Presenting the evaluation and measurement framework of digital literacy and skills based on the selected measures from international ICT indices

Given the fundamental role of literacy and digital skills in the fields of communication and media literacy, monitoring and strengthening digital skills have become one of the main concerns of policymakers. On the other hand, the increasing digital divide in the fields of literacy and digital skills and its effects on the socio-economic well-being of citizens necessitate evidence-based policymaking more than ever before; therefore, the development of frameworks for continuous monitoring and evaluation of the level of literacy and digital skills has become of utmost importance. In this article, an attempt has been made to introduce a coherent and integrated categorization of these indicators by focusing on the literacy and digital skills indicators presented in international indices. In the framework presented, 73 indicators extracted from international indices are classified into 9 skill groups including: practical skills, skills infrastructure, innovation skills, practical training, governance skills, needs assessment skills, learning in education, quality of higher education, and quantity of higher education, and ultimately clustered under three major areas of education, governance, and application. The framework presented can assist policymakers and planners in various cultural and social fields, especially in communication and information technology, in understanding and distinguishing the key elements of programs and monitoring by integrating indicators related to literacy and digital skills, and by evaluating the performance of relevant institutions and organizations, assess their success in strategies and actions taken.