The Effectiveness of Digital Competence Development at the Hungarian Federation of Danube Ports. Online Education-Supported Competence Development at the University of Dunaújváros

• In Event: Nonprofits Harnessing Digital Transformation and New Technology

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of digital competence development in a Hungarian NGO through the educational activities of a Hungarian advocacy group. The analysis focuses on the preparedness of the members of the NGO (N=127) and their skills in digital competence. By considering the specificities of civil society organizations, the paper investigates the effectiveness NGO members’ digital competence development, while presenting a unique development process in the Hungarian NGO sector. The study was carried out at the Hungarian Federation of Danube Ports, which provides independent representation of the interests of the Hungarian Danube ports. Its aim is to collect and provide its members with professional information, organize conferences, and provide coordinated training for the employees of its member organizations.
A key process in the economic sector is the development of the organization and the training of human resources. In the civil sector, these processes are less popular, although the operation of NGOs is based on volunteering and identification with organizational values. It is for this reason that an organizational development process that focuses on the relationship between members and internal motivation is of particular importance for NGOs (Thomas 2011; Narayanan 2012, Ramzan 2012). The global pandemic made it clear that NGOs cannot do without the opportunities offered by digitalization (Horton–Horton 2003), whether in terms of communication or development processes (Gris-Lebedeva 2021)
NGOs do not have the same tools in the field of non-formal education as other educational organizations and institutions. Therefore, it is necessary to know the conditions that allow the transfer of knowledge through blended learning methods. The choice of the appropriate methodology and educational technology for different digital literacies is of particular importance (Matschke, Moskaliuk, Cress 2012, Nolazco 2023) In the development process we implemented and studied, we identified key success criteria, and highlighted opportunities to improve less promising conditions. Taking all these into account, we had the opportunity to implement a successful educational project in a nationwide NGO.
The research presents the adaptability of employers and employees in the port sector to technological developments and related solutions in the labor market of the sector. The survey revealed that the level of IT skills, internet use habits, knowledge of digitalization concepts and various IT solutions among managers and employees is quite different. Differences in emotional intelligence also suggest that managers are more open to innovation and adapt more easily to change. Considering this difference, we designed separate digital competency training sessions for these two groups, and used different themes. The usefulness of the training topics and the effectiveness of the overall training were assessed on a Liekert scale. On average, the participants scored 4.91 for usefulness, and made suggestions for the continuation of the training.

Keywords: e-Learning, blended learning, NGO, digital competences development, best practice

References

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Horton, William – Horton Karherine (2003): E-Learning Tools and Technologies. Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Narayanan, Jaishankar (2012): Strategic Planning for NGOs: Strategic planning as a tool for NGOs to identify mission, vision and values and to arrive at goals and objectives. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing
Matschke, C., Moskaliuk, J., & Cress, U. (2012): Knowledge exchange using Web 2.0 technologies in NGOs. Journal of Knowledge Management, 16(1), 159-176.
Nolazco Eligio Martínez Leiva (2023): Methodology of the Teaching-Learning Process. Our Knowledge Publishing.
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Authors

• László Balázs, University of Dunaujvaros

• Monika Rajcsányi-Molnár, University of Dunaújváros

• István András, University of Dunaujvaros

• Sandor Czifra