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European Education Area

Quality education and training for all

Digital Education Action Plan – Action 3

European Digital Education Content Framework

While the use of digital content for education purposes is not a new topic, the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly accelerated the production and use of such resources.

In parallel, with the ongoing digital transformation, we are observing a deep transformation of habits regarding the use of digital education content, both among actors on the ‘supply side’ – industry and the public sector – and those on the ‘demand side’ – teachers, students and pupils.

The digital transition is bringing about many changes

  • digital education content is becoming more creative, engaging, interactive and embodied in diverse formats
  • new technological developments, such as immersive reality and artificial intelligence (AI), are helping to deliver new types of education content
  • there is an exponential increase in the production of digital education content

Challenges of the digital transition

Along with these developments come some of the following challenges

  • digital platforms and their algorithms could act as ‘gatekeepers’ of digital education content, potentially impacting access to these resources in different ways
  • it is more difficult for users to verify the quality and trustworthiness of digital education resources than traditional content
  • the long-term preservation of these educational resources
  • cybersecurity, data protection and e-privacy risks

Further challenges include

  • a lack of data and analysis about the ongoing situation and the (potential) changes that will result from it
  • identifying together with stakeholders priority areas for support from the European Union (EU) to improve the quality of education
  • promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity in a globalised market and preventing the exclusion of pupils in disadvantaged situations
  • co-creating solutions with stakeholders that they will embrace and can be fully implemented

Objective

The purpose of this action is to identify the areas in which EU action would bring added value and to work closely with stakeholders to find the most effective solutions.

Key activities and expected results

Throughout 2022 and 2023, the European  Commission will put in place an intensive stakeholder dialogue process, including bilateral meetings and a community of practice, to ensure that all actors feel ownership of the proposed solutions and that their full implementation is achievable.

A dedicated study will be launched in 2022. This study will take into account the needs of learners, educators and relevant education and training stakeholders, as well as the supply of digital education content.  It will also assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, digital transformation and technological innovation on education.

European Framework for Digital Education Content

These activities will result in a combination of measures in the form of a European Framework for Digital Education Content, with solutions co-created and embraced by stakeholders.

European exchange platform for higher education content and educational data

Another initiative under Action 3 of the Digital Education Action Plan is the creation of a European exchange platform for higher education content and educational data. The purpose of the European exchange platform is to support deeper transnational cooperation between higher education institutions and to promote the exchange of content and educational data.

Timeline

  • 2022-2023 – implementation of the study contributing to the preparation of European Digital Education Content Framework
  • 2022 – preparatory phase toward the launch of a European exchange platform for Higher Education

Action 3 of Digital Education Action Plan is funded by the EU’s Erasmus + programme.

Get in touch

If you are interested in knowing more about this action, you can get in touch with us by email at EAC-DIGITALEDUCATION@ec.europa.eu.

Follow EUDigitalEducation on Twitter for the latest news and developments on this action and the whole Digital Education Action Plan.

 

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