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The Panhellenic School Network in Greece

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
The Panhellenic School Network in Greece

27.08.2024

The Panhellenic School Network is the national online infrastructure for the provision of internet and communication services to the educational community of Greece. The DCF is the official national network and internet service provider for all educational and administrative units under the authority of the Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sport, including foreign units.

It has been developed to provide high-quality technology services to all schools, teachers and students, connecting the educational community electronically and securely and meeting the needs of the modern educational process through access to digital tools and services that facilitate teaching and learning. It provides a variety of services, such as internet access, web hosting, e-learning platforms, collaboration tools and digital support, thus enhancing the educational process and facilitating communication between teachers, students and parents. At the same time, the information provided through its services is reliable and verifiable, while there is constant updating and upgrading of services based on the needs of users.

Today, the Panhellenic School Network interconnects a total of 16,221 units, of which 14,504 are schools (public and private) of Primary, Secondary and Post-Secondary Education, 151 administrative units of Primary and Secondary Education and 1,013 other structures, such as the General State Archives, Environmental Education Centres and other support structures.

Summary of the services provided by the Panhellenic School Network
  1. Internet and Networking Services
    • Connection to the DCF: It provides broadband internet access for school units and administrative services.
    • Secure Internet access: Ensuring safe navigation and information for the safe use of the internet.
    • Hosting of websites: Hosting and managing websites and domain names for schools, with Web Analytics services.
  2. Management, certification and user support
    • Create and manage accounts for schools, teachers and students, with access retrieval support.
    • Provision of assistance and information through the central DCF portal and the Help-Desk service
  3. Communication and Cooperation
    • Providing platforms for communities, blogs, school magazines and file sharing.
    • Providing email accounts, collaboration tools and managing email lists.
    • eLearning Services: Support videoconferencing, e-teaching, and hands-on teacher training.
    • Multimedia services: Creation and management of multimedia material, live broadcasts and presentations.
  4. Support services: User identity management, provision of digital certificates and technical support through remote access.
The Panhellenic School Network in numbers

The DCF currently serves over 1,318,107 people with personalized access, including:

  • 137,640 practicing teachers
  • More than 1,000,000 students of Primary and Secondary Education
  • 4,193 administrative staff
  • 50 779 inactive teachers, such as retired and former teachers

The infrastructure of the DCF shall serve in particular:

  • 9,298 public primary schools
  • 1,012 private primary schools
  • 3,673 public secondary schools
  • 248 private secondary schools
  • 273 units of Post-Secondary Education
  • 58 administrative units of Primary Education
  • 60 administrative units of Secondary Education
  • 14 Regional Education Directorates
  • 288 support structures
  • 725 other structures, such as GBER, RCO, OEM, etc.

The total accounts in the DCF amount to 1 346 450 . Of these, 28,343 accounts are used for the needs of the units, while 1,318,107 are personal accounts for teachers, pupils, administrative staff and non-active teachers. (Statistics update: 12/08/2024 ).

Internet security priority

The Panhellenic School Network (PSD) undertakes a series of actions and initiatives to promote a creative and safe internet for the educational community in Greece. These actions aim to enhance digital literacy, safety and responsible use of the internet by students, teachers and parents. Actions and initiatives include educational initiatives on digital security, awareness-raising campaigns, the creation and distribution of educational material, support for the creative use of digital technologies, etc. Indicative actions include:

  • 1999: The online content moderation service has been launched, which is constantly being upgraded to ensure safe browsing for students.
  • 2009: Creation of the “Internet Safety” information hub to provide educational material and information to teachers, pupils and parents.
  • 2011: The provision of webinars through the “Digital Security” section of eTwinning begins, with the aim of supporting schools to use the internet safely.
  • 2014: Participation in the Web WeWant initiative, by adapting the Greek version of the book for high school students, encouraging the development of critical thinking and exploring online rights.
  • 2017: Organise eTwinning online courses, such as the “Creative and Safe Internet”, and participate in the conference “Learning to Think in a Digital Society” with the participation of teachers from the EU.
Integrated actions
  1. eSafety Label+: Become the next eSafety Champion (2017-2019): As a coordinating partner under Erasmus+ (KA2), the DCF has helped promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices on digital security in schools. A total of 341 Greek schools received the digital security label.
  2. EduWeb (2016-2018): The aim of the project was to strengthen cooperation in the fight against digital exclusion of adults, with students acting as educators of their digitally illiterate family members.
  3. Connecting with Prudence (2015-2016): In collaboration with Safer Internet, this action trained 38,319 students and 318 teachers in the correct and creative use of the Internet.
  4. School Violence and Bullying Prevention and Response Network (2014-2015): Around 16,000 teachers were trained to deal with school violence, including cyberbullying.
  5. Call a Safer Internet Expert (2015): Action that enabled schools to call experts to inform and educate the school community about safe use of the internet.
  6. SUPPORT (2012-2015): Training of more than 2,500 IT teachers for the safe and creative use of the internet through the SUPPORT project in the framework of the NSRF 2007-2013.
Why is it good practice?

The DCF is a particularly successful and well-established good practice in the field of digital education in Greece, and this can be documented in several ways:

  1. Broad Dissemination and Coverage: With a service of 16,221 credits and personalized access for over 1.3 million users, the GDS has managed to cover almost the entire educational community in Greece.
  2. Support for distance learning: The DCF provides critical e-learning services that have become an integral part of daily education. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, these services proved their value, ensuring the continuity of the educational process.
  3. Reduction of Inequalities: The impact of the GDS is extensive, as it offers digital infrastructure to the whole educational community. It has facilitated access to educational material, cooperation between teachers and the participation of students in digital programmes. It has also contributed to reducing inequalities in access to educational resources.
  4. Security and Data Protection: By managing more than 10,000,000 malware attacks and implementing strict security protocols, the DCF ensures data security and the protection of its users.
  5. Sustainability and Growth: The DCF is financed by national and European funds, which ensures its sustainability and development. The continuous upgrade of its services and its flexibility to adapt to new technological requirements prove its long-term success.
  6. Promoting Digital Governance: Through its eGovernment services, the DCF promotes transparency and efficient administration, facilitating interaction between educational institutions and the Ministry.

The Panhellenic School Network is a model of digital infrastructure for education, offering reliable and secure services to hundreds of thousands of users across the country. With its constant presence and continuous development, the DCF is a living example of good practice that can be a guide for other countries or educational organisations wishing to develop similar initiatives. The success of the DCF is due to the integration of modern technological solutions, data security and the continuous support of its users.

Details

Website

Panhellenic School Network

 

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Funding of the good practice

Public

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

Organisation providing the good practice

Panhellenic School Network

Start date

3 September 2012

End date

4 September 2034

15.10.2024

Initiative: Pioneers for Artificial Intelligence

By Country of the initiative, Country providing the good practice, EU Initiatives, EU institutional good practice initiative, EU Institutional initiative, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, INSPIRATION: Initiatives, Other, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Initiative: Pioneers for Artificial Intelligence

27.08.2024

The “Innovators for Artificial Intelligence (AI)” initiative is implemented by the non-profit organisation Science For You – SciFY and the ahedd Digital Innovation Hub of the National Centre for Natural Sciences (NCSR) “Demokritos”, with the support of the US Embassy in Athens and the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, and aims to train 1,000 Pioneers in Artificial Intelligence in Greece.

Purpose of the Initiative

The main goal of this initiative is to create an active community of 1,000 Pioneers in Greece who will know and can co-shape human-centric Artificial Intelligence (AI), leverage Artificial Intelligence to innovate and shape a better future for all.

The trained community of 1,000 will be composed of members of all professional categories such as:

  • entrepreneurs, high-level private business executives, IT executives
  • policy makers, politicians, Think Tanks, high-level ministries
  • NGO executives, social business executives
  • IT executives, IT students, tech workers, science researchers
  • Social/Political Scientists
  • involved in education (Gymnasium/Lyceum, Business, IT, Political Science, Social Sciences)

This community will be trained through an innovative program and will be networked and stimulated to be able to mobilize forces and collaborations in key sectors of the economy and society utilizing the latest technological developments.

The project includes

  • the training of 1,000 pioneers,
  • the website “AI in Greece“, which will be the central point of reference. It will inform about the developments, about the achievements of the 1,000 Pioneers for AI in Greece, will include articles on AI, educational content, etc.
  • the creation of a supportive community of researchers, experts, consultants, etc. (from Greece and abroad) who will have knowledge, motivation and the ability to contribute with their knowledge and support services. This enhances the sustainability of the project,
  • a networking and exchange platform of 1,000.

Training of the 1,000 frontrunners of the initiative

The training will combine theory and encouragement in practical application. It will be specifically designed for each different target group, and will include:

  • theoretical education (training, attending seminars, buying/offering a book),
  • action: organisation of at least one action on their own initiative, or participation in at least one initiative of another party (e.g. participation in a consultation).

The training will be completed in 3 years, with the aim of training 200 people in the first year, 300 in the second, and 500 in the third.

What is the expected impact?

The ultimate goal is to co-shape and leverage AI to increase impact primarily in the following areas:

  • the daily lives of citizens: understanding how AI works, avoiding undue fear of fake news, participating in consultations on AI,
  • the economy: taking entrepreneurial initiatives, creating new services, increasing innovation, creating competitive advantages,
  • AI policy making: raising awareness of AI issues, helping to create an appropriate regulatory framework, protecting citizens’ rights, fostering AI-enabled entrepreneurship,
  • impact of civil society action: leveraging AI tools to strengthen democracy, pluralism and more effective protection of citizens’ rights;
  • preparing young scientists to make use of AI, regardless of their field of knowledge;
  • strengthening the tools and role of Digital Humanities;
  • better formulation and more effective implementation of the ongoing National Strategy on AI

Why is it a good practice?

AI is already changing our present and future with applications in all areas of our lives. AI skills and knowledge significantly influence the demand for relevant professionals, while companies that make effective use of AI can innovate and grow through appropriate training. At the same time, proper understanding and knowledge of AI can mitigate both the risks and the unpredictable conditions created by this new technology.

New practices for the development of ethical AI systems also require the development of digital skills for human resources and there is a strong need to shape AI in a human-centric and ethical way. SciFY has trained more than 1,500 people to date in AI, participates in the DIGITAL SME Focus Group on AI, the European Commission initiative (AI Watch) and the European DIGITAL SME Alliance consisting of almost 40 AI experts representing companies from all over Europe.

Details

Website

https://ai-in-greece.scify.org/1000-pioneers-for-ai-in-greece-page/

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)

Level

Basic

Middle

Funding of the good practice

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

EU institutional initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

Organisation providing the good practice

Pioneers for Artificial Intelligence

27.08.2024

SchuBu Systems: An Online Learning Platform for Secondary School Students

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
SchuBu Systems: An Online Learning Platform for Secondary School Students

07.08.2024

SchuBu is a teaching and learning platform designed to help secondary school students acquire digital skills.

SchuBu Systems: Online Textbook for Digital Education

The SchuBu project, developed by SchuBu Systems GmbH, offers curriculum-aligned digital textbooks for free and serves as a comprehensive teaching and learning platform. The digital education section provides interactive and age-appropriate content on topics such as artificial intelligence, media literacy, and data management for secondary school students.

SchuBu: Digital Education

In the “Digital Education” section, SchuBu follows the Austrian curriculum for the corresponding subject and is specifically designed for classroom use. The digital textbooks cover the material for an entire school year, presented in illustrated learning pathways with numerous exercises. These resources can be used as standalone textbooks or as interactive supplements to existing books.

Background and Objectives

The SchuBu project was initiated with the goal of engaging students in learning through motivating tasks. The wide range of resources, including exercises, interactive elements, games, and animations, allows students to delve deeply into curriculum topics and explore connections on their own. This approach enhances intrinsic motivation and contributes to lasting learning success.

A Resource for Teachers as Well

SchuBu also offers many useful tools for teachers to make their lessons more engaging and interactive. SchuBu+ is a paid extension that provides materials specifically designed for classroom use, including online assignments with automatic grading, ready-to-use presentations, worksheets with answers, and practical teaching tools. SchuBu+ also offers detailed additional information tailored for teachers, such as learning objectives, a competency model, and comprehensive curriculum references, all of which can aid in lesson planning.

Content for Digital Education

Currently, SchuBu offers digital education content for the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades, with materials for the eighth grade expected in fall 2024. The textbooks cover various aspects of the digital world, including topics like the internet, artificial intelligence, and disinformation. Students develop an understanding of digital tools, creative online collaboration, and the ethics and privacy concerns of the digital realm.

Didactic Structure

The SchuBu learning packages are designed in three stages. To convey the content, there are presentations with animated slides, which can also be used in flipped-classroom settings. Understanding and independent learning are supported through simulations, games, and interactive content. Finally, students have various opportunities to practice and reinforce the material.

Terms of Use

The digital textbooks from SchuBu Systems are not openly licensed, but the basic content, including learning pathways and exercises, is accessible for free without a login. Premium content is clearly marked and requires registration. SchuBu may not be used for commercial purposes.

What makes “SchuBu Digital Education” a Good Practice?

The focus on interactivity and gamification in SchuBu’s learning packages creates motivating learning experiences for students. The content is developed by educators with extensive practical experience and integrates seamlessly into classroom instruction. It is compatible with all digital devices with internet access, ad-free, and GDPR-compliant. The project has been recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research with the Learning Apps Quality Seal and has received the State Prize for Digitalization in the category “Digital Competencies, Education, and Training.” Additionally, the online portal eLearning Journal awarded SchuBu the 2022 eLearning Award in the “School” category.

Details

Website

SchuBu Systems

Target audience

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Funding of the good practice

Private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Austria

Organisation providing the good practice

SchuBu Systems

26.08.2024

Digital Inclusion

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Digital Inclusion

14.06.2024

Digital Inclusion, an initiative by Česko.Digital and Notum focuses on developing an educational platform to improve the digital skills of social workers in the Czech Republic. This platform aims to equip social workers with the necessary digital skills and knowledge to enhance their work and provide better digital support to their clients. Additionally, it serves as a resource for improving the digital skills of digitally excluded and vulnerable clients, who constitute 30% of the Czech population.

Why is this Initiative Necessary?

The rationale behind the Digital Inclusion project stems from unique research conducted by Česko.Digital, supported by numerous Czech NGOs, among digitally excluded or vulnerable populations in the Czech Republic. The research identified three main challenges these individuals face. Firstly, they are highly susceptible to digital fraud and scams and struggle to identify or mitigate them effectively. Secondly, they are often suspicious of and reluctant to interact with state institutions online, hindering the timely addressing of their needs. Additionally, professionals in social services, residential facilities, and other support roles often lack the digital skills to support these individuals effectively. Recognising these issues, intervention among social workers was identified as the most systematic and scalable solution. Social workers who have close contact with the digitally excluded and vulnerable have the potential to positively influence their digital skills and attitudes. By empowering social workers, the initiative aims to facilitate self-sufficiency, enabling digitally excluded and vulnerable people to navigate online services independently.

Current Impact

Since its inception, the Digital Inclusion project has made significant strides. Research has been conducted among digitally vulnerable and excluded populations, reaching 794 questionnaire responses and 61 in-depth interviews in collaboration with over 30 NGOs. The results were evaluated, three major problems were identified, and eight respondent profiles were created. The research findings have been published to raise awareness of digital exclusion in the Czech Republic, with a website launched on January 20, 2024, garnering 549 views, averaging three minutes per visit. Additionally, the findings have received media coverage and have been presented to the Digital Education Committee of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport. The project is progressing through milestones such as establishing a brand and marketing strategy, developing the educational platform, and preparing platform content, with 30 lessons planned for the minimum viable product (MVP). The goal is to impact at least 10,000 beneficiaries, including social workers and their clients.

Why is it a Good Practice?

Digital Inclusion addresses the critical need for improving digital literacy among social workers and their clients. The initiative’s focus on empowering social workers is a strategic and scalable solution to the challenges faced by digitally excluded and vulnerable populations. The platform ensures practical and impactful training by providing short, relevant learning modules that address the specific questions and problems social workers face in their daily work. The collaborative approach in creating and updating content ensures that it remains fresh and relevant, fostering active participation from social workers. The project’s comprehensive research and engagement with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and government bodies, demonstrate its commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the target population. Recognised for its contribution to digital education, Digital Inclusion exemplifies effective intervention in improving digital literacy, fostering independence, and enhancing the overall well-being of digitally excluded and vulnerable individuals in the Czech Republic.

Details

Website

Digital Inclusion

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Funding of the good practice

Private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

23.08.2024

Digital Transformation of the Municipality of Ioannina: A Good Practice for Enhancing Digital Skills

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Digital Transformation of the Municipality of Ioannina: A Good Practice for Enhancing Digital Skills

06.08.2024

In recent years, the Municipality of Ioannina has been pioneering in the field of digital transformation, carrying out a series of coordinated interventions, actions, choices and strategic planning. This comprehensive effort resulted in the formulation of a 10-year Digital Strategy, which is aligned with national and European directions, as well as with the needs of the local community. The Digital Strategy was conceived as a dynamic document, which is constantly updated through consultations with local stakeholders. It includes the vision, the guidelines for digital interventions, as well as a roadmap with concrete actions, which are adapted according to available resources and funding opportunities.

A key element of the new strategy is the transformation of municipal services to enhance the supply of user-friendly digital services that meet the needs of citizens and businesses. The ultimate goal is to use information and communication technologies as tools for modern governance and development, thus creating “Smart Ioannina”, a city ready for the future.

Implementation of the Four Pillars of Digital Skills & Jobs Platform

This initiative addresses directly the four pillars of the Digital Skills & Jobs Platform. It promotes digital skills for all citizens by offering free programs such as the Cisco Networking Academy to a wide range of citizens. It targets specific groups, such as older people over 65, helping them acquire basic digital skills. In addition, it integrates digital tools into the local economy, especially for businesses in the tourism sector, through initiatives such as “Grow Greece with Google”.

Targeting and Impact

This initiative is aimed at a wide range of users, including citizens, businesses and vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, single parents and the elderly. By providing comprehensive education and access to digital services, the Municipality ensures that these groups will not be left behind in the digital age. The effects are evident in improved services, faster response times and overall improved user experience. The focus on digital training and upskilling is also evident, with the aim of making the local workforce more competitive and better equipped for the demands of the digital economy.

Sustainability and Reproduction Ability

The digital transformation of the Municipality of Ioannina is an example of good practice in enhancing digital skills. The initiative is not only committed to equipping the target audience with relevant skills, but also provides a comprehensive and transparent framework that can inspire and guide similar projects across Europe. With a focus on integration, sustainability and innovation, it aspires to be a role model for other municipalities that want to embrace the digital future. It exploits the potential offered by digital technologies for the benefit of citizens and tourism development. For example, advanced digital tools such as a 3D optical scanner are used to preserve cultural heritage.

Information and visual material were collected from the website of the Municipality of Ioannina andNSRF 2021-2027

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

06.08.2024

The Future of Modern Education: MotiMore, an online educational platform

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, Local good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
The Future of Modern Education: MotiMore, an online educational platform

30.07.2024

MotiMore is an innovative online educational platform that aims to empower students and create a stress-free (more) school environment. The interface uses the method of gamification to make school learning more enjoyable and effective.

Addressing current trends and challenges in education

During the development of the platform, it was a priority to respond to the challenges of the current education system, such as the lack of motivation of students, the often unfairness of assessment, the changed frustration tolerance and anxiety of the current generation. MotiMore also aims to provide educators with an assessment and learning organisation tool that will enable them to develop 21st century skills that are essential today (time management, self-study, collaboration, critical thinking, responsibility).

MotiMore can help teachers a lot in teaching and organizing learning: it provides the opportunity to plan interactive learning periods (which can be integrated into both ‘general’ and project teaching), define learning objectives and assign various creative tasks and activities to students. One of the main elements of the platform is the group leaderboard, which visually tracks students’ progress, thus increasing their motivation. Students collect points during the completion of the tasks, on the basis of which rankings are built. All ages are welcome to use the MotiMore system from junior to high school students.

At MotiMore, special attention is paid to ensuring that disadvantaged students also benefit from motivating and supportive educational experiences. To this end, institutions educating disadvantaged students can apply for free use of the MotiMore software under the ProBono support program.

An emphasis on user-friendliness

The platform is very simple to use: teachers can register for free on the site, create their groups, invite their students and start planning learning periods. The MotiMore team has also prepared a user manual that shows the use of the interface step by step in 7 short videos, from registration to leaderboard management. This series of videos allow anyone to use the interface without any problems at any time.

The platform will remain free of charge for the teacher at all times, but after 1 month, certain services (such as fast and group scoring) are only allowed for students who have a paid student license. The price of student licenses is favorable: It is around 1 EUR/month, but the company regularly offers 50-60% discounts.

Why is MotiMore a good practice?

MotiMore’s goal is not just to be an educational technology development, but to actively contribute to the pedagogical paradigm shift. The entire interface was created under this aegis, and for this purpose the MotiMore team often delivers lectures, webinars and longer, paid seminars.

The software has been used by more than 700 teachers, 5000 registered students and 10 partner schools. Teacher feedback can be summarised as follows: “Students are much more motivated and feel that the learning path is more their own. We value the process of learning, not the knowledge of the moment. They can finally show off their creativity and individuality in the tasks they can choose, creating amazing jobs.”

The interface is currently available in Hungarian, Romanian, Slovak, English, Greek and Italian.

The MotiMore team believes in modern education that offers students and teachers a sense of success!

Meet the founders

One of the founders of the company is Tibor Prievara, who has been teaching English in various institutions including schools, language schools and universities for more than 20 years. He has also been involved in the education of disadvantaged children throughout his career. In 2013 he won the SuliNetwork Award, and in 2015 he became the first recipient of the Ambassador of Digital Education award within the framework of the Tibor Gyúrós Award established by IVSZ – Association of Digital Enterprises. Tibor believes that learning and teaching can be an exciting and interactive process, and he created MotiMore based on this principle.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital Skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Funding of the good practice

Private

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

30.07.2024

Digitalidag (Digital today)

By Bulgaria, Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments

Digitalidag (Digital today)

03.07.2023

Digitalidag is an annual event in Sweden that started in 2019 to highlight the opportunities and challenges of digitalization. It aims to inspire and enable everyone to participate in digital development through various activities and collaborations. The initiative brings together businesses, organizations, and individuals to promote digital skills and inclusion. Since January 2024, Digitalidag has been part of the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), enhancing its sustainability and reach.

Why Digitalidag?

Digitalization affects us all at different stages of life, giving each of us unique digital skills. Most people are missing at least one skill. As digital technology advances quickly, everyone, regardless of age, needs to stay updated to avoid falling behind. Digitalization offers great benefits but also presents challenges that we must tackle together.

In response to these challenges, “Digitalidag” was established in 2019 as a national day in Sweden to focus on the opportunities and challenges of digitalization. Inspired by Switzerland’s “Digital Day,” where activities and discussions were held in central locations, Digitalidag aims to create a widespread educational movement. The goal is to inspire and enable everyone to participate in digital development through broad collaboration. Since its start, Digitalidag has successfully built a sense of community and purpose among its participants.

Impact and milestones

Over the past few years, a total of 3,633 Digitalidag activities have been organized. The Digitalidag office has facilitated over 400 matches between participants, developing an effective matchmaking method. Through collaboration, they have explored new ways to increase digital inclusion and built a platform focused on learning, dialogue, and listening. The ideas generated within the Digitalidag network lead to tangible actions, educating people in environments where they feel comfortable.

During the 2023 edition of “Digitalidag,” 375 participants organized 1,000 activities across 216 municipalities, emphasizing the importance of digital inclusion in Sweden. To further harness the participants’ significant engagement, various collaborative activities have been developed. For example, “Ring Digitalidag” is a telephone helpline for digital beginners, staffed by volunteers from Digitalidag participants’ employees.

Additionally, Digitalidag’s transformation into a matchmaking platform, now integrated into the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), marks a crucial milestone for its sustainability and broader impact.

Why is it a good practice?

Digitalidag is a groundbreaking initiative driving digital skill advancement across Sweden. It emphasizes collaboration to enhance digital literacy and inclusion, leveraging a vast network of actors and fostering new partnerships through a matchmaking method. By utilizing existing infrastructure, it creates collaborative activities that reach all parts of Sweden. Integrated into the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority, Digitalidag ensures sustainability and scalability. The concept also has the potential for broad dissemination within the EU, aligning with the EU’s digital agenda and serving as a model for similar initiatives across member states.

Details

Website

Digital today

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Bulgaria

Other

03.07.2024

Computational Thinking Programme – Malta

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, Local good practice initiative, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Computational Thinking Programme - Malta

18.06.2024

The Computational Thinking Programme, a collaborative effort between the Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills and the eSkills Malta Foundation, represents a strategic initiative currently in its pilot phase, implemented in 10 Maltese State Primary schools, one from each college.

At its core, this programme has two primary objectives. The first is establishing a sustainable educational framework spanning the entire spectrum of Primary Education, starting with kindergarten classes and progressively targeting specific learning outcomes in subsequent school years. This ensures that computational thinking becomes an integral part of the students’ educational journey from the very beginning. The second objective is to make computational thinking and coding activities a sound aspect of school culture. Instead of sporadic efforts, these skills will become a fundamental and ever-present part of students’ learning experience.

The Computational Thinking Programme places significant emphasis on providing both educators and learners with crucial skills. Equip educators with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to effectively integrate computational thinking into their teaching practices, thereby empowering learners to develop their computational thinking competences. In addition, students actively engage in the programme, and acquire problem-solving skills that allow them to break down complex challenges into more manageable tasks, by logically arranging them. In addition, they cultivate logical and rational thinking, which lays a solid foundation for making informed decisions and resolving complex issues, and ensures that they are well prepared for a successful life.

The programme includes:

Training sessions offered by the respective providers: Between October 2022 and January 2023, a series of hands-on training sessions were conducted by the respective providers. Education Officers (Curriculum), the Primary Digital Literacy Support Team, school coordinators, as well as two educators from each participating primary school attended these engaging training sessions. During these training sessions, participants became more familiar with the concepts of Composite Thinking and Learning Outcomes. These sessions helped educators improve their ability to effectively integrate Computational Thinking concepts into classroom environments.

Provision of resources: Through the collaboration with eSkills Malta Foundation, the resources were procured following thorough market research and received procurement approval from MEYR. These resources were provided to the participating schools.

Curriculum Alignment: The programme includes the mapping of computational thinking and coding activities to the curriculum, and ensures that they align with the educational goals and standards of the primary school system.

Field support: The Primary Digital Literacy Support Team provides continuous on-site support during classroom activities and Curriculum Time sessions. This support aims to facilitate the smooth integration of computational thinking into the educational process.

Inheritance: The Comprehensive Thinking Programme has a broad vision that extends beyond the boundaries of the classroom. It seeks to cultivate a mindset among students, one that values curiosity, adaptability and resilience. This mentality empowers them to thrive in a rapidly changing world, where the ability to adapt and solve new problems is paramount.

Through partnerships with various stakeholders, the programme also aspires to fundamentally transform education itself. The aim is to integrate computational thinking into curricula, thereby redesigning the very foundation of the education system. This change not only prepares students for the digital age but also ensures that education aligns with the needs of an ever-evolving world, effectively putting the next generation to success.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Software engineering

Level

Basic

Funding of the good practice

Public

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

18.06.2024

San Blas Digital School

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
San Blas Digital School

14.06.2024

The San Blas Digital Skills School, an initiative by Ayuntamiento de Madrid and its partners, is part of the “Madrid, Digital Capital” strategy to position Madrid as a benchmark city in digital transformation. Located in the refurbished Santa Marta de Babio educational complex in the San Blas-Canillejas district, the school focuses on creating a training and employment space for young people and new technologies. The goal is to establish a new management model for training, education, and employment promotion activities.

Who are the Beneficiaries?

The primary beneficiaries of the San Blas Digital Skills School are citizens of Madrid, companies interested in digital innovation, and public and private entities committed to digital transformation. The school aims to stimulate and promote employment related to digital transformation, innovation, and the use of digital environments. The school targets young people, job seekers, and professionals seeking to enhance their digital skills and employability by offering various resources and activities. Additionally, companies presenting innovative proposals for digitalisation benefit from the school’s initiatives, making it a comprehensive hub for digital skills development in Madrid.

Current Impact

Since its launch in February 2023, the San Blas Digital Skills School has seen steady growth in participation. Throughout the year, 9,108 individuals engaged in the school’s activities, with the latter half recording monthly participation figures exceeding 1,000. Over 546 activities were conducted in 2023, with 66% focused on digital training and education. The school hosted significant events such as the 1st San Blas Job Fair. These efforts have contributed to transforming citizens’ vision regarding job opportunities in an increasingly digitalised environment, fostering the creation of digital talent geared towards innovative processes.

Why is it a Good Practice?

The San Blas Digital Skills School exemplifies best practices in digital education and employment promotion by addressing the critical need for digital literacy and employability. By providing a wide range of activities, including training sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and professional conferences, the school ensures that participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The mentoring and advice from professionals, along with modern facilities equipped with state-of-the-art devices, create an optimal learning environment. The school’s comprehensive approach, including leisure activities to develop personal, social, and digital skills, ensures the holistic development of participants. The collaboration with citizens, companies, and public and private entities further strengthens its impact, making it a model for digital skills development and employability in the city of Madrid.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills
Digital transformation

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Funding of the good practice

Public

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

14.06.2024

Sparks initiative

By Bulgaria, Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, International good practice initiative, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Sparks initiative

14.06.2024

Sparks, an initiative by Lascò and partners, addresses the profound educational challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the learning pathways of nearly 1.6 billion students globally. This disruption threatened to cause a ‘long-term learning loss’ as students struggled to re-engage with educational activities. Recognising the need to keep students engaged, Sparks developed gamification-based tools to create innovative and engaging learning experiences, leveraging game elements to enhance learner motivation.

Who are the Beneficiaries?

Sparks primarily targets Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers, aiming to address the pandemic-induced challenges of maintaining learner engagement and motivation. The initiative supports VET learners, teachers, and trainers in adapting to online learning and increasing their digital skills. Additionally, Sparks involves school, higher, and adult education providers, policy-makers, other relevant EU projects and initiatives, experts in ICT and gamification, and the media. The initiative aims to enhance the digital competencies of educators and provide learners with opportunities to improve their transversal and lifelong skills.

Current Impact

Since its inception, Sparks has directly engaged over 1,200 VET professionals and learners. The project outputs have been downloaded more than 1,500 times, with 87% of educators and 89% of students recommending the Learning Management System to their colleagues or peers. The dissemination activities have reached over 25,000 recipients, significantly increasing the competencies and tools available to VET educators for delivering gamified eLearning experiences. The initiative has been recognised as a best practice by the UN Global Compact for its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Why is it a Good Practice?

Sparks addresses the critical need to keep students engaged in learning during the pandemic, mitigating the risk of long-term learning loss. The initiative enhances the ability to use digital technologies creatively and collaboratively by developing innovative tools and practices for VET providers. Providing a conceptual framework and gamified eLearning program templates supports the design of engaging learning experiences. The gamified Learning Management System, available in seven languages, facilitates creating, delivering, and managing gamified courses, offering practical examples and step-by-step guidance. The initiative’s comprehensive approach, including best practices reports, facilitator guides, and eLearning modules, equips VET educators with the skills and resources needed to motivate learners effectively. Sparks exemplifies the successful integration of gamification into education, fostering a more engaging and resilient learning environment in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Digital Skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Funding of the good practice

Private

Public

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

International initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

14.06.2024

Robotics for Good Youth Challenge

By Bulgaria, Country providing the good practice, EU Initiatives, EU institutional good practice initiative, EU Institutional initiative, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, INSPIRATION: Initiatives, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Robotics for Good Youth Challenge

20.05.2024

The Robotics for Good Youth Challenge is an initiative launched by the UN in the context of growing climate challenges and increasingly frequent and intense natural disasters. Global climate change increases the risks and intensity of disasters such as torrential rains, landslides, flash floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and forest fires. In response to these emergencies, using robots for search and rescue operations is proving particularly effective.

Autonomous robots offer a quick and accurate response to finding survivors, which is crucial when every minute counts. By reducing the exposure of first responders to hazardous situations, these machines make disaster relief safer, more efficient and more affordable. In addition, robots have the advantage of being carbon neutral, which is part of a sustainable approach. They can speed up search and rescue operations, conduct geological mapping, assess damage, remove rubble and deliver medical supplies, among other tasks.

Why is this a good practice?

In this context, the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge invites teams from worldwide to design, build and code robots to address specific challenges related to disaster response for the year 2024-2025. Participants can use platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or LEGO Mindstorms. The process includes research, brainstorming, prototyping, and programming. This educational competition aims to promote robotics and programming skills among young people, while raising awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Participants acquire technical knowledge in robotics and coding, while developing essential skills for their professional and future lives, such as teamwork, problem solving, project management, critical thinking and information retrieval.

How can I participate in this initiative?

Contest participants can register in person if a national organiser is present in their country or region. In the absence of a physical event, they have the opportunity to individually prepare their project and submit their results as a video for evaluation by a jury. In Luxembourg, this challenge is organised by the Lëtzebuerger Kannerduerf Foundation in Luxembourg. Private and public entities are encouraged to organise national events for this challenge between April 2024 and April 2025, with applications for the organisation to be submitted before 1 June 2024, and participant registrations open until 1 November 2024. Participants, usually between the ages of 12 and 18, register individually or as part of a team. Each team is encouraged to be composed of members with diverse interests and skills for a multidisciplinary approach.

The competition promotes inclusion by making learning robotics and coding accessible to all, regardless of gender, socio-economic status or academic abilities. It also encourages the use of recycled materials and environmentally friendly solutions, with a focus on the development of sustainable robots.

How the Challenge works

After registration and conniassance of the theme chosen for the edition, the challenge takes place in several stages

  1. Mentoring and workshops: Participants benefit from mentoring sessions with robotics and engineering experts. Workshops are organized to teach specific technical skills and guide the teams in the development of their projects.
  2. Presentations and evaluations: Teams present their projects to a jury of technology and sustainability experts. The evaluation criteria shall include innovation, feasibility, social and environmental impact, presentation and teamwork.
  3. Award ceremony: The best teams are rewarded at an awards ceremony. Winners may receive scholarships, funding to further develop their projects, or opportunities for continuous mentoring.
Old edition

In one of the last editions, for example, the theme was ‘Technology for Health and Well-being’, a topic relevant in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Projects featured included robots to help older people stay active at home, automated disinfection systems, and solutions to improve mental health through technology.

Details

Website

Robotics for Good Youth Challenge

Target audience

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Intermidiate

Advanced

Funding of the good practice

Public

Type of initiative of the good practice

EU institutional initiative

Country providing the good practice

Bulgaria

Other

Organisation providing the good practice

International Telecommunication Union

20.05.2024

Digital Skills Partnership

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Digital Skills Partnership

15.02.2024

Meet, exchange and collaborate between businesses and promoters of digital projects.

The Digital Skills Partnership (DSP) is a programme that aims to operationalise partnerships between businesses and initiatives in the digital field. With the evolution of our daily lives, digital has profoundly transformed the way we communicate, work, learn and even interact with our environment. It is therefore crucial for all actors in society to adapt to this digital transformation. For IMS, digitalisation is essential to respond to current challenges and build a sustainable future for all.

What is the added value?

This programme offers an opportunity for mutually beneficial partnerships. Participating companies can support local initiatives by implementing their CSR policy, mobilising their staff and engaging in positive impact projects. For initiatives, the CSP offers visibility, enabling them to raise awareness of their causes and obtain valuable support in their partnerships.

Who can participate?

The participating initiatives can be social and solidarity-based economy structures, public organisations, schools and training institutions, as well as research actors. They all share a shared commitment to digital and a willingness to make a positive difference in society.

For businesses, they can participate locally in initiatives, also enabling them to implement their CSR strategies.

Process of the project

The programme takes place in several key phases, including preparatory workshops for companies and project promoters, a Digital Skills Matchmaking event for quick meetings between businesses and initiatives, as well as follow-up workshops to maintain and develop established partnerships.

  • Preparation workshop for Digital Skills Matchmaking for initiatives – 15 May 2024
  • Digital Skills Matchmaking Preparation Workshop for Business – 16 May 2024
  • Digital Skills Matchmaking – Level 2024
  • Partnership Monitoring Workshop – Autumn 2024
Digital Skills Matchmaking

The Digital Skills Matchmaking event will be organised in summer 2 024 in line with speed meeting. This great meeting is a unique opportunity for businesses and initiatives to connect, share ideas and create partnerships.

This event has existed since 2021 and brings together around fifty digital players each year in Luxembourg and WielkoRégion to set up partnerships. Every year, in addition to the speed meeting concept, the event hosts speakers on topics related to CSR and digital initiatives. In 2023, more than 38 partnerships were signed at the Digital Skills Matchmaking held at the ICT Spring. The event included Laurence Roquelaure d’Accenture Luxembourg, Hélène Snyer d’Accenture Song BELUX, Torlogh O’Boyled d’Accenture UK & Ireland and Mara K. GoldenMe, who shared their experience in setting up partnerships between companies and initiatives.

The Digital Skills Partnership programme is supported by the Ministry of State’s Innovative Initiatives initiative of the Media Service, Connectivity and Digital Policy, as well as by the European Social Fund and the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition.

Details

Website

DIGITAL SKILLS PARNERSHIP

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

Organisation providing the good practice

DIGITAL SKILLS PARNERSHIP

TO BE FILLED: Here should be the title of the event in capital letters. The same title goes in the section above "ADD TITLE". Please include the country providing the practice in it.

dd.mm.2023

TO BE FILLED: A brief summary is placed here, followed by the text about the good practice.

Details

Website

www.digitalalliance.bg 

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital skills for children

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Private

Public

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

EU institutional initiative

International initiative

National initiative

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Bulgaria

Other

Organisation providing the good practice

Name of the organisation

Start date

(dd.mm.yy)

End date

(dd.mm.yy)

15.02.2024

EdTech Estonia

By Country providing the good practice, EU Initiatives, EU institutional good practice initiative, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
EdTech Estonia

02.02.2024

Estonia is contributing to the development of its education technology sector (EdTech) in the framework of the National Education Strategy and Development Plan.

The strategic objective is to support the creation of a learner-centred education system that supports the autonomous learner – the personal capacity of each learner to set goals and plan their development.

Purpose and objectives
The main objective of the cooperation is to establish new EdTech services, to provide various programmes to promote the further science-based development of these services and enterprises, and to assist in export activities. Through this cooperation, the country aims to capture many of the services needed to create an interoperable education service system, which means that education service providers will share data to provide a more personalised learning experience for each student. The Ministry of Education and Research is working on building a digital infrastructure to facilitate data sharing.

Background to the opinion
The collaboration started in 2018 when the government funded the establishment of an EdTech priority area in a government-funded organisation called StartUp Estonia. Since then, the EdTech sector has grown significantly during the cooperation, to triple the number of service providers, increase turnover by 168% between 2017 and 2021, and increase employment in the sector by 81%.

The programme aimed to foster the development of a supportive community of EdTech start-ups. To this end, they have started to bring disruptive educational innovations closer to schools, including helping to bring new Estonian EdTech start-ups to market and supporting existing EdTech start-ups to become the country’s next success stories worldwide.

The programme is funded by the Ministry of Education and Research and the European Regional Fund in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy and Communication. The country sees the development of the EdTech sector, which has been going on for 50 years, as an educational need and an economic opportunity.

In 2020, the sector and the community have reached the level to establish an umbrella organisation in the form of EdTech Estonia. The Ministry has since signed a strategic partnership agreement with the organisation, and commitments and funding for the development of the sector have increasingly moved to EdTech Estonia.

Why is this good practice?
EdTech Estonia currently provides all relevant lifecycle support for service providers in the sector, which helped Estonia to be named a Bett International EdTech Programme in 2021.

Estonia has generally prioritised high levels of interoperability between its IT systems in its public administration. This has led to a high level of administrative capacity in the public sector in general, but also in education. Student and teacher data are easily exchanged between different administrative systems that have the appropriate authorisation. However, further cooperation between the public and private sectors is crucial to further develop the capacity of the education system to ensure the development of truly self-directed learners through technology.

A first step to establish common goals in this respect between private and public actors was set out in a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between EdTech Estonia as the representative of the corporate sector and various ministries in 2022. The document outlines responsibilities and common goals and provides a framework for further future cooperation.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

Organisation providing the good practice

Ministry of Education and Research of Estonia

02.02.2024

Increased digital competence in everyday life with Funk-IT Lyftet – Sweden

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Increased digital competence in everyday life with Funk-IT Lyftet – Sweden

21.11.2023

The goal of Funk-IT Lyftet is to increase digital skills in society – especially for people who in one way or another find it difficult to embrace modern technology. These may involve disabilities of various kinds or lack of knowledge, access or accustomed to using digital services for other reasons. A lot in society today requires us to be able to use a computer, tablet or mobile – such as e-mailing and making video calls, searching for information on government agencies, using payment services and booking medical visits or trips. Funk-IT Lyftet includes a number of courses that help users get started with modern technology in everyday life.

Background and objectives

Funk-IT Lyftet is a collaborative project between Uppsala Municipality and the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS). The target group was primarily people with disabilities who have support measures in various forms through the municipality. This was then broadened to most people who need to learn how to use modern technology in their everyday lives, such as the elderly and people with visual impairment.

In connection with the start-up, a needs inventory was made where it emerged that large parts of the target group had difficulties in contacting authorities, using mobile phone and computer and managing their everyday finances or paying bills.

Development of course material

The course material was developed in 5 stages during the period 2019-2021.

  • Stage 1: Here the course leaders designed the material in smaller working groups with feedback from user representatives, after which test courses were conducted with subsequent feedback.
  • Phase 2-3: In these phases, the course material was further developed and used practically, with feedback from online surveys.
  • Stage 4: During this period, the pandemic affected the work on physical courses, and therefore the work was shifted to digital meetings where films were created for several of the courses.
  • Stage 5: The focus in the final stage was on visual interpretation of the filmed material, as the target group and course content were also broadened to most people who need to learn modern technology, to example the elderly and people with visual impairment.

Important parts of the work have been: needs inventory, feedback from users and user associations in all phases, making available, clear impact targets and follow-up after completion of the project.

Course content

All courses are available as Powerpoint, PDF, video on Youtube and audio-interpreted version. The content reflects the needs of the target groups and covers a variety of everyday needs:

  • Use e-mail
  • Good in everyday life (e.g. shopping online)
  • Travel (such as booking a travel service and buying bus tickets)
  • E-leg, internet banking and Swish
  • Find information on public authorities’ websites
  • Communication support (including video calls with different apps)
  • Download an app
  • Search for news and culture
  • Seeking information and risk awareness (including social media and source criticism)

Therefore, this is a good example

As society becomes increasingly digitised, large groups risk being excluded – both in everyday life and professionally. This can increase the risk of lack of care, limit participation in society, cause difficulties in managing the economy, and hinder the ability to reach and provide feedback in contact with the public (such as care and support).

Funk-IT Lyftet is an example of how projects can be implemented for target groups with challenges in using digital tools, and how it can be done with anchoring among users and user associations.

“I didn’t know how to get an email address. Now I’ve created an email account, and can write to my friends!

Course participants quoted in the final report *

In total, approximately 10000 uses of Funk-IT Lyftet’s course material have been registered (participants in courses/info and page views on internal and external web), and 85 % of course participants in the target groups and 92 % of staff who participated were very satisfied/satisfied with the content of the courses.*

The courses have not only developed the skills of target groups when it comes to using modern technology. It has also helped the instructors to get better at their job.

“There are so many people who need Funk-IT that are not in the digital world. We’ve had to focus, make it clear. The need is huge, not only for our target groups, but for many across Sweden.”

Instructor quoted in the final report *

* From Final Project Implementation Report: Funk-IT Lyftet – increased participation through courses that provide everyday digital competence.

Download the final report for the project (in English).

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Digital Skills

Level

Basic

Funding of the good practice

Public

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

Start date

01.02.2023

End date

01.03.2023

21.11.2023

Latvian School Olympiad in Informatics

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Latvian School Olympiad in Informatics

24.10.2023

Each year, the Latvian National Centre for Education, together with LIKTA and with the support of companies in the Latvian ICT sector, organizes Latvian Olympiad in Informatics. Preparations for Olympiad, along with Latvian students’ participation in international coding Olympics, are coordinated and partly funded by the National Centre for Education (VISC), the Institute of Mathematics and Informatics at the University of Latvia, municipalities, and contributions from companies in the Latvian ICT sector.

Get to know the initiative

This event, known as the Latvian Olympiad in Informatics, is a multi-stage programming competition designed with the following objectives:

  • Broaden and deepen students’ programming knowledge, fostering additional enthusiasm for coding and encouraging extracurricular engagement.

  • Identify candidates for the Latvian National Unit to participate in international programming competitions.

  • Cultivate students’ interest in developing effective algorithms and programming skills.

The Olympiad is divided into two age groups: junior (8th to 10th grade students) and senior (11th to 12th grade students). The junior category is also open to students below the eighth grade. It consists of three stages:

  • Educational institution Olympiad

  • Municipality Olympiad: Participants who demonstrate outstanding performance in their educational institution’s Olympiad are invited to compete at the municipality level. Additionally, other students who have achieved commendable results in programming and possess sufficient programming skills may apply for this stage.

  • National Olympiad: Following the Municipality Olympiad, the organizing committee invites a maximum of 40 participants per age group based on their results.

At the conclusion of all stages of the Latvian Olympiad in Informatics, representatives are chosen to compete in the Baltic IT Olympiad, followed by the Global IT Olympiad.

Why is this a good practice?

The continued support of Latvian and international Olympiad by companies in the ICT sector is crucial. Such support encourages youth participation, promotes sectoral focus, and stimulates interest in coding and informatics.

Over the years, hundreds of students from schools across all Latvian regions have participated in the IT Olympiad, with many of the participants later pursuing professional careers in ICT.

  • The 36th International Informatics Olympiad IOI 2024 was held from September 1 to 8 in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, on the campus of the Academy of Arab Sciences, Technology and Maritime Transport.
  • Full results of both this and previous IOIs: https://stats.ioinformatics.org/
  • In the coming years, the Olympics will be held in Bolivia (2025), Uzbekistan (2026) and Germany (2027).
Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

24.10.2023

Digital Innovation Hub Latvia – digital skills partner community for Latvian regions

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Digital Innovation Hub Latvia - digital skills partner community for Latvian regions

24.10.2023

The Digital Skills Community of Latvia’s regions was established in early 2022 with the objective of promoting up- and re-skilling initiatives to upgrade citizens’ digital competence, regardless of the region they live and work in. Another goal is to accelerate the digital transformation of Latvian economy and society and support innovation for public and private actors (municipalities, public bodies and institutions, companies, associations, etc). 

A digital skills community for Latvian regions

The main task of the Latvian Community is to monitor the digital transformation ecosystem in Latvia, and ensure no region is left behind. This includes cooperation with a wide range of actors and support to the services they offer, including: curricula, digital solutions, products and services. The community is also engaged in a variety of projects with a focus on digital, and set up digital trainings for citizens and the labour force on all levels (from basic to more advanced).

The community is comprised of key actors and organizations in the digital sphere in Latvia. They meet every month to plan and discuss upcoming activities – whether these are organized separately or as a result of a collaboration between several entities. Research and analysis on the latest trend in the area of digital skills and jobs are key to the knowledge base of the community, and background work conducted regularly.

Representatives of these organisations meet on a monthly basis to discuss the various activities planned, both individually and in cooperation with each other. Community stakeholders consider that research and analysis of digital skills is an essential prerequisite. This information can help the community to better understand digital skills needs and develop appropriate measures at both regional and national level.

Regional digital hubs most active in the Community

The community brings together regional hubs from all over Latvia, active in the promotion of digital skills. Some hubs stand out as more engaged, bringing results and added value. For example, Cēsu Digital Centre plays a key role in lifelong learning and digital training, whereas associations like the Digital Innovation Park bring together ICT professionals in a cluster. The Sigulda Technology Education Centre provides high-quality education services with a focus on engineering subjects, whereas the Kuldīga Digital Innovation Centre is a central smart technology hub, constantly looking for new talent. Ventspils Digital Centre has a more active role in e-governance actions. Finally, the Zemgale Human Resource and Competence Development Centre focuses on vocational education and training. The latter is also the largest, state-of-the-art centre for adult education in Latvia – both in terms of technical and human resources, but also in the context of the wide variety of educational offer.

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)

The network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) is part of the Digital Europe Programme of the European Union. EDIHs help to foster the digital transformation of businesses, i.e. the uptake of digital technologies by businesses, public administrations, and in general aim to improve citizens’ digital skills (with a focus on advanced digital skills). Such hubs operate in all EU Member States, so Latvia is also included in the overall European digital technology ecosystem. Two organizations have been granted EDIH status in Latvia – The Latvian IT cluster and the Latvian Digital Accelerator.

A digital maturity assessment is available for entrepreneurs interested in receiving EDIH support to give life to innovative ideas. The aim is to assess the digital maturity of a company and provide support to companies for the digital transformation of a business process or organization (or to public authorities that may require guidance in managing their digital transformation in a safe and secure way).

Why is this a good practice?

The network of hubs on regional level is based on the success of the larger European network of hubs. Within Latvia, the hubs have facilitated more than 30 local, regional, and international projects, supporting the digital development of Latvian businesses, encouraging the design of innovative IT solutions, and strengthening collaboration between all actors in the community: businesses, universities, associations and organizations.

The European Digital Innovation Hub offers a range of success stories in Latvia, like:

The Latvian Community has successfully demonstrated a sound understanding of the digital skills landscape in Latvia, and has a good amount of projects and joint initiatives behind its back. As a central point for reference in education, its members exchange knowledge, share teaching methodologies, learning resources and teaching materials.

The digital skills community of Latvian regions is an important resource for the development of digital skills in Latvia. Its sustainability depends on participants’ willingness to cooperate in sharing available resources and to invest in its development. By co-designing and implementing effective measures, the community can contribute to the growth of society’s digital skills, as well as to the digital transformation of Latvian businesses and the public sector. The sustainability and relevance of the initiative are highlighted in the list of partner organisations and public bodies presented below. Representatives of various organisations and institutions, including the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development,Ministry of Education and Science, European Digital Innovation Hub, Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association, Cēsu Digital Centre, Zemgale Region Human Resource and Competence Development Centre, Ventspils Digital Centre, Sigulda Technology Education Centre, Kuldīga Digital Innovation Centre, Digital Innovation Park and other stakeholders from across Latvia participate actively in the Community.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

24.10.2023

A1 Senior academy

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, International good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
A1 Senior academy

23.10.2023

The A1 Adult Academy offers courses where digital skills can be improved. The courses offered by the Academy can be perceived in different ways. To this end, the Academy offers the following options:

A1 Adult Academy Online
A1 Adult Academy on site
E-learning self-study courses
The aim of the academy is to inspire Austrians who are not yet familiar with the digital world and improve their digital skills. In the courses, offered free of charge, interested parties acquire digital skills in the following subject areas:

Getting started online
Searching and finding with Google
Communicating with email and WhatsApp
Video telephony with smartphone and tablet
Setting up Wi-Fi
Security and privacy
The topics offered are regularly adapted and expanded.

A1 Senior Academy Online:

The online offer includes the following topics:
The online offer includes the following courses. The course “Smartphone tablet when traveling “looks at using the mobile device when traveling and explains how the device is optimally adjusted for travel. The course “Vienna for a quick and easy parking ticket “shows how the mobile parking app can be used as a parking ticket. The module “Videotelephony with smartphone and tablet “demonstrates step by step how videotelephony with smartphone and tablet works and the functions are tested together. Understanding Wi-Fi and Usage explains how Wi-Fi works and its benefits. Different aspects of internet security are highlighted in the InternetSecurity course. The course “Creating a Secure Password “will teach you how to create a secure password and why it is so important. “Sending Pictures and Documents “deals with how pictures and other files can be sent in email and explains the advantages and disadvantages of different email programs.

 

Adult Academy A1 on site:
A1 Seniorenakademie on-site will be held as part of the regular table. A1 trainers help you find your way with your smartphone and tablet. During the courses, tablet rentals are provided free of charge. Regular tables are held at regular intervals in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Linz and Klagenfurt.

The e-learning self-study courses:
The self-learning course is an online course in which knowledge can be acquired on various topics in the field of mobile phones and the Internet. It covers the following topics:

Mobile phone signature: Here is an example of how mobile phone signature can be applied.
Installing Signal.
Mobile Video Telephony: This video explains how video calling works with smartphones and tablets.
Android or iPhone: This explains the differences in operating systems and identifies the native operating system.
Installing WhatsApp: This course provides guidance on how to install the WhatsApp Messenger service.
Further information can be found on the A1 Seniorenakademie website.

A1 Seniorenakademie was awarded as a good practice project in the field of digital education for senior citizens.

What makes the A1 Academy good practice?
The A1 Seniorenakademie stands out as a good practice project in digital higher education as it offers a wide range of free learning opportunities for the over-60 generation, both online and in person, and thus supports the development of digital skills in various ways. Their inclusive approach allows older people to expand their skills and knowledge at their own pace and according to their individual needs.

Details

Website

www.a1seniorenacademie.at

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills

Cybersecurity

Telecommunication

Level

Basic

Funding of the good practice

Private

Type of initiative of the good practice

International initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

23.10.2023

Digital Hub Denmark

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Digital Hub Denmark

18.10.2023

Digital Hub Denmark is Denmark’s information portal for the different target groups involved or active in the technology industry. Launched in 2018, the non-profit initiative aims to offer support to the Danish technological system and connect local and national digital talents and start-ups with European and global investors and hubs.

Another objective is to raise the overall profile of the Danish industry within the technological dimension, attract projects and contribute to the development of technological ecosystems, identified as essential for the future of the Danish economy. The organisation focuses on technological development in areas like finance, health, agriculture and food, property and retail, education, robotics, and the creative sector. It gathers data on these individual digital ecosystems to provide targeted and relevant advice to stakeholders and actors in the field.

About Digital Hub Denmark

The initiative also includes guidance and introduction to a series of topics, useful to anyone interested in studying, working and living in Denmark with a special focus on technology. Users can also find information on relevant jobs in the field, as well as relevant details on how to introduce one’s taxes in the public system, what immigration services are available. Further content on the Danish education and work scene, such as start-ups, industries and educational institutions is also available through Digital Hub Denmark.

Digital Hub Denmark has succeeded in building a thriving community and an environment with fast-growing technological ecosystems, and also facilitates funding and pooling of resources by investors. Deployed as one of Denmark’s main initiatives operating within the framework of Denmark’s digital growth strategy, Digital Hub Denmark advances national digitalisation policy, attracting digital talents throughout the world.

Why is this a good practice?

Since the start of the initiative, Digital Hub Denmark has been working to connect digital talent across Denmark to local, regional, EU and global labour market needs. Ultimately, the aim is to catapult Denmark’s best ICT experts to deliver future-proof solutions and up- and re-skill others. A database of over 20,000 aspiring talents in tech, eager to pursue opportunities within the Danish tech industry, has been created as a result.

Digital Hub Denmark has been instrumental in driving forward Denmark’s contribution towards reaching the targets of the EU Digital Decade of getting to 20 million ICT experts in Europe. The talent pool of digital experts in Denmark increased with 22% from 2021 to 2023. Digital Hub Denmark continues to address digital talent shortages – and is projected to reach 50,000 specialists by 2030, more than double its current figure.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence
Big Data
Blockchain
Robotics
Virtual Reality
Cloud Computing

Level

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

18.10.2023

IT Education Foundation in Latvia — Start(it)

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
IT Education Foundation in Latvia — Start(it)

22.09.2023

IT Education Foundation was established in 2015 and the goals are to promote the Information Technology (IT) sector among schoolchildren as an option when choosing a future profession and to increase the number of children and students, who study programming in-depth in primary schools, secondary schools and universities. Likewise, the foundation is working to foster the development of the education system and economic processes nationally, promoting the Information Technology sector as the foundation of the future economy, as well as materially supporting schoolchildren and students learning about IT.

The IT Education Foundation experts have been actively following changes in education and, thanks to supporters and cooperation partners, have created various learning materials that are available free of charge to all teachers, students and other stakeholders.

Start(IT), BITS, Design & Technology are the best known IT Education Foundation projects

The IT Education Foundation’s first project Start(IT) is a social education project, whose goal is to develop schoolchildren’s digital skills. Start(IT) offers the public the chance to learn computing and programming basics free of charge on the portal www.startit.lv, which is annually visited by 60,000 unique users on average. On this portal, schoolchildren, students and teachers have access to computing teaching programmed and comprehensive teaching materials, which were tried and tested in 2015 in collaboration with the NCE in 153 Latvian schools. Likewise, Start(IT) regularly organises computing and programming courses and events led by various business mentors.

From September 2020 improved teaching content will gradually be introduced in all of Latvia’s schools along the approach being worked on in the project coordinated by the National Centre for Education (NCE), “A Competence Approach to Teaching Content” (Skola2030). The findings and examples obtained in the approbation of computing content devised by Start(IT) serve as the basis with which to develop the new teaching subject of computing, which will be one of the technology sector subject and will be taught in all schools from 1st grade onwards.

The IT Education Foundation’s second project BITS (Baltic IT Society) aims to attract the most capable students from abroad to Latvia’s best IT study programmes. This is necessary in order to reach the 3,000 ICT graduates a year required by the job market, as well as to increase the quality of studies and their competitiveness globally.

The Latvian mobile communications operator SIA Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT) and innovations quarter VEFRESH see the opportunity to help to prepare secondary school teachers to teach the subject “Design and Technologies”, so in December 2019 the decision was made to join the IT Education Foundation and to devise a new third project. The teaching subject “Design and Technologies” will replace the erstwhile teaching subject “Home Economics and Technologies” and schools will have the chance to offer it as an optional subject in secondary schools.

Why are the Fund and its projects necessary?

Firstly, demand for IT specialists is growing not only in Latvia, but also elsewhere in Europe. To increase the number of IT specialists in Latvia, the subject of computing needs to be taught in school including programming. Likewise, impressions of programming need to be changed and pupils need to be encouraged to study and work in the IT sector.

Secondly, at present the majority of schoolchildren do not have the opportunity to learn the subject of programming. In order to make this skill, which is so useful in the job market even more accessible, the IT Education Foundation organises teacher trainings so that programming is taught in as many schools as possible.

Finally, we want to encourage the development of the digital skills of schoolchildren, students and every member of the Latvian population. Modern technologies are becoming ubiquitous. Therefore, with every passing day it becoming increasingly vital to practice them every day not only at work, but also at home.

The IT Education Foundation has received several awards and recognitions:

  • In 2016 for its outstanding contribution to education Start(IT) received the AmCham Latvia award “For Personal Growth”;
  • In 2017 Start(IT) received the Accenture Global Awards award;
  • In 2018 UNESCO recognized Start(IT) as one of the 12 best IT education projects.

The IT Education Foundation’s founders are Accenture Latvia, Riga Technical University and MAK IT. The foundation’s supporters are Emergn, EazyBI, Latvian Mobilais Telefons (LMT), ZAB Reihmanis & Partneri, VEFRESH and VISMA. The foundation’s cooperation partners are the National Centre for Education (VISC), Skola2030, Printful, Elements of AI,Riga TechGirls, the Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association (LIKTA), the University of Latvia, the Transport and Telecommunication Institute, Latvian Informatics Teachers’ Association, Riga State 1st Gymnasium, Riga 22nd Secondary School, Baltic3D.eu and the portal Skolens.lv.

The foundation is one of the most successful examples of cooperation between the private and public sector, which testifies to the fact that businesses are interested in supporting the foundation’s initiatives, as well as in getting involved in the development of contemporary teaching content.

Follow the foundation on the social media platforms Youtube, Instagram, Facebook.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence
Robotics
Software
Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Funding of the good practice

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

22.09.2023

Infimum academia

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, International good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Infimum academia

19.08.2023

Infinum Academy is an organized program of IT courses held at the level of the company’s regional offices (in Zagreb, Ljubljana, Podgorica and Skopje). These are courses on programming and application development in different programming languages (Spring, Kotlin, WordPress…) as well as courses on interface design. They are carried out in accordance with the availability of mentor-lecturers and are in the largest number of senior developers of Infinum, whose time is allocated in accordance with the requirements of the jobs they work on a daily basis.

Infinum Academy was launched in 2015 when the company, in the process of hiring new employees, noticed some differences in the knowledge of the then job candidates compared to the knowledge and skills used in the company’s projects. As technological progress is developing at a rapid pace, the theoretical knowledge that students acquire in faculties is not adapted to the processes and tools used in modern development.

Specifically, technical faculties in Croatia and other countries in our region provide students with basic technological knowledge and object programming skills, while Infinum courses are based on practical knowledge and work on real projects that the company performs for its clients. “This is the highest value of Infinum Academy. In addition, it’s done on an individual basis. Each student has his or her own dedicated mentor,” says Una Mihajlovic, director of Infinum Academy.

The programming courses last five weeks (the first four weeks of the courses are held twice, mostly on Mondays and Thursdays, and the last week is the consultation and completion of assignments that students complete at the Academy), and are conducted in a hybrid way – both in person and online, with the majority of students participating in person by attending classes at Infinum’s offices. “The point is that students are learning about the culture of working in IT, not just attending lectures,” explains Una Mihajlovic.

At the beginning of the Academy, the content focused on mobile app development technologies, iOS and Android, but the program was soon expanded to include courses on design as well as frontend and backend web app development. A large number of new courses were added last year, such as .NET, Flutter, DevOps and WordPress, and starting this fall, participants will also be able to enroll in the Quality Assurance (QA) course. “The foundation is the same and there are new technical changes happening in the latest versions of the tools we use on our projects and completely new courses,” says Una Mihajlovic.

Every student has to pass the entrance exam, but “if you’ve completed your second year of university, mastered object-oriented programming, the basics of Gita, understand basic algorithms and data structures in the field of computational cynetics, that should be enough pre-knowledge. Our website describes in detail what knowledge every candidate who wants to take the entrance exam should have, and there is a list of books we recommend,” says Una Mikhailovich.

Until last year, the Infinum Academy was exclusively for students, and since last year it has been open to anyone with satisfactory prior knowledge who wants to acquire the latest IT skills and thus achieve greater personal competitiveness in the European Union market and beyond.

So far, 470 people have graduated from the Infinum Academy in the last eight years. Hundreds of them have stayed at Infinum – some have become mentors in the Academy and several have reached management positions in the company. “A large number of Infinum Academy graduates are working in other, including Infinum, competitive IT companies in Croatia, but also in other countries, which further confirms the value of our education,” says Una Mihajlović.

New platform, global education

The new phase of development of the Infinum Academy programme lies in its organisational expansion to sister companies, Productive and Porsche Digital Croatia, which are now using Infinum’s education and upgrade platform to become a product that will be offered to customers in the future. “Last year we had a Flutter course for the first time and found that this kind of education is even a very rare commodity globally. We also found that there was a need for individual (customs) training for specific customers,” says Una.

Infinum is expanding its business, the company intends to open several more offices in different countries where Infinum Academy will be available to local people for free. The next step, says Una Mihajlovic, for now just a wish, is to offer Infinum’s education platform both outside the company’s offices and outside the subsidiaries in the countries where Infinum operates. The goal is to become an independent, globally accessible education. It is an extensive online curriculum that will be billed and offered to everyone in the world.

More details: https://infinum.academy

Details

Website

www.infinum.academy

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Mobile application development

Level

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Private

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Bulgaria

Other

Start date

01.01.2015

End date

19.07.2023

19.08.2023

Cyber Security Quiz Austria

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Cyber Security Quiz Austria

14.08.2023

The Cyber Security Quiz is a free learning tool that enables people to learn playfully and interactively how to protect themselves from fraud or attacks on the internet. The quiz is available as a desktop application and as a mobile app for Android and iOS and can be played anywhere at any time.

The topics of the quiz include technical threats such as different forms of malware and ransomware, as well as updates and recommended backup solutions (also for mobile devices). Protection from fraud (phishing, subscription traps, fake online shops, CEO fraud etc.) is also discussed and various solutions for data protection are presented, including practical aspects like how to set good passwords, how to shape reputation on the internet and how to make suitable privacy settings. Cyberbullying and hate speech on the internet are also the focus of a special quiz module. In addition, basic information on copyright and creative commons are presented.

Special quiz modules are dedicated to specific situations such as teleworking from home (this topic covers framework conditions, data storage and data encryption as well as secure WLAN connection and suitable forms of internal communication), internet safety for children (including technical forms of child protection, computer games, and the problem of online addiction) and also online shopping (including methods of payment, buying medicine online and identifying advertisements).

The quiz is aimed at citizens who are interested in the topic “security on the internet” and anyone interested in improving their digital skills.

In addition to the learning content, users have the opportunity to practice what they learned and compete in a quiz duel against other users. The questions in the quiz are based on the Digital Competence Framework for Austria — DigComp 2.2 AT.

The contents “Smartphone”, “Keeping children safe online”, “Online shopping”, “Copyright” and “Home-Office” were recently added with the financial support of the Chamber of Labour of Lower Austria.

By March 2022, the app had already over 6.000 registered users. With a view to further sustainable use, the app was submitted for the “Lernapp” quality label. Various dissemination activities via the press, radio and television were implemented around Safer Internet Day in February 2022.

Types of use of the quiz

In the first step, the learning contents of the Cyber Security Quiz are developed in the library. The knowledge is conveyed using an introduction and concrete scenarios.

Afterwards, the acquired knowledge can be practiced by answering quiz questions. For this purpose, ten questions are asked, which are randomly selected from a diverse pool of questions. Incorrectly answered questions are asked again with repeated practice until they have been answered correctly three times.

After working through the learning content and answering the practice questions, the newfound knowledge is trained playfully. It can be played in the form of a quiz duel against other users.

License

The contents of the Cyber Security Quiz are made available to the public under the license “CC BY-NC 3.0 AT”. More information can be found on the website of ovos media GmbH.

Awards

The Cyber Security Quiz was awarded the eAward in the category “Education and Human Resources Development” in October 2021.

In addition, fit4internet was awarded the prestigious Human Resources Management Award 2020 in Germany for its integrated skills training measures “secCHECK empowers female employees”, which also includes the Cyber Security Quiz.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Level

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

14.08.2023

Social Warning – Italy

By Bulgaria, Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Social Warning - Italy

10.08.2023

Social Warning is a project that brings the topic of digital awareness to schools through a network of young volunteer trainers, all professionals who work with digital technologies on a daily basis. The aim is not to alarm or reassure, but to inform.

The project was born in 2018 with the aim of bringing the topic of digital awareness to Italian schools. The identified need was to inform young people about the risks and opportunities of the internet, illustrating best practices and cases of young people like them who use the internet and social media to work, live, and conduct community projects. To achieve this, the Digital Ethics Movement has created a network of around 300 volunteer trainers throughout Italy, mostly young digital professionals who can set an example for young people.

Get to know the project

At the core of every Social Warning intervention is the dissemination of information on the benefits of new communication technologies, if used with knowledge, awareness, and serenity. The goal is not to alarm or reassure parents, adults, and young people, but to inform them objectively. The movement aims to:

  • Inform about the risks and limits of new technologies
  • Illustrate with concrete examples how these technologies influence our daily lives
  • Facilitate the search for a constant balance between online and offline activities

Sharing stimuli and information is aimed at developing critical awareness of how digital technologies are changing our world, emotions, and social behaviour.

The project specifically consists of two-hour training interventions that explore various topics such as the functioning of major social networks, personal branding, reputation, phenomena such as hikikomori, digital professions (such as social media managers that many high school students still don’t know about), and other topics that each trainer deepens based on their skills. The interventions are more of a conversation than a lecture, and it is from the conversations and requests of the young people that the most interesting ideas emerge.

Why is this a good practice?

The association has also created a scientific observatory that collects anonymous data from young people regarding their use of the internet and social media, and publishes an annual report on the subject. It is increasingly common for training to be requested for an adult audience, especially teachers and parents, as the need for greater awareness of the dynamics of the web and social networks becomes more evident. Social Warning aims to address this need to build a better society online and offline.

The Digital Ethics Movement is now seeking to expand what has already been done in Italy to the European territory. First and foremost, the educational template and format are being refined so that more trainers can join and spread the project, and initiatives are being developed for young Europeans. The first is a hackathon that took place in Rome, involving 70 university students from all over Europe, future decision-makers who came together to find solutions for a better digital future.The other major initiative is the European Digital Citizenship Day, which aims to promote digital education throughout Europe. The first edition has been held in Rome on October 2021

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Digital Skills

Digital Transformation

Level

Basic

Middle

Funding of the good practice

Public

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

TO BE FILLED: Here should be the title of the event in capital letters. The same title goes in the section above "ADD TITLE". Please include the country providing the practice in it.

dd.mm.2023

TO BE FILLED: A brief summary is placed here, followed by the text about the good practice.

Details

Website

www.digitalalliance.bg 

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital skills for children

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Private

Public

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

EU institutional initiative

International initiative

National initiative

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Bulgaria

Other

Organisation providing the good practice

Name of the organisation

Start date

(dd.mm.yy)

End date

(dd.mm.yy)

10.08.2023

UNbreakable Romania

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
UNbreakable Romania

31.07.2023

UNbreakable Romania is an end-to-end cybersecurity educational program for high schools and university studentsfrom Romania by Bit Sentinel. UNbreakable’s mission is to provide young cybersecurity enthusiasts with resources, so useful for developing the skills needed to become good cybersecurity specialists.

Bit Sentinel is involved in various international activities focused at promoting cyber security among young generations, including European Cyber Security Challenge (ECSC), ICSC and the national phase (ROCSC) since 2018. Over the years it has been noticed that these competitions are focusing mainly on “elites” – finding best individuals to represent their nation at ECSC/ICSC but organisations do not necessarily want or afford the best. Moreover, even for entry level jobs, companies expect previous experience which in cyber security is hard to get/prove.

UNbreakable’s mission

UNbreakable’s mission is to provide young cybersecurity enthusiasts with the most varied resources, both theoretical and practical, so useful for developing the skills needed to become good cybersecurity specialists.

In addition to an intensive learning environment, the initiative also provides a competitive, testing virtual space that encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing. In the end, UNbreakable results can be used when apply for the first jobs by showing the results during the competition.

Get to know the program

The program, which usually takes 3-4 months every year, has four main phases:

  • Bootcamp: Participants can access theoretical and practical resources to familiarize themselves with the competition format and methodology. They can also get in touch with mentors (industry experts and community alumni), participate in theybinars etc.
  • Individual Competition: Participants will compete for 48 hours. The objective is to solve as many cybersecurity challenges as possible and send as many correct answers as possible to reach the top of the leaderboard. At this stage, participants evaluate their performance on an individual level and see what knowledge needs to be improved.
  • Team-Based Competition: In cybersecurity, soft skills such as communication and teamwork are just as important as technical skills. This phase allows participants to form teams of up to 3 members with complementary knowledge to solve exercises in different areas of cyber security for 48 hours. There is one important twist: teams can be formed with their colleagues from the same educational institution. In this way, the premises to create local communities is created.
  • Individual Report: Participants receive a report of their progress for the entire program. This can be used to improve their future skills or show their results during a recruiting process.

Why is this a good practice?

The program is hosted every year in the first half of the year and UNbreakable do not plan for this to stop anytime soon. There have been four organized seasons and a fifth one is currently in progress. Throughout these seasons, a total of three bootcamps have been conducted, and there is an ongoing fourth one. Approximately 50 mentors have been actively involved in guiding the participants.

In terms of content, the program has provided around 150 exercises and labs to the participants. Moreover, every year the the library of educational resources is also improved by introducing new themes and previous year’s exercises. These are part of eight training modules that cover various topics and skills.

 The number of participants is continuously growing as the program progresses.

The program has managed to establish connections with 35 universities and 75 high schools, with representatives from these institutions being involved in the program during 2022. Moreover, out of the 41 counties in the region, the program has consistently managed to have representatives from 39 to 40 counties each year. Moreover, UNbreakable plans to replicate the program in other countries when they find the right partners.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital skills for children

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

Cybersecurity

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Middle

Funding of the good practice

Private

Public

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

31.07.2023

DiversIT Charter

By Bulgaria, Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
DiversIT Charter

28.07.2023

The DiversIT Charter is a 3-tier certification aimed at reducing gender disparity in IT roles. It serves as both a recognition of a company’s efforts in advancing gender equality in tech, and as inspiration for further diversity and inclusion policies.

Get to know the initative

The DiversIT Charter was developed by the CEPIS Women in ICT expert group, with the aim to reduce gender disparity in IT and tech roles. It is a certification which moves through three levels of attainment: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each level has a focus on attraction and retention, asking applicants to showcase their initiatives and policies for increasing gender diversity in ICT professions.

  • Bronze is meant for organisations who are just beginning their journey towards making their tech workplace more gender-equal.
  • Applicants for the Silver level will have already taken significant steps towards gender equality, with internal and external initiatives implemented and planned.
  • Gold level certificate is granted to organisations where (gender) equality in tech has been among priorities for some time, and who have implemented many best practices both internally and externally.

The assessment for the Charter certifications is carried out twice a year, with the certificates being granted in May and in November.

Why is this initiative necessary?

Lack of women in tech has been a priority for CEPIS for a long time. Not to mention that nowadays, almost 50% of companies in Europe struggle to recruit people with the right ICT skills, while (EU average) less than 20% of ICT professionals in Europe are women. The benefits for companies with diverse executives are numerous: they can outperform on profitability by as much as 48%, diverse teams increase productivity and innovation potential, equality creates a stable and dedicated workforce.

While a lot is being done for attraction of women to the technical professions, less is done in the equally important field of retention. Often the reasons for women leaving tech careers are related to unfavourable workplace culture, and it is workplaces themselves who have to drive the change. Therefore, DiversIT has decided to develop an initiative that would help incentivise workplaces to work towards creating a work environment that would be attractive to women professionals.

Who can benefit from this initiative?

With the DiversIT Certification, companies benefit by showing that they have the right values and sensibilities, thus attracting higher-level candidates, demonstrating their compliance with workplace diversity standards, show their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, more particularly, the SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Thus, making their workplace better and more inclusive and becoming a part of an ever-growing, international community of diversity-conscious businesses. Furthermore, the Charter application process also serves as a source of ideas for more initiatives and policies to increase gender equality, and the international high-level assessment team is always happy to give tailored guidance.

The Charter also benefits women who want to work in tech – by seeing that a company holds the Charter certification, they will know that it has the right values and practices, and will therefore be encouraged to apply.

Why is this a good practice?

The DiversIT Charter can easily be applied to other forms of diversity and inclusion policies – age, race, sexual orientation, ability etc. In long term, the DiversIT Charter will aim to include all forms of diversity. For now, due to limited resources, they focus on women in tech, as women are the biggest ‘untapped talent pool’ for closing the IT skills demand gap. The Charter plans to asses more companies and also establish guidance for other international organizations to replicate best practices. They also aim to have a national Charter ambassador in all European countries, thus expanding their reach beyond the countries represented in CEPIS.

At DiversIT they plan to continue certifying companies across Europe, financed partly by CEPIS, partly by the assessment fees paid by applicants. Also, they are working to find partner organisations in European countries that would serve as ‘ambassadors’, while they already have one in Iceland: promoting the Charter and encouraging companies in their country to apply. Their assessment team are volunteers; they initially rely on volunteer work for the assessments, but may consider remunerated assessors in the future.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Digital transformation

Level

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Private

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

Local initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

28.07.2023

Simbioza Mobiln@ – a mobile classroom on wheels

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Simbioza Mobiln@ - a mobile classroom on wheels

24.07.2023

Simbioza Mobiln@ – a mobile classroom on wheels – aims to increase digital skills and competencies among the elderly, focusing in particular on those living in remote and rural areas and actively helping them to become “fearless” users of ICT services, tools, which consequently increases their social inclusion and active participation in society. With the implementation of Simbioza’s model of intergenerational cooperation through volunteering, the project also enhances digital skills among youth and other social groups.

Get to know the initiative

Slovenia has one of the most rapidly ageing populations not only in Europe but also in the world. Although Slovenia has relatively well-developed digital infrastructure (at the level of Digital Frontrunners), only 55% of the population of Slovenia aged between 16 and 74 have at least basic digital skills, which is below the European average (DESI Index), and the elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups, who are finding it particularly difficult to cope with the digital transformation of society.

Simbioza Mobiln@ is not only an answer to bridging the gap between the elderly and digitalization but also first and foremost aims to help the elderly how to use ICT technologies. Digital empowerment enables them to have a higher quality of life, be more independent, informed, and, above all, be more socially included in society. The purpose of that is to provide the elderly a glimpse into the new (future) technologies through the empirical, educational, informal, and interactive experience in order to help them to overcome their fear of using the technologies, which are already available to them. Simbioza Mobiln@ also introduces new flexible forms of learning in an innovative learning environment that supports the development of digital skills among the elderly. Besides free-of-charge ICT workshops, individual counselling and assistance (on the spot), additional service for support is available to them through the Simbioza’s Magda app.

The organisations participating in the project are united within the Simbioza Community, which includes 205 different organisations from all statistical regions of Slovenia (primary and secondary schools, homes for the elderly, other NGOs), as well as many other Slovenian organisations which are not part of the Simbioza Community.

Why is Simbioza Mobiln@ a good practice?

Simbioza Mobiln@ is the first of its kind in Slovenia and in wider region with its latest digital education initiatives, enables the transfer of knowledge in the use of ICT tools and services to the elderly, especially to those who do not have access to knowledge providers or non-formal educational institutions in the field of ICT. Through a classroom on wheels that goes beyond the traditional “four-walled” classroom, Simbioza Mobiln@ reaches out especially to the elderly living in remote areas, thereby contributing to bridge the ICT education gap between urban and rural areas and the gap between Slovenia’s elderly population and the unstoppable progress of technology in general, by enabling the contact with modern technology and raising the awareness of the benefits of the use of ICT tools and services. Besides the execution of different ICT workshops (on the spot) by Simbioza’s staff and local volunteers from the Simbioza Community, the vehicle is also equipped with interactive technologies in the field of entertainment, communication, health, everyday life, etc.

Simbioza’s Magda app is the first mobile application for elderly in Slovenia, which among others includes Magda’s classroom, where various educational materials for independent self-learning and the adopting of new digital skills are available to them, also free of charge. The learning materials are the result of many years of work Simbioza’s experts in the field of digital literacy of the elderly and are also equipped with illustrative video guides, quizzes etc. They have upgraded the mobile app Magda with 30 learning contents (video guides) and 30 quizzes and the app has currently 5200 active users.

Although Simbioza Mobiln@ was launched during the turbulent period of the COVID-19 epidemic, they have executed 143 workshops in the duration of 754 educational hours for 2.506 elderly participants. In addition, they have also executed 125 face-to-face activities for the elderly in a duration of 750 educational hours for 6.412 elderly across Slovenia. In the implementation of project activities, 325 volunteers from all 12 statistical regions in Slovenia were involved.

The project is an illustrative example of the great significance of NGOs in responding quickly and successfully, even in unexpected circumstances (COVID-19), to two of the key challenges of the modern world – a longlived society and digital transformation. In this context, the project places at its core one of the most vulnerable groups, the elderly. Through an innovative approach in giving them access to digital knowledge carriers it gives them the opportunity to become fearless users of ICT.

Simbioza Mobiln@ in 2023

Although the project officially ended on the 31. December 2022, Simbioza Mobiln@ continues to operate successfully. In the period from January 2023 to May 2023, it has carried out 35 visits across Slovenia in which more than 750 participants (elderly, volunteers from local communities) participated in the activities. By the end of 2023, at least 100 more visits are planned, which are estimated to involve at least 2.500 participants.

Moreover, the initiative has been recognized by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of the Republic of Slovenia, which, based on the results of the mobile unit, is considering implementing more mobile units to provide training in digital competencies to the elderly. Simbioza Mobiln@, as an example of good practice, can certainly be a starting point and a foundation for implementation in a broader context, i.e. in societies facing the same or similar societal challenges

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills

Digital transformation

Level

Basic

Funding of the good practice

Private

 

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

24.07.2023

Women in IT Career Day – Poland

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, National good practice initiative, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
Women in IT Career Day - Poland

20.07.2023

Women in IT Career Day is a free online conference for women who are interested in new technologies and want to develop in this direction. The event is attended by leaders of the Polish IT industry and experts in motivation and development.

Get to know the initiative

Women in IT Career Day consists of 8 intensive hours filled with speeches, debates, workshops, and speed mentoring, as well as a solid dose of knowledge, motivation, and inspiration. The guests include top women leaders of the Polish IT industry and experts on motivation and development. In 2022 year, they prepared two paths for attendees:

  • RESTART involves workshops and panel discussions dedicated to women who are at the beginning of their journey to change their professional lives and enter IT.
  • UP:GREAT is for women who have been in the industry for years and are wondering how to climb to the top.

The event was dedicated to women who are at different stages of their IT careers and want to consciously shape their career path:

  • Working in IT but not sure what to do next
  • Already have the right skills and want to get your first job in a new, future-proof industry
  • Looking for inspiration, motivation, and knowledge to reach for more

Why is Women in IT Career Day a good practice?

The Women in IT Career Day 2022 event showcased remarkable figures, with each aspect contributing to its resounding success. Boasting over 2,800 registrations per event, the initiative attracted a diverse audience eager to engage in IT careers.

The conference featured an impressive lineup of 94 speakers, whose expertise inspired attendees. Attendees also benefited from 21 enriching workshops and sessions, as well as 13 speed mentoring sessions, fostering professional growth and guidance.

The event’s reach was amplified through the support of 10 main partners, solidifying its significance in the industry. Seven dynamic discussion panels sparked meaningful dialogues, while two power speeches and two lectures further enriched the event’s knowledge-sharing endeavors.

Solidarity with Ukraine

The war in Ukraine must not go unnoticed at the Women in IT Career Day.  Therefore, the panel discussions on the main stage were translated into Ukrainian, and dedicated path for Ukrainian women – which included workshops, lectures, speed mentoring and recruitment meetings. Notably, over 400 women from Ukraine actively participated, highlighting the event’s international impact.

Women in IT Career Day 2023

The 5th edition of Women’s Day in IT Career Day will take place in November 2023. In this year’s edition, the word International will be added to the name of the event, because in addition to cooperation with Ukraine, will be joined by partners from Europe. The event is going to be online with aim to provide accessibility to all women despite their location or disability, as well as to lessen the environmental impact.

In this edition, two partners will join for international cooperation: Digital Europe and the European Women’s Association.

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Telecommunications
Software
Digital transformation

Level

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

National initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

20.07.2023

EIT Digital

By Country providing the good practice, EU institutional good practice initiative, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION: Good practices, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
EIT Digital

19.07.2023

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is an independent European body comprising 8 different innovation communities in key sectoral areas such as agriculture, climate and environment, technology and other key sectors and industries. EIT Digital, the centre responsible for managing digital and technological innovation, offers a range of digital skills resources available on the community’s website, organised according to the EIT’s focus areas: 1) Digital Industry, 2) Digital Cities, 3) Digital Prosperity, 4) Digital Technology and 5) Digital Finance.

In addition to a number of events and activities such as hackathons and awards, EIT Digital also organises the EIT Digital Academy programme, which consists of four different formal education structures (Master School, Industrial Doctoral School, Summer School and Professional School). All educational programmes, regardless of specialisation, combine high-level digital skills training with entrepreneurial knowledge. The EIT Master’s programme combines digital skills with digital skills in eight different specialisations, and minor skills in innovation and entrepreneurship. At doctoral level, participation is also based on a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as geographical mobility and alignment with other EIT innovation areas. The Summer Schools are aimed at professionals, Masters, PhD students and other students and focus on the EIT’s digital domains.

EIT Digital aims to achieve global impact through innovation and technology solutions developed in Europe, to foster the development of global digital talent and skills in emerging technologies, to create a test bed for innovation and to bring to market innovative solutions that can make a significant contribution to their intended sector. “EIT Digital also supports enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs to fully benefit from the impact of digital transformation in services and processes and to ensure that they are at the forefront of digital innovation;

A pan-European network of more than 200 organisations, businesses, SMEs, research institutes, universities and start-ups, EIT Digital enables students, researchers and entrepreneurs to collaborate in an open innovation environment and develop solutions that have a positive impact. The EIT ecosystem’s offshoots are: Amsterdam, Berlin, Braga, Budapest, Brussels, Brussels, Eindhoven, Edinburgh, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Nice, Paris, Rhine, Stockholm, Trento and San Francisco. Through the ARISE Europe programme, EIT Digital operates in Southern and South-Eastern Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, in order to be able to operate in regions where the organisation is not yet established.

As a pan-European initiative launched by the European Union, the impact of EIT Digital has been significant, spanning a wide range of sectors and societal groups. Skills development programmes and training promote the simultaneous development of information technology (IT) and entrepreneurial skills. EIT Digital graduates are well absorbed by the European and global labour market and are successfully securing employment. The initiative has become more successful: there is currently a high level of competition for applicants for the EIT Digital Academy places; in addition, the organisation has organised a range of courses through Coursera which are open to the general public and free of charge (for auditing), thus strengthening its outreach activities. The combination of online and face-to-face programmes further contributes to the programme’s outreach. As of 2019, EIT Digital brings together more than 270 partners and provides an easy-to-navigate website with a clear overview of learning opportunities and examples. Between 2011 and 2019, nearly 3 000 students participated in PhD and Masters programmes, and Coursera’s online capabilities have helped to reach another 100 000 learners.

 

Details

Website

digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Digital skills

Robotic

Level

Basic

Middle

Advanced

Expert

Funding of the good practice

Public-private

Type of initiative of the good practice

International initiative

Country providing the good practice

Other

Start date

01.01.2010

19.07.2023

ALL DIGITAL WEEK

By Country providing the good practice, Funding of the good practice, INSPIRATION, INSPIRATION: Good practices, International good practice initiative, Other, Public-private, Type of initiative of the good practiceNo Comments
ALL DIGITAL WEEK

11.07.2023

All Digital Week is one of the key EU-wide awareness-raising campaigns on digital skills that engages the citizens of 36 countries in Europe through various national activities taking place in participating countries. In Lithuania, the campaign over the last 3 years or so has been organised under the flag of the ‘Connected Lithuania’ project, an initiative whose goal is to raise the skills and competences of everyone in Lithuania. The All Digital Week usually takes place in the last week of March each year, with the aim of introducing people to ICT opportunities, their potential, and the importance of digital competence in all sectors.

Digital Week events take place in 36 countries in many locations: Digital Competence Centres, libraries, schools, community centres and others, bringing together a large team of partners since the start of the campaign in 2010. Each year, All Digital Week gets more than 100.000 participants together. In Lithuania, a big focus of All Digital Week is on good practices in digital skills in education that can be used and replicated by schools, institutions, libraries, teachers and educators, to support their individual activities.

Why do we need a digital week in Europe?

According to the Digital Economy and Society Indicators (DESI) report, the survey results on fake news and disinformation online, the survey results on the impact of digitalisation and automation on everyday life, digital skills may be the way forward, but Europe still has quite a bit to go. Close to half of EU citizens (43%) do not have sufficient digital skills – and therefore may miss out on growing employment opportunities. Another 35% of people in the EU lack even basic digital skills – and 13% of Europeans are still not using the Internet.

A growing number of EU citizens (29%) are sceptical in their ability to recognise disinformation. And concerns about automation also run high, with 72% of Europeans worried that a robot may replace their livelihood.

The Lithuanian experience: zooming on results

As a general rule, the topics of the Digital Week campaign revolve around several competence areas all linked to digital skills: media literacy, the development of critical thinking, digital literacy, safe online behaviors, and promoting digital skills for digital jobs. 

In Lithuania, the Digital Weeks are organized under the framework of the national ‘Connected Lithuania’ project. So how did the campaigns take place over these 3 years and what was the engagement?

Digital skills resources for teachers and educators in Lithuania

The following materials may be of interest to teachers, schools, school administrators, VET teachers and trainers and educators in general. They can also help to organize an activity under the framework of the Digital Week in Lithuania. The resources listed below include good practices in increasing learners’ digital skills as well in integrating digital technologies in teaching and learning. Materials include: video recordings from lessons, discussions, self-assessment tests, and materials adapted from previous educational activities.

Details