Introducing DigComp Hub’s free pilot training course on how to design education and training courses for adult learners using the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp)
This pilot training course, was prepared by the Erasmus+ project – DigComp Huband delivered to over 400 people through 4 cycles, between February 2024 and March 2025. Itprovides a comprehensive overview of the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) and offers a practical methodology for effectively using it by education and training (E&T) providers: from the identification of the digital skilling needs of adult learners, to the creation of education and training courses for them. By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and skills to confidently apply the DigComp Framework in their educational activities, equipping them to effectively contribute to the development of learners’ digital competences and promote digital inclusion.
Successful completion of each Module leads to the issuing of a badge, the completion of the full course leads to a participation certificate certificate (during the DigCompHub project it also allowed enrollment in mentoring sessions).
See more details below in the “The DigComp HUB MOOC at a glance” section. Visit the DigCompHub website to know more about this project.
Please consider that the content of this course was last updated in late 2024. New developments of the DigComp framework itself and its applications are not included. Check the European Commission’s webpage about DigComp and become a member of the DigComp community of practice (CoP) for the latest DigComp-related news.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. Agreement number: Nr 101089974
Course Modules
- 0. Ιntroduction to the course
- 1. Understanding DigComp: a brief history of the framework’s evolution and an exploration of its five dimensions
- 2. DigComp applications & benefits
- 3. Using DigComp to identify digital competence needs and priorities and assess initial levels of competences
- 4. Using DigComp to design and develop educational and training activities for adult learners
- 5. Designing and delivering effective learning activities for developing DigComp competences
- 6. Using Digcomp to assess learning achievements and for competence recognition and certification
We always value the opinion of course participants: for this reason, you will be invited to evaluate the course and provide feedback.
Educational Challenges
The European Commission has placed significant importance on digital skills and has actively prioritised and supported their development through a range of policies and initiatives. Among these efforts is the European Digital Competence Framework for all citizens, commonly known as DigComp. This framework serves as a comprehensive guide to assess and enhance the digital competences of individuals. It has the flexibility to be applied across various sectors, disciplines, and systems, to support individuals cultivate their digital skills effectively. With 21 identified competences, DigComp organises them into eight proficiency levels, ranging from basic to highly specialised.
This introductory course aims to help learners:
1) Understand the high-level nature of DigComp as a reference framework: DigComp’s five dimensions, in particular the general descriptors of its 21 competences (Dimension 2) and 8 proficiency levels (Dimension 3) are not always easy to comprehend and may require further explanation to ensure a clear understanding.
2) Manage the flexibility of DigComp: The high flexibility of DigComp makes it useful and adaptable in diverse contexts. However, effectively managing this flexibility can pose challenges, necessitating guidance based on good practices to ensure its optimal application.
The DigComp HUB MOOC at a glance
Knowledge domain:
– Digital Competences (competence areas: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, safety, problem-solving)
– Adult Education
– Instructional Design
Estimated study time: 14-16 hours
Requirements: The course is open to everyone and access is free.
Special needs from the educational environment:
The educational environment is accessible through a personal computer, or any other mobile device connected to the internet.
Type: Asynchronous learning
Learning goals
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) and its dimensions and components.
- Recognise the significance of DigComp by exploring its different application opportunities and relevance in the context of adult education across Europe, and its impact on fostering digital competence.
- Understand how DigComp can be used to identify the digital skilling needs and measure the current competence level of a target population.
- Develop the ability to define clear and measurable educational goals that align with the target population’s digital competence needs, leveraging the DigComp Framework as a guide.
- Acquire the skills to design engaging and effective educational and training offers that promote the development of digital competences in the target population, according to the DigComp Framework’s model.