EPALE - Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe

Introducing digital teaching and learning (DTL) methodologies in education has been a trend for many years. The pandemic has generated a boost in these reforms in all countries. Priority has been given to the school-based component of education, with the ministries investing in new equipment for schools and training for teachers. Little has been done to support the introduction of DTL methodologies in companies in the context of the different work-based learning models. 

The physical nature of the work carried out in companies has, in some cases, generated the false impression in policymakers that DTL would have brought limited added value to this part of the training. But this is only partially true. There are two main reasons which should push policymakers and companies to invest in the development/ strengthening of the use of DTL methodologies. The first refers to the nature of the work, which is changing in almost all economic sectors. For most qualifications, the digital component is becoming a fundamental element of the tasks that the employee will need to perform. The second refers to the organizational aspect of the learning process happening in companies. DTL methodologies are indeed essential to increase the effectiveness of learning at work; among others, digital tools can support learning in companies in different ways