Competency Category:
Competency Series:

9.1 – Use Digital Technology

Purpose & Context

Career Development Professionals (CDPs) use digital technology to access and share information, and to develop and deliver programs and services.

Effective Performance

Competent career development professionals must be able to:

  • P1. Use online research technology:
    • Select platform
    • Define keywords
    • Determine selection criteria for information sources
    • Search keywords
    • Evaluate source of information
  • P2. Use communication and collaboration applications, e.g. webinars to present to remote audiences, document-hostingsites to work with remote colleagues, social media to maintain a professional network
  • P3. Use learning technologies, e.g. Learning Management Systems to deliver online training
  • P4. Ensure accessibility of materials, e.g. captions on video and alternative text on images
  • P5. Apply cybersecurity procedures, for example:
    • Use password strength indicators, e.g. create secure password, change password often, do not share password
    • Use secure internet connections, e.g. do not use public networks
    • Update security software as required
    • Use secure web browsers and search engine
    • Follow protocol for allowing/removing cookies
    • Verify authenticity of emails or attachments
    • Report suspected breach of security immediately
  • P6. Resolve computer or applications issues, for example:
    • Check power supply and internet connection, e.g. surge protection, battery status
    • Check online for solutions
    • Seek assistance if issue persists

Knowledge & Understanding

Competent career development professionals must know and understand:

  • K1. Digital technology software, e.g. Skype, PowerPoint, Brightspace
  • K2. Web accessibility principles, e.g. text alternatives for non-text content
  • K3. Connectors and their proper usage, e.g. USB, HDMI
  • K4. Wireless connections and their proper configuration, e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • K5. Legislation, e.g. protection of intellectual property
  • K6. Types of information sources
  • K7. Indicators of poor computer performance

Contextual Variables

Competent career development professionals must be able to perform this competency in the following range of contexts:

CDPs may need to become familiar with operating systems used by their organization’s IT systems.

In some organizations, browsing and search activities may be monitored or limited, and access to technical support may be limited.

CDPs may use specialized software applications to perform work related activities, e.g. develop presentation, analyze data, use database, conduct research

Glossary & Key References

Terms

Industry-specific terms contained in the standard defined here, where applicable.

Collaborative applications: programs in which multiple users sharing management of information files.

Cybersecurity: programs and processes to protect systems, networks and programs from cyber-attacks.

Software applications: computer programs.

Information Sources and Resources for Consideration

Web Accessibility Initiative, 2019. Accessibility Principles. https://www.w3.org/WAI/fundamentals/accessibility-principles/.

Context Rating Scales

Criticality

Q: What is the consequence of a professional being unable to perform this skill according to the standard?

Minimal risk: SOMEWHAT CRITICAL

Frequency

Q: How frequent and under what conditions is this skill performed?

Routinely, regular course of procedure

Level of Difficulty

Q: Under routine circumstances, how would you rate the level of difficulty in performing this skill?

Moderate difficulty or complexity

Time Required to Gain Proficiency

Q: What is the average length of time or number of repeated events that are minimally necessary for an individual to become proficient in performing the skill to the standard?

A career development professional will require varying length of experience depending on frequency of technology use and use of specific applications.

Autonomy

Practitioners typically perform this competency without supervision, and alone.

Automation

It is very likely that this competency will automate.

Requisite Work Aids, Tools, Equipment or Materials

None