Who we are
The Digital Collective (DigiCo) is a non-profit organisation advocating for the digital inclusion of marginalised communities across Europe.
We drive a fairer and more inclusive digital society by creating solutions closest to the needs of communities. Our inclusive technologies connect people to new opportunities, building pathways toward greater social and economic integration
What we do
Our model tackles the digital divide by:
- Developing Tech-Enabled Solutions For Digital Inclusion
We trust the power of technological solutions to tackle the digital divide, as technology can make digital skills training more efficient and more scalable. - Supporting Digital Literacy Training
We support groups in vulnerable situations and design training to meet their needs. Our Basic Digital Literacy Curriculum serves as best practice for training organisations. - Awareness-raising campaigns And Policy Advocacy
We develop awareness-raising campaigns around the importance of basic digital skills for communities in vulnerable situations.
Best practices
Publications
- Handbook: Teaching With And About AI: A Practical Handbook For Trainers
Designed together with trainers, this Handbook serves as a practical guide for ways to teach with and about Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital skills training. By facilitating the sharing of real-world experiences and insights from trainers, we want to create a collaborative learning environment. Trainers can draw on the ideas and lessons learned by their peers, making AI a powerful and accessible resource in the realm of education. This collaborative approach aims to empower trainers to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices so that the transformative potential of AI can benefit their students. In essence, this Handbook seeks to bridge the gap between AI technologies and their practical, real-world
applications in the educational landscape, fostering a more informed and confident community of trainers ready to unlock the full potential of AI for themselves and their students. - Basic (Digital) Skills: An Integrated Approach To An Inclusive European Year Of Skills: This document is a state of play on the EU’s position regarding basic digital skills in the relevant context of the European Year of Skills. Basic skills refer to those skills which are fundamental to fully participate in society and to thrive in life. Among them, digital competencies play an essential role. In today’s modern life, literacy and digital literacy are intrinsically interrelated – a phenomenon deepened by COVID and the continuously emerging new technologies. Therefore, in this article, we adopt a contemporary definition of basic skills, which includes basic digital skills. We argue for the wide adoption of this definition, to advocate for an integrated approach between basic literacy training and digital skills training, which is the only way forward for truly sustainable adult education.
Best practices and projects
- Toolkit: Designing A Needs-Based Digital Skills Training: In this toolkit, we present best practices on designing a digital skills course that answers students’ needs and ensures transferability of skills.
- Project Intro: Digital Skills For A Brighter Future: The Intro (Internet Recherche Kommunikation) project, implemented together with our partner Grenzenlos Digital e.V., is an excellent example of best practices for training basic digital skills online. It successfully enhanced the digital competencies of every learner, unlocking their potential for greater success in the digital age. Intro’s methodology allows for scalability, to continue promoting equal opportunities while enabling learners’ social and economic inclusion.
- Project: Digital Upskilling 4 Work / Partner Profile: Reading & Writing Foundation: Digital Upskilling 4 Work project, implemented by our partner Reading & Writing Foundation, is an excellent example of best practices for training digital skills in the workplace. Dialogue, sensitisation to the importance of digital skills, and trust building with company managers are critical success factors. Through listening to the needs of the participants, it has been possible to better organize and tailor the training to specific learning goals. Digital Upskilling 4 Work has also created suitable lessons and tailor-made activities for each individual, leading to an increase in participants’ motivation and, ultimately, in their digital skills. Moreover, cooperation with partner companies has been key to maintaining a coherent approach to training deliveries and to raising awareness of the importance of basic digital skills.