Commission adopts initiatives on digital education

Further information:

The proposal on key competences for lifelong learning brings forward a set of updates on a previous Recommendation adopted in 2006, reflecting the evolution of teaching and learning since then. A particular focus is placed on promoting entrepreneurial drive and innovation-oriented mindsets.

The Digital Education Action Plan outlines how the European Union can help people, educational institutions and education systems better adapt to life and work in an age of rapid digital change.

The draft Recommendation on common values inclusive education and the European dimension of teaching proposes ways for education to support young people understand the importance of and adhere to common values set out in Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union. It aims at strengthening social cohesion and contributing to fight the rise of populism, xenophobia, divisive nationalism and the spreading of fake news. The proposal also strengthens inclusive education to promote quality education for all pupils as well as the European dimension of teaching, so children also learn about Europe's common heritage and diversity and get a good understanding of the functioning of the EU.

Background information:

These proposals were adopted two months after education was discussed at the Gothenburg Social Summit. They are intended to reduce socio-economic inequalities, whilst sustaining competitiveness in order to build a more united, stronger and more democratic Europe.

The European Commission adopted on 17 January 2018 a set of initiatives aimed at improving key competences and digital skills of European citizens, to promote common values and pupils' awareness of the functioning of the European Union.

The initiatives include:

+ Communication on the Digital Education Action Plan [COM(2018)22]

+ Proposal for a Recommendation on promoting common values, inclusive education, and the European dimension of teaching [COM(2018)23]

+ Proposal for a Recommendation on key competences for lifelong learning [COM(2018)24]

EUObserver, 19.01.18: EU wants 'entrepreneurship' life skill in education systems https://euobserver.com/education/140591

European Commission: Education and training initiatives [Q&A] http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-18-103_en.htm

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