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Description
The use of technology and digital content has been expanding rapidly in recent years. However, the population is still mainly insensitive to digital changes or has reservations about using technology in everyday life. In society, there are increasing demands for digital content, which teachers and other pedagogical workers and training organisers find difficult to follow in their work. Children, adults and the elderly need quality training to improve their digital competences for work and in everyday life. Within the project, the use of digital technology is encouraged with three contact centres for grouping and active use of modern digital technology and the exchange of knowledge, the active involvement of vulnerable groups in social life is promoted by increasing the competences of teachers, mentors, multipliers and other employees in the public sector who spread their knowledge among preschool children, pupils, students, adults and the elderly. The project also encourages innovation and creativity in formal and informal education by developing new attractive learning approaches that raise the quality of services. Main project result is permanent increase of digital competences of teachers and training providers and their introduction at work and in life by developing 39 new programmes.
Summary of project results
The smallest Slovenian region Zasavje, a former mining and heavy industry area, faces significant socio-economic challenges, including the second-highest unemployment rates among Slovenian regions. The project aimed to develop new practices of teaching and learning in the field of digital competences for of life and work in the 21st century. It aimed to transfer digital know-how into everyday life, thus strengthening the human capital and knowledge base of the Zasavje region. The primary target group included teachers and other educators from kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and other educational institutions in Zasavje, employees of municipalities and public administration, volunteers and members of NGOs, and other residents of the Zasavje region, as well as the interested general public.
39 new educational programmes were developed and tested by 267 educators, mentors and other knowledge multipliers. These programmes, intellectual tools and approaches were designed for educational staff in institutions at all levels of formal and informal education to have the knowledge and resources to enhance digital competences of other participants. 32 multipliers were trained for this purpose and 316 participants of different age groups covered topics in the five areas of digital competences – information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, problem solving and security – by strengthening basic digital literacy (using the internet, online communication and apps), computer design, audio-video creation, use of artificial intelligence (AI), use of social media, awareness-raising on safe use of the internet (antivirus programs, fake news identification), etc.
The activities included 24 workshops, or training sessions, and the creation of digital content, all aimed to enhance digital literacy and competence across various segments of the population.
Another important result was the digitisation of the cultural heritage of the Zasavje region. An interactive map of the Trbovlje Mine tunnels was developed, and more than 34,000 old photographs were digitised. These digitised collections are now accessible to the public and provide an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The primary target group of the project were the educators; however, the final beneficiaries were the local population of the Zasavje region of all ages. Individual programme packages were tailored to different groups, including teachers (for ex. developing interactive content to support education, information-based distance/online learning, data visualisation, effective use of online tools and platforms), NGOs and local administration (for ex. data visualisation – infographics, use of online tools and platforms, digital marketing), children (for ex. eFairytale hours) and youth (for ex. social media, AI, fake news identification), the elderly (for ex. basic digital literacy, awareness-raising on safe use of the internet), and the general population (for ex. online communication, apps, awareness-raising on safe use of the internet). The project successfully enhanced digital literacy and competence among these groups, empowering them with the skills needed for the digital age. The impact of the project results extends beyond its implementation period and the immediate participants, as the knowledge and skills acquired are disseminated further through the educators and community leaders trained during the project. This cascading effect ensures that a broader segment of the community benefits from the project''s results, contributing to the overall digital inclusion and socio-economic development of the Zasavje region.
The digitisation of the cultural heritage of the Zasavje region and its accessibility to the public contributes to the preservation and promotion of local history and culture in the region or wider, in Slovenia or abroad.
Summary of bilateral results
Having a Norwegian project partner, PIKSEL Produksjoner, significantly enhanced the Digi.komp project in several ways. Their expertise in digital technologies and education introduced innovative methods and best practices that might not have been available otherwise. The bilateral partnership also facilitated a valuable cultural exchange, broadening the participants'' perspectives and enhancing their understanding of international practices, which led to more comprehensive and effective outcomes. The presence of a Donor Project Partner also brought a level of credibility and recognition to the project, attracting greater support and engagement from the local community.The bilateral cooperation yielded significant results. Shared knowledge and practices led to the development of innovative teaching methods and the implementation of open-source digital tools, enhancing the overall quality of the educational workshops. This partnership also fostered a deeper understanding of cultural and technological practices between the two countries, which was beneficial for all participants. The bilateral collaboration had wider effects, such as strengthening international ties and setting a precedent for future cross-border projects. It also contributed to the professional growth of educators and facilitators involved, who can now apply these newly acquired skills and knowledge in their respective fields, further disseminating the benefits of the project.There are plans to continue the bilateral collaboration; the PIKSEL Produksjoner is developing a project concept on bio-art helping in development of rural areas and addressing environmental problems in heavy industry affected areas. Slovenian project partners will contribute their experience and solutions of involved regions. Further cooperation between the Slovenian project partners in the field of education is also very likely.