. We want Vietnamese students to master the digital space, not be led astray. Let's give children direction, preparation, and training instead of making them overly passive.

* What motivated you and the team of authors to compile this book series?

- We raised many questions when approaching the issue from a practical perspective: Why do children use phones and tablets very early but still fall victim to scams? Why are many children good at online games but lack reflexes and information about copyright and privacy? Why are there no resources available for Vietnamese students when they need them?...

From those questions, we decided to create a set of books that not only teaches skills but also guides students to understand principles, values, and ethics in the digital space. Therefore, we believe that "digital skills education" is a name that ensures competence development, pedagogical and educational value, and application-oriented approaches…

The important role of teachers

* Which student groups is this book series suitable for, and can it be used as a textbook in teaching subjects like "digital transformation" or artificial intelligence (AI) applications? What basic knowledge and applications of digital skills does this book series provide to elementary school students?

- This book series is aimed at elementary school students from grades 1 to 5. It covers basic knowledge such as "which devices are connected to the Internet," how to use common digital devices, and more complex skills like "distinguishing between real and fake news," or "reporting online risks to adults," as well as self-learning on digital devices, ensuring health while using digital devices and technology...

The matrix of this textbook series is built upon numerous arguments and adheres to the development pathway of digital competencies for primary school students, as well as other relevant requirements. Generally speaking, these digital skills are designed to complement various subjects: information technology, ethics, experiential learning, science, etc., in a diversified and integrated manner. From another perspective, the topics can be taught in two sessions for primary school students.

* Many people worry that teaching students about AI applications, computers, and digital operations at an early age will dull their intellect, creating a generation that only knows how to copy. In your opinion, how should teachers help students acquire digital skills while simultaneously turning them into effective tools for personal development?

- This is a difficult question because the textbook series requires the assistance of implementers. The educational logic of the textbook authors needs to "intersect" with the pedagogical logic of trainers and teachers to ensure the above requirements are met.

However, in general terms, teachers need to: understand digital skills before teaching students; integrate digital skills into lessons, assign tasks, and assess student activities on digital platforms; guide students to ask questions, question information, and share responsibility in the digital environment; and accompany them through experiences, adjustments, and discussions on practical application.

We believe that teachers are the ones who inspire and establish a safe digital environment for students to explore, experience, and develop digital skills.

Digital skills education must go hand in hand with digital ethics education; this is the key. True digital education is not just about passively using tools to do things for others, but about intelligently and flexibly utilizing them to achieve objectives.

Furthermore, digital education, including the application of AI, is also technically "structured" into different levels: familiarization, exploration, exploitation, application, and mastery in a controlled manner…

A comprehensive digital education ecosystem

Photo: TTD

The Digital Skills Education book series was compiled by a team of authors: Huynh Van Son (chief editor), Nguyen Thi Xuan Yen, Vu Thi Thanh Hieu, Le Thi Huyen, Vo Hoang Quan, Do Tat Thien, Giang Thien Vu, and published by the University of Pedagogy Publishing House and Vietnam Educational Equipment Publishing Investment Joint Stock Company.

The books help students explore digital devices and practice how to utilize data, information, communicate, and collaborate in a digital environment. The series also aims to teach students how to ensure safety, develop problem-solving skills, and begin to use AI in a positive way.

According to the authors, the book series is built on a digital competency matrix that ensures the basic requirements of a well-structured development matrix with the following notable points: a comprehensive system of digital skills for primary school students with a focus on continuity beyond primary school; a synchronized integration of knowledge, skills, ethics, and habits in the digital environment; age-appropriate design with many engaging images, situations, and games; and guidance for parents and teachers, creating a strong link between school and family.

Digital skills are developed following a path with educational logic as the central focus that the authors consistently adhere to. It can be said that the book series is not just a learning tool but an integral part of a comprehensive digital education ecosystem, placing students at the center while maintaining shared responsibility from schools, families, and society in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Back to the topic

MY DUNG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/giao-duc-ky-nang-so-day-de-tre-lam-chu-khong-bi-dan-dat-20251011084814717.htm