The primary objective of implementing the DICE project was to enhance digital competencies among vulnerable groups, specifically targeting low-educated young people, immigrants, and NEETs. By developing a comprehensive curriculum and high-quality open educational resources (OER), we aimed to equip these individuals with the essential digital skills and entrepreneurial knowledge required to thrive in the modern workforce. This initiative sought to reduce social exclusion by providing accessible learning opportunities and pathways to self-employment or meaningful employment for these marginalized communities. Additionally, we aimed to foster a collaborative environment among partner organizations from different countries to share best practices and innovative learning methodologies. By utilizing a Cohort-Based Course (CBC) approach in our MOOC platform, we envisioned promoting interactive and engaging learning experiences. Ultimately, our goal was to create a sustainable framework that allows the educational resources produced to be continually updated and utilized beyond the project's lifespan, contributing to the long-term improvement of vocational education and training systems across Europe.
The application for the DICE project was driven by the pressing need to enhance digital competencies among vulnerable groups, including low-educated young people, immigrants, and NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). In today's increasingly digital economy, the lack of adequate digital skills poses a significant barrier to accessing educational and employment opportunities. By participating in this project, we aimed to develop comprehensive educational resources that address these gaps, ensuring that marginalized individuals can gain the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven job market. The partnership between diverse organizations from various countries also aimed to foster international collaboration and share best practices, contributing to the overall improvement of vocational education and training (VET) across Europe. Furthermore, the project sought to respond to the broader systemic challenges faced by VET institutions in adapting their curricula to meet current labor market demands. Our research indicated that many educational programs did not adequately equip learners with the practical skills needed for entrepreneurship and innovation.