GROOVE Toolkit_Final Version_090223

65 www.grooveproject.eu This project has been funded with support from the European Commission under the Erasmus+ Programme. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. [Project Number: 2021-1-CY01-KA220-VET-000033254] Promoting digital skills The best way to promote the acquisition of digital skills amongst adult learners is to give genuine recognition of their skills and education in this area. This grants some form of credential that showcases their digital skills. As these skills are universal and transcend borders, giving international recognition to these skills is important. That is why it is recommended that these skills are both digitally recognized, and recognized at a European Level. Below are some examples of credentials that can be offered. Digital Credentials Digital credentials describe a learning achievement from professional qualifications to classes attended. This credential is a “documented statement containing claims about a person issued by an educational organization following a learning experience” (European Commission). These are the EU standard for issuing educational credentials and are kept by the Database of External Quality Assurance Results (DEQAR) in the Accreditation Database for verification purposes (DEQAR, 2022). EUROPASS EUROPASS is an online platform that can assist in making skills and qualifications transferable and easily understood across all European countries (European Commission, 2022). It is a system that allows users to effectively communicate their skills and qualifications across Europe. The Europass learning model aims to capture all formal, informal, and non-formal learning across Europe. This will allow for a single format to be used in describing all forms of accredited learning achievements (European Commission, 2020). Micro-credentials Micro-credentials are short-term, accredited courses devised specifically to meet the needs of learners, businesses, and corporations. These courses offer learning opportunities which provide a flexible, bite-sized, and accessible way of upskilling and reskilling (IUA, 2022). As a result of their flexibility, micro-credentials can be created and presented by a range of providers in various formal, non-formal and informal learning environments (European Commission, 2021). By designing and delivering your own digital skills course, you can provide accreditation that is recognized across Europe. This holds an attractiveness for learners as they are gaining a tangible qualification that will benefit them in employment and beyond. The guidelines for creating a micro- credential can be found on the European Education Area website (European Commission, 2021).