The aim of this study is to determine the level of competence that university students from Spain and Italy have in the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for communication and collaboration purposes. We also intend to identify possible differences and similarities between both countries, as well as factors associated with their competence that may lead to a digital gap. In order to fulfil these objectives, we performed a positivist exploratory study based on a quantitative methodology supported by a descriptive method with a survey design. The data collection is performed with a questionnaire, the data from which are analyzed through two statistical studies: a descriptive one and a causal one. The results show good competence from the students in this area, being somewhat higher in Italian students. We identified some of the factors associated with competence, such as Internet access or having a tablet. In conclusion, it is clear that politics on a global, national and local level are essential to the acquisition of digital competence, especially regarding the digital gap caused by access to resources. In this sense, governments must guarantee free and universal access to technology to all their citizens in order to diminish the digital gap between them.

This study explores models of digital learning in public educational institutions, focusing on good practices aimed at bringing about instrumental and methodological change, and encouraging the adoption of new values and greater social justice. It identifies challenges and opportunities to propose a dynamic model of public policy on digital education. Eighteen public educational institutions associated with good digital practices in Andalusia (Spain) participated in the study. Using a descriptive method with a survey design, three questionnaires were administered at the institutions. The results confirm the importance of collective practice in encouraging the introduction of digital technologies in educational institutions. The conclusions show that a participatory culture and innovative teaching initiatives can facilitate the digital integration, on which the proposed policy model is based. The study proposes a policy model based on how participatory culture and innovative teaching initiatives can facilitate digital integration in schools. This dynamic, reflexive policy model proposed can be adapted to emerging social changes and used by policymakers, management staff and teachers in primary and secondary education.

Creating societies of the future goes hand in hand with promoting sustainable education and, therefore, universities must train educators who, through their own professional development, put into practice methodologies that are active, participative, and focused on the overall development of their students. The use of methodologies like Design Thinking and the use of social networks generate learning dynamics that bring into play key competences in the development of dedicated future educators. In this study, 156 students from Education degrees at the University of Jaen analyze how the use of these methodologies supports the learning process in dimensions such as creativity, motivation, communication, and involvement in learning, among others. The results shows that all dimensions correlate positively, and that the benefits derived from the use of these methodologies are perceived by students as greater than the effort required to put them into practice.

The present study aims to tap into the emotions of teaching staff and students in Spanish schools in the Region of Andalucia when they interact with ICT. The schools chosen for the study had a long-standing experience with ICT programs and a well-defined code of ICT best practices. A quantitative methodological design was used. The sample consisted of 18 schools, in which teachers' and students' emotions were investigated through two questionnaires designed on a Likert scale. The results show that the most common emotions in the use of ICT in both groups are well-being and satisfaction and pride. A decrease in frustration levels is the least reported emotion. Likewise, some elements associated with the emotions of both teachers and students are identified. The conclusions highlight the need to give relevance to the emotions underlying the interaction with ICT in both teachers and students, if the goal is to improve educational processes mediated by ICT. Finally, the analysis reflects how emotions in the use of ICT in students are associated with factors similar to those that generate digital divide in terms of competition, such as gender, the number of electronic devices and Internet connection at home, among others.