21st-Century Digital Skills Required in Workplaces: A Case from Saudi Arabia

Authors

Jawaher Alghamdi, Educational Technology Department, College of Education, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Samah Z. Ahmad, English Department, College of Sciences and Humanities Studies, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Samia M. Shahpo, Early Childhood Department, College of Sciences and Humanities Studies, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Fatma M. Essa, Early Childhood Department, College of Sciences and Humanities Studies, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Seham M. Alzahrani, Ministry of Education in Mecca, Mecca, Saudi ArabiaFollow
Gehan A. Alshafey, Curriculum and Methodology Department, College of Education, Helwan University, Helwan, EgyptFollow

Abstract

This descriptive study explores type of digital technologies are used in Saudi workplaces, types and level of digital skills and the impacts of such skills gaps on work performance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A total of 300 workplaces in the Eastern Province of KSA participated in this study. The results revealed that Saudi workplaces are now using various digital technologies. It also identified a set of 25 digital skills that are highly important for workers. Further, the results indicate that the digital skills gap has a major impact in Saudi workplaces. Consequently, the study suggests a conceptual framework that includes definitions and classifications of digital skills. It recommends using this framework as a guide to improve educational programs and to include digital skills as core competencies in all levels of education. It also recommends improving teaching practices and supporting teachers and trainers to use technologies in daily teaching and learning practices.

Recommended Citation

Alghamdi, Jawaher; Z. Ahmad, Samah; M. Shahpo, Samia; M. Essa, Fatma; M. Alzahrani, Seham; and A. Alshafey, Gehan (2023) "21st-Century Digital Skills Required in Workplaces: A Case from Saudi Arabia," Information Sciences Letters: Vol. 12 : Iss. 11 , PP -.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/isl/vol12/iss11/10