Europe invests in digital education to bridge the digital divide
EU adopts proposals to attack the digital divide with a whole-of-government, multi- stakeholder and learner centric approach to digital skills training within member states.
The EU’s plans for its Digital Decade move ahead with the adoption of two proposals housed within the framework of its Digital Education Action Plan. The proposal for a ‘Council Recommendation on key enabling factors for successful digital education and training’ intends to foster in the main a whole of government and multistakeholder approach to digital education and training, whereas the proposal for a ‘Council Recommendation on improving the provision of digital skills in education and training’ seeks to address current difficulties EU member states face with digital pedagogy.
Enacted, the proposals can level the playing field in the digital domain within and across member states. They address issues during mandatory schooling, upskilling and ICT professional training for all, including those in hard to reach groups. They also promote the sharing economy by facilitating mutual learning and exchanges across member states and stakeholder groups.
On a practical level, and within the European Year of Skills context, the proposals move the needle on the current EU Digital Skills Certificate pilot project, which aims to facilitate the recognition of digital skills certification within the EU.