Digital competence in the curriculum
Utilising digital solutions plays a key role in future working life skills and professional development (Jamk’s strategic policies for curriculum work). The curriculum supports the development of the competences students need in working life, with digital competence as a key area and AI competence forming an integral part of it. The student’s digital competence develops across different courses throughout their studies.
Competence is a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, manifested in agency, the ability to apply knowledge and skills, ethical judgement, reflectiveness and the ability to act and make an impact in collaboration with others (OECD, 2019). Digital competence refers to the ability to use digital technologies effectively, appropriately and responsibly (Cosgrove & Cachia, 2025). In line with the DigComp framework, it covers information management, communication, content creation, safety and problem solving. It is essential for digital competence to encompass perspectives on critical thinking, ethical judgement, interaction and well-being.
AI competence is part of digital competence and refers to the capabilities needed to
- understand the basic principles of AI
- recognise the use of AI in different environments
- assess AI-generated content
- use AI appropriately and ethically (Ministry of Education and Culture, 2026).
The curriculum must ensure that students graduating from Jamk have the digital competence and capabilities needed to use AI in their field. In line with Arene’s (2026) recommendations, the development of AI competence must be reflected in the curriculum. The curriculum must support the development of the student’s basic AI competence, critical thinking and ability to use AI responsibly and in ways that promote sustainable development. See also the ‘Responsible expertise and sustainable development’ page in this manual (link).
References
- Arene, the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences. (2026). Arenen suositukset tekoälyn hyödyntämisestä ammattikorkeakouluille. (PDF, in Finnish)
- Cosgrove, J., & Cachia, R. (2025). DigComp 3.0: European Digital Competence Framework (5th ed.). Publications Office of the European Union.
- Ministry of Education and Culture. (2026). Osaaminen tekoälyn aikakaudella: Kansalaisten tekoälyosaamisen viitekehys. Publications of the Ministry of Education and Culture, 2026:29. (in Finnish)
- OECD. (2019). OECD Learning Compass 2030: A series of concept notes. (PDF)
Helpful materials
Anne Mecklin 18.10.2023, 27.8.2026 Tarja Moilanen, Rika Nakamura ja Paula Tyrväinen