In an era where almost every child has access to the internet and technological devices, recent results are alarming. Digital literacy among eighth-grade students in Bosnia and Herzegovina is below average, according to the findings of a major international study assessing computing and information literacy. Branka Popic, deputy coordinator of the ICILS 2023 study, spoke to Novi Dan about the issue.

“The data for Bosnia and Herzegovina are below the international average,” Popic stated. “Around 35 countries participated in this study. We scored 440 points on the scale, while the international average is 476. We need to alert the public that this is not a competition; we are below the international average, and something needs to be done. Only one percent of students are at an advanced level.”

Popic emphasized that the study is not related to the informatics subject, but rather to literacy, unrelated to specific curricula. “Teachers need to be much more prepared to transfer their knowledge to students. How will they do this if they do not follow trends or educate themselves? Eastern countries are leading the way by investing in education, and we should all take note,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of schools being technically equipped: “Most of the time, students spend on social media, while they use digital skills the least for acquiring new knowledge. The internet can be a tool to assist in the learning process. They need to learn how to find valid information, which this study shows our students are not prepared for. Sixty-five percent of students are at a low level, meaning they can only complete tasks with teacher assistance.”

Addressing the role of parents in education, Popic noted, “The higher the parents’ education, the higher the students’ achievements. Parents should definitely be part of this collaboration process—collaboration is key to success. Schools, teachers, and the entire community need to be ready to monitor children on social media. Education authorities must support them. Teachers must keep up with trends. Lifelong learning is the key to the future of the next generation.”