Maria Skotte Wasmuth

PhD candidate at UiA

Maria Skotte Wasmuth is a PhD candidate at at University of Agder (UiA). Her research focuses on digital citizenships and the competences needed to access and engage in Norwegian welfare systems, and how to prevent digital exclusion due to lack of needed competencies. Maria has a background as an elementary teacher and ICT-coordinator. Prior to her PhD, Maria has been working as an assistant professor at UiA, teaching courses related to professional digital competencies in schools, for in-service teachers, school leaders and teacher students. She has also contributed to several book chapters for teachers’ professional digital competencies, one about teachers experiences with digital citizenship in schools.

Tell us about your project!

The digital transformation of society has contributed to big societal changes, including access to welfare systems. The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) and institute of information systems, UiA, are collaborating to understand and reduce the negative consequences of digitalization, such as digital exclusion due to inadequate digital competencies. Possessing sufficient digital competencies is now considered a key competence for digital citizens and is crucial for societal participation in an increasingly digitalized world. However, what specific competencies are required? And how can we effectively prepare and support young adults in becoming fully engaged members of a (digital) society? These are questions I am examining in my PhD project.

“ The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) and institute of information systems, UiA, are collaborating to understand and reduce the negative consequences of digitalization, such as digital exclusion due to inadequate digital competencies. ”

— Maria Skotte Wasmuth on her PhD project “Digital Citizenship in Practice: How Can Schools Work to Prevent Digital Exclusion in a Future Society?”