DigiLearn - digital lifelong learning for adults

<< Background >>DigiLearn addresses the нeed for enhancing learning and teaching online skills among adults and adult educators and trainers who are not digital natives and often find existing digital learning platforms challenging to navigate. The EU Commission has set targets to ensure that 70% of adults have basic digital skills by 2025, as outlined in the European Skills Agenda and the Digital Education Action Plan. Our initial research, including focus groups conducted in Bulgaria, Italy, and Ireland, revealed the barriers that adults face in digital learning environments. Many adults, especially over 35, struggle with self-paced online courses, lack of interaction, and the digital literacy required to effectively engage with such content.These barriers lead to a significant gap in digital and other career-related competencies, which can result in exclusion from the job market and opportunities for personal and professional growth. DigiLearn bridges these gaps by creating a user-friendly digital learning framework tailored to the needs of adults who lack digital literacy. It provides a scalable solution that can be adapted across different regions and contexts within Europe, contributing to the overall digital transformation goal of the EU.<< Objectives >>The DigiLearn project aimed to achieve two primary objectives:O1 - Increase Digital Learning Skills and Competencies needed for digital learning development among adults. This includes curriculum design, technology skills, and assessment strategies tailored for digital learning environments. By creating a user-friendly framework for digital learning we aimed to scale and adapt the learning experience across various regions and contexts within Europe to support adults who lack digital literacy and provide effective learning solutions.O2 - Enhance Job-Market readiness and inclusion of adult learners, preventing their exclusion from the job market due to a lack of relevant digital skills. This involved creating learning pathways that are accessible and practical for adults who have limited experience with digital tools. To utilise the exchange of best practices among partner countries and develop inclusive digital learning solutions that address the needs of adults in marginalised and rural communities.These objectives were directly linked to the European Commission's goals for digital transformation, contributing to the overall strategy of ensuring that 70% of adults in Europe possess basic digital skills by 2025.<< Implementation >>Project Management led by EducAge developing goals, OKRs, and quality standards. Monthly online meetings and a Google Drive were used for coordination; workshops on OKRs, risk analysis plan, budget plan, and communication channels.Research led by CRSLaghi - applying an empathic human-centred design, conducted surveys and focus groups in Bulgaria, Italy, and Ireland to identify digital learning needs. Surveys were distributed through partnering organisations, and focus groups in an informal environment revealed hidden barriers to online learning.bit.ly/4cVop2vbit.ly/3xIilf3Development of the Digital Learning Framework and Guides: Based on research insights, including pilot testing and feedback. Training sessions were provided to educators and trainers to enhance their teaching capabilities.https://dilearn.eu/resources/Dissemination and Outreach: Shared project results via workshops, newsletters, social media, and partner networks. Promoted platform launch and resource distribution, ensuring public access to resources, courses, and guides. Over 24 newsletters were sent, the Facebook page grew to 1,200 followers, the webpage had over 1,000 unique visits, and 345 adults completed the courses in the first 6 months.<< Results >>1. Created training materials for educators and trainers, enhancing digital education delivery. Available on the platform.2. Successfully conducted pilot programs with adult learners in partner countries, gathering feedback to refine digital learning modules. Insights shared at https://dilearn.eu/blog/3. Published research on adult digital learning needs, informing future projects. Research findings were disseminated through various channels, including a network of over 3,000 subscribers.4. Launched the DigiLearn platform, offering open access to resources, courses, and guides designed for adult learners and educators.https://dilearn.eu/5. Conducted workshops and training sessions, engaging HR specialists, adult educators, and stakeholders. Over 300 trainers in Italy and Ireland, and 43 HR experts in Bulgaria participated.6. Outreach via newsletters, social media and partner networks, ensuring widespread access to project findings and resources https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000920293143067. Developed and shared content on Facebook and other platforms to promote the project and engage the community.8. Collected feedback from over 300 users, leading to improvements in videos, guides, and courses available o