The very fast digitalization, forced the educators to make the educational offer available online to the detriment of the quality and pedagogy. We wanted to achieve digital readiness of educators, to ensure adult learners reach the desired learning outcomes. The DIFA project aimed at achieving 3 specific objectives: • Improve the digital facilitator competencies of 40 EDUCATORS AND OTHER ADULT EDUCATION STAFF from partners’ countries to adequately contribute to development of digital skills of adults 55+, by using a toolbox of instruments for creating engaging & active learning and digital pedagogies adapted to proficiency level. • Facilitate access of 150 ADULTS of 55+ to digital learning opportunities, by using different modes of assessment for digital skills and by participating in attractive learning activities. • Enhance digital transformation in 20 ADULT EDUCATION ORGANIZATIONS from partners countries to empower adults 55+ to be active technology users, by implementing an high-performing digital ecosystem to create and share attractive learning activities for adults The ecosystem comprises strong tutoring and instruments for skills assessment to help educators be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances.
COVID-19 urged the digitalization and raised the bar opening new digital divides. Our consortium of four organizations from Romania, Spain, Italy and Turkey noticed that concerns were particularly acute for adults, as the internet and digital devices play important role in allowing people to access services, attend medical appointments and stay in touch with friends and family. The main PROBLEM was the reduced level of digital capacities of the adults to be active technology users – not just passive recipients of technology. The lack of digital skills placed adults at higher risk of online harms such as misinformation, fraud and computer viruses and digital isolation. In addition, the adult educators were not fully prepared to train adults as transdisciplinary expertize was required. The educational organizations needed support to incorporate digital technology within activities with adults. Therefore, DIFA project came as a solution to bring together a matrix of complementary competencies and capabilities to develop a high-performing digital education ecosystem. This ecosystem was developed, tested and implemented to let educators create and share attractive learning activities for adults.