This is the post for my homework with the subject “Digitalized Working Environment.”
Finally, write three ‘pages’ about your thoughts and experiences into your blog. Remember to write a brief self-reflection, too. What did you learn from these assignments?
Finnish e-systems
Dealing with these projects has been incredibly illuminating. I have learned about the subtleties and complexity of digital services and social systems in Finland and Estonia. Comparing the two nations has shown the need for ongoing development in digitalization and social services, as well as the strengths and shortcomings of their particular systems. Considering my own experiences and contrasting them with those of my colleagues has also helped me value the efforts taken to guarantee accessibility and effectiveness in these systems more.
As a European national who relocated permanently to Finland, I fit very nicely into the Finnish social structure. One of the first steps was getting a Kela card, which allowed me access to a broad spectrum of services supplied by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA). KELA provides various basic services, including student aid, family benefits, and healthcare, for my family and me.
Using OmaKanta has made accessing my healthcare records simple. Viewing my medical data, medicines, and other health-related information, I log in using my S-Pankki online credentials. Managing personal health depends on this degree of accessibility, guaranteeing that every medical contact is readily available and well-recorded.
Keva provides an analysis of possible pension advantages for retiring. For me, though, as someone who has not made much money in Finland, these numbers are now useless. After my departure, my Estonian pension funds were taken away, leaving Finland without significant pension savings.
E-services in Estonia
Coming from Estonia, I have personally seen the amazing developments in digital services. With systems sometimes considered among the best in the world, Estonia is known for its great degree of digitalization. Still, there is a need for development in several sectors. A few of the older systems need optimization and updates since they are out of date. Notwithstanding these problems, Estonia’s digital services stay strong and effective.
Regarding social and healthcare services, the Estonian system presents a complete digital platform known as “Digilugu,” which has been operating for roughly 15 to 20 years. This platform makes digital prescriptions, online access to medical records, and even a practically real-time view of ambulance reports possible. Aiming to lower waiting times and increase accessibility, the latest addition of a state-wide booking system for healthcare appointments is groundbreaking.
Finland’s e-services vs Estonian e-services
Some fascinating differences exist when one compares digital services in Finland and Estonia. Although Estonia has been a leader in digitalization, Finland has steadily caught up, providing comparable degrees of accessibility and efficiency. Both nations have strengths; Estonia leads in digital innovation, and Finland shines in dependability and thoroughness.
Personal data accessibility and openness are clear distinctions. Estonia’s extremely transparent approach lets authorized people access a vast spectrum of personal data with just a few clicks. This presents privacy and data security issues, even if it can be advantageous. Accessing such data is more complicated in Finland, which adds extra protection and privacy.
Digitalization: The Digital Gap
Although digitalization presents many advantages, it presents significant difficulties for individuals who need access to virtual services. The digital divide can result in limited access to educational resources, poorer health results, social isolation, and less civic participation, among other economic drawbacks. Dealing with this disparity requires a multimodal strategy, including bettering internet access, offering digital literacy initiatives, financing low-income homes’ equipment, and building inclusive digital services.
Price Comparison and Online Shopping
Investigating local substitutes, eBay and Amazon revealed consumer experience and pricing variations. Although multinational behemoths like Amazon have many products, the logistics and delivery costs—especially about post-coronavirus and geopolitical concerns—can offset the advantages of lower prices. Many customers choose local stores, even if occasionally more costly because they provide better control over warranties and returns.
Individual Interests and Internet Resources
One of my pastimes is knifemaking, where I source supplies from several internet sites. Using my Estonian firm to make purchases will help me save more on supplies than on local marketplaces. The Internet has allowed me to practice my profession more reasonably and effectively by accessing exclusive and premium materials from around the world.
Digital Divide and Digital Competency
Completing the Digital Competence Test was more of a self-evaluation tool than a conclusive assessment of my aptitudes. It pointed up my areas of strength and places where I might still grow. In the modern world, knowledge of digital capabilities and the digital gap is vital since individuals without access to digital services suffer many consequences. Prioritizing efforts to close this disparity will help to guarantee digital age inclusiveness and equity.
Interacting with others
Reading and analyzing other students’ blogs gave me important new perspectives on their viewpoints on digital services. It was intriguing to see how certain people negotiate the digital terrain and the particular difficulties they encounter. Reading their material and expressing my ideas has been a fulfilling process that helps to build a community and common knowledge.
Conclusion
All taken together, these projects have been a voyage of exploration and introspection that has improved my knowledge of digital services and social structures in Finland and Estonia. They have underlined the need for ongoing development and adaptability in changing digital environments.