EPALE - Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe

On 17 May, the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) and the EPALE National Support Service project in cooperation with the Latvian Information and Communication Technology Association (LIKTA) organised a seminar for adult educators "Towards a common understanding of digital competences: theory and practice" as part of Digital Week 2024. 

The aim of the workshop was to raise awareness and stimulate discussion among adult educators and adult learning stakeholders on digital competences and their common understanding in line with the European Citizens' Digital Competences Framework DigComp2.2.

It is essential for providers of lifelong learning programmes, including all providers of non-formal learning programmes, to understand the DigComp2.2 European Framework of Digital Competences for Citizens and to promote its implementation at national level. It is equally important to identify examples of good practice and challenges already observed in designing the content of non-formal education programmes according to the DigComp2.2 levels, as well as in assessing knowledge, skills and attitudes for the DigComp2.2 levels.

Opening the seminar and addressing the participants in person and remotely, senior expert of the Vocational and Adult Education Department of the Ministry of Education and Science Yelena Muhina emphasised: "A common understanding is essential at different levels - for policy makers when planning human capital development and allocating resources, for employers when setting requirements for employees and ensuring the development of their staff, and for designers and implementers of the content of different educational programmes. It is also important for the recipients of education services to communicate in a common language about learning outcomes. In the area of digital competences, a common understanding and structured approach is provided by the European Citizens' Digital Competences Framework DigComp, which helps to communicate in one language about digital competences not only within a country but across Europe. We are successively introducing a competences-based and learning outcomes-based approach in the education system, including for the assessment of digital competences, the identification of learning needs and planning. In formal education, this structured approach is supported by educational standards and their requirements. Non-formal education is different in nature and cannot be standardised. At the same time, quality and transparency are also important in non-formal education".

Addressing the seminar participants, LIKTA Council Member Dr. Māra Jākobsone reminded that LIKTA started working on digital competences 25 years ago. The industry association looks at digital competences and ICT knowledge both horizontally, i.e. knowledge and digital skills for everyone, and vertically, which are professional ICT skills. Given that the European Commission has recommended the use of the DigComp2.2 European Citizens' Digital Competences Framework, we are moving towards increasing use of this framework and making its use a mandatory requirement, both in Latvia and in Europe. 

The seminar continued with a presentation by Dr. Māra Jākobsone and LIKTA project expert Dr. Anda Krasavina on "What is DigComp2.2 and how can it be used for curriculum development and assessment of digital competences". The presentation covered the European Commission's Joint Research Centre competency frameworks and tools, the DigComp2.2 framework, the levels of digital competences, the use of the framework in the assessment and development of digital competences, as well as the tools that are available and usable in Latvian. 

Signe Briķe, Head of the Recovery Fund Project Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Education and Science, informed the participants about the national implementation of DigComp and competence mapping in the context of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs).

The experience of curriculum development and mapping according to DigComp was shared by Irisa Zvagule, Head of SIA FITA. The presentation highlighted the need for DigComp, demonstrated examples of competency descriptions and more.

The presentation on digital skills certification according to DigComp was given by Uldis Zandbergs, trainer and researcher at SIA BDA. He talked to the participants about the importance of certification, how DigComp can be useful and applicable for certification.

Agnese Lejniece, Head of the Personality Development and Improvement Department of the Education Development and Methodological Support Centre of the Liepaja Education Board, spoke about the challenges of developing non-formal education programmes according to DigComp levels and shared her experience.

The presentations by industry professionals were followed by "Speed Dates" with experts, during which each participant had the opportunity to talk to experienced colleagues, discuss the issues and challenges related to the implementation of DigComp2.2 in their work environment, and receive valuable advice and guidance.

At the end of the seminar, the sector experts and adult education professionals present acknowledged the need for both decision-makers and the sector to continue the ongoing conversations and discussions to promote the implementation of the framework in non-formal education. In line with the Education Law and the Cabinet of Ministers' Regulation No 395 "Procedure for the Authorisation of Non-formal Education Programmes", which entered into force on 19 July 2023, the "Guidelines for the Development of Non-formal Education Programmes" have been developed to analyse and help understand the requirements for the preparation and submission of a description of non-formal education programmes, as well as the responsibilities of the programme providers for the content and quality of the programmes.

A video recording of the workshop for adult educators "Towards a common understanding of digital competences: theory and practice" is available HERE (in latvian).

The seminar was held in person at the Conference Hall of the Riga Technical University Scientific Library, Paula Valdena iela 5, Riga, and anyone interested could follow it live on the EPALE National Support Service and LIKTA Facebook profiles.

The seminar was organised by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with LIKTA in the framework of the Erasmus+ project "EPALE National Support Service" (European Commission Grant Agreement No. 101074777-EPALE NSS LV).