Introduction

Digital education to build inclusive societies

Many people, due to their economic, social and cultural status, often find themselves in a situation of marginality that precludes their access and active participation in society. Aiming at both hard and soft skills (technical-scientific skills and interpersonal skills) as well as digital skills is therefore crucial to ensure greater emancipation and empowerment of the individual.

One has to consider that the ongoing digital transformation, accentuated also by the recent pandemic, presupposes the adoption of a human-centric learning model, where digital education and digital literacy will be oriented towards the uniqueness and genius of individuals, their needs and the fullfillment of the individual, so as to ensure both well-being and wellbeing in the 21st century society. Needs for knowledge, for social inclusion, for employment inclusion but also needs in terms of security and support in case of violence or other factors that preclude the freedom of individuals when online.  And indeed, on January 2022, the EU Commission proposed a declaration on digital rights and principles for the digital decade, which includes as main right and principle “putting people and their rights at the centre of the digital transformation” and “Supporting solidarity and inclusion”.

Digital education occurs at all ages, where it is an integral part of life-long learning and should therefore be promoted for all age groups. Consider that, on a European level, only 56% of people aged 16-74 have basic digital skills. The goal is therefore to empower everyone and reach 70% of people with basic digital skills by 2025 (EU Community survey data on ICT usage in households by individuals).

The Learning Objectives covered by the Module

Units within the Module: