DIGITAL SKILLS AND MEDIA INTERNET LITERACY IN UNIVERSITY CONTEXT

Public processes are characterized by an ongoing "mediatization". This concept analyzes the interrelation between media and communication, on the one hand, and change in culture and society on the other. The change in media consists of convergence between mobile communication technologies and the internet, which establish new communication networks and routines and become an integral part of life. The new environment requires the development of digital skills that enable effective use of ICT and information. Objectives of the present paper: 1) To explore digital skills and Media Internet literacy (MIL), representing different aspects of the digital person who is responsible for how technology is used. 2) To present that these skills contribute to the development of identity, thinking and decision-making skills, and acquisition of moral standards and values. 3) To analyze that the development of digital skills concerns both the making of more precise and informed solutions. Methodology is related to the measurement of student's digital skills that show connections between the skills of individuals, the types of engagement with online services and activities. The research is based on the self-assessment method of measuring digital skills. This method is used to make a more holistic instrumental approach to measuring skills and the way students are connected with some types of online and offline activities that influence their learning. Indicators for digital competency research include skills related to finding information, communication, content creation, and safety. The study was conducted in 2015 in several majors of the Southwest University under the project "Cultural Universities in the Academic Environment", with team leader prof. V. Milenkova. The topic is also analyzed in the research project "A study of contemporary theoretical and methodological trends in philosophy and civic education", with team leader prof. B. Manov, carried out in SWU in 2018. The results show that students spend a lot of time on the Internet and social networks. Students have indicated that they use the Internet anywhere. They realistically assess their content-related skills, informational and formal skills. They know how to create and upload online content and make changes to existing content. They feel confident in creating different content and on-line products, including having confidence about their safety and security skills, and knowing security devices and personal data protection, but in some sense, it is in this direction that they have more to do.