TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS
Our researchers develop tools for measuring digital inclusion that are not only used in our own projects but are also highly regarded in the broader academic community (available in both full and short versions). All tools are licensed under the "Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International" rights and may be used freely, provided there are no commercial applications. For more information, please contact us.
Questionnaires for Measuring Skills, Types of Use, and Outcomes
In collaboration with the DISTO project (see below), we have developed questionnaires to assess digital skills, types of internet use, and both positive and negative online outcomes. These questionnaires were created and tested in the Netherlands and England but are now used globally, with partners in Australia, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, and Kuwait. They are also utilized in the Global Kids Online project, the World Internet Project, and the ySkills project.
Our measurement tools are continuously refined and adapted to be suitable for diverse populations, including the general public, workplaces, different generations and age groups, and disadvantaged communities. In the Netherlands, we conduct an annual survey.
- Questionnaire on Skills (from DiSTO NEETs)
- Internet Outcomes Questionnaire
- Internet Uses Questionnaire
- Development and validation of the Internet Skills Scale (ISS)
- Digital Skills Questionnaire for Children
- Revised Digital Skills Items for Adults and Children (to Ask Adults)
- From Digital Skills to Tangible Outcomes: Full Questionnaire
In the ySkills project, the DSI (Digital Skills indicator) is developed:
- The youth Digital Skills Indicator: Report on the conceptualisation and development of the ySKILLS digital skills measure
- The youth Digital Skills Indicator: Dutch Questionaire
Task based instruments for measuring digital skills
In addition to questionnaires, we use task-based performance assessments to measure digital skills. One example is the tool developed for ySkills, a task-based test designed to evaluate functional and critical skills in information, communication, and content creation. This tool is used in schools to help children develop skills and increase their awareness of both the opportunities and risks within the online environments they engage with. The test is available here:
Partner projectS AND INSTITUTIONS
International:
In 2012, Prof. Dr. Alexander van Deursen (University of Twente), together with Prof. Dr. Ellen Helsper (London School of Economics and Political Science), founded the 'From digital skills to tangible outcomes' (DISTO) project. In this project, barriers to online participation are scientifically mapped and differences in the use and outcomes of the internet are explained. The DISTO project provides initiatives around the world with conceptual and methodological resources for studying digital inequality. The centre for digital inclusion is affiliated with the DISTO project and participates in the development and use of DISTO instruments.
- London School of Economics and Political Science - Media@LSE
- The Oxford Internet Institute
- Arizona State University - Center on Technology, Data and Society
- DigComp European Commission
- EU Kids Online
- Global Kids Online
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- World Internet Project
- UNESCO
- ySKILLS
- Telkom University
National:
- Universiteit Twente (Host Centre for Digital Inclusion)
- Netwerk Mediawijzer
- CA-ICT
- ECP | Platform voor de InformatieSamenleving
- Alliantie Digitaal Samenleven
- Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld en Geluid
- Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
- Ministry of Internal Affairs
- Seniorweb
- ING Nederland fonds
- Several municipalities